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Big hearts go a long way at Mecca Glen

It’s often forgotten the miracles that children can create.

By Jasmine Franklin

It’s often forgotten the miracles that children can create.

From being a global, concerned citizen at eight years old, to raising money for an orphanage in Haiti, these young hearts demonstrate big actions.

On Feb. 3 a feeling of pride could be sensed at Mecca Glen School’s “Pride Night.”

Bake sale raises $1,400

First, the story of a Grade 5 student who conceived an idea to help an orphanage in Haiti. Her classmates were more than on board.

Gabrielle Bloomquist is a modest, big-hearted young lady. After hearing about Haiti and its devastating state, she remembered a few of her own friends had been adopted from an orphanage in Haiti.

“Lots of people don’t have homes right now,” Bloomquist said. “My friends are glad they aren’t in Haiti.”

After mentioning the idea of a bake sale to raise money to principal Evie Van Schiek, the idea was presented to teachers and her Grade 5 class who were thrilled.

“It’s important because a lot of people are sick and need medicine and homes,” said classmate Alyssa Wiancko. “We want to help them.”

After three days of selling cookies, muffins and cupcakes during lunch recess, the class raised $700. Matched with the federal government, the total rounds up to $1,400.

When Bloomquist heard the final tally she couldn’t help but smile from ear to ear.

Global Citizens start at grades 3 and 4

Looking back at being eight or nine years old, it’s fair to admit most of us were fairly out of tune with the international world.

One grades 3 and 4 split class however is learning and leading their way to being global citizens.

“This is what we do; we help. They really get that they’re job is to be a role model,” said teacher Lorraine Gladue. “I can’t begin to tell you how much they’ve done — it brings tears to my eyes.”

One class alone has already raised about $200 for Haiti through a recycling program and is currently hosting a heart candy guess jar to help involve the younger children in donations.

The price is 25 cents per guess. All of the money goes to Haiti relief.

But that’s not the only place the class has reached out to.

Jeans to Afghanistan

Upon receiving an email from a school teacher in Alix, it was understood that jeans were in need. The jeans would be quilted for soldiers in Afghanistan and to show Canadian pride, a maple leaf would appear in the centre of the quilts.

One student in particular took this project to heart.

“If they get quilts then they know we believe in them,” said student Julianna. “It also shows we are thinking of our soldiers in Afghanistan.”

Julianna brought in 100 pairs of jeans that her mother had been saving for her own quilting.

“All this wouldn’t happen if it weren’t for the parents support,” Gladue said. “It’s because they’re so caring, and great that the children are really just reflecting the values already implanted.”