St. Paul’s in Action!

 
St. Paul’s Youth Group
Virden, Manitoba

A successful bake sale combined with donations and coin jar donations has helped St. Paul’s raise $700 towards their goal to help build a school in Africa through Free the Children. That’s 7 bricks for their school – a great start!

Members of St. Paul’s Youth Group have been working at their project by making posters, looking after the coin jug, and promoting awareness of their project to family, friends, and at school. The youth are committed to changing the world through small daily actions – they are truly living the  message!

 

Shelley Slater and Rae Lyng made this ginger bread house which they contributed to a silent auction!

A huge congratulation to the youth at St Paul’s; keep up the amazing work!

 

 

Regional Updates

British Columbia

Even as the temperature drops for winter, things are continuing to heat up in BC.

West Coasters have been shaking the ground and coming up with all sorts of amazing ideas and projects, from selling bracelets to concerts and sweatshop-free fashion shows. Adopt a Village in BC has taken flight, and groups from all over the province are gearing up and raising thousands of dollars to help marginalized communities all over the world.

We were reminded of the striking power of youth as we saw students representing all of the schools in the Coquitlam School Board decide to Adopt a Village together.
 
As we all take a step into the New Year, let us continue to spread laughter, passion, and loads of cheer.

~Emily and Hilary
emily@freethechildren.com
hilary@freethechildren.com

 

Atlantic Canada

The Importance of Looking Globally and Locally!

I recently spoke at a Free The Children fundraiser in Sackville, New Brunswick to a number of community members and students.

I was asked to give some perspective on the issue of global poverty, and, in particular, hunger. This was a pretty huge topic to tackle in the short time I had to speak, so I decided to focus some of my talk on the issue of poverty inside the borders of Canada. I presented some mind-blowing statistics, such as how 1,400,000 children in Canada live in poverty and account for half of those utilizing food banks!

After the talk, a woman approached me to say ‘thanks’ for highlighting Canadian issues, and that we can often look even closer to our personal communities for ways to take action. She then told me some incredible statistics about the Sackville area; a small town of 5,000 people that has over 150 families registered as food bank users and 190 children that require aid on a regular basis from volunteers in the area.

As we move away from the holiday season, I encourage you to think globally and locally about issues that continue to require our attention, and take action. The Vow of Silence campaign is a great way to raise awareness on children’s rights issues and fundraise to help communities overseas. 

As always, I look forward to hearing your awesome world-changing news. Pop me a line anytime!

~Erin
erinblanding@freethechildren.com

 

Québec

Hello amazing youth,

Happy New Year! During the holiday season, I had the opportunity to vacation in Cuba with my family. Despite the fun, it reminded me how fortunate we are living in Canada. More importantly, it reminded me of how important Free The Children is and how proud I am to be a part of the organization. There are children all over the world, like those in Cuba, who need our help. Together, we can continue to give the gifts that keep on giving: love, support, inspiration, alternative income, water and sanitation, education, and peace. Keep up the incredible world that you’re all doing – it makes a difference in so many lives.

Best wishes and keep in touch,

~ Jaclyn  :0)
jaclyn@freethechildren.com