Winnipeg, Manitoba (December 10, 2010) – It started out as a small school activity meant to teach kids about global citizenship but quickly grew to involve everyone from local trustees to the RCMP.

For two weeks in November, grades 4-6 students from Lac Du Bonnet’s Centennial School collected blankets, quilts, sheets and towels for Winnipeg’s less fortunate. Eight of the students will drop off the donation at Siloam Mission today.

“We wanted to teach the students leadership, citizenship, responsibility and respect,” says Naomi Harley, a grades 5 and 6 teacher who organized the activity.

“We wanted to recognize the global community and their struggles – we have it so good here, that we often forget about others who aren’t as fortunate.”

At first, students collected blankets from friends and family. But once the word spread, the entire community got excited about the project.

Local trustees and the RCMP got involved by donating funds and blankets. As well, each of the 217 students in the school made one quilt patch with their handprint on it for a large quilt prepared by the Riverside Quilters.

Although the collection point was only supposed to run for two weeks, people from the community kept bringing in donations even after the deadline. In the end, the community collected more than 287 blankets, quilts and sheets.

“This is a really great example of how children really can change the world,” says Floyd Perras, executive director at Siloam Mission.

“Through seemingly little steps, they are making the world a better place. If these kids are the future, I have a feeling we’ll be just fine.”

EDITORS, PLEASE NOTE: Eight students will arrive at Siloam Mission today at 11 a.m. to deliver the huge donation on behalf of their peers. Students and organizers are all available for interview.

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For more information, please contact:

Mike Duerksen
Communications Coordinator
Office: 204.956.4344 ext.238
Cell: 204.228.6429
mike.duerksen@siloam.ca