Anybody worried about the work ethic of youth today need only look to Powell River Christian School students to see that the future is in good hands.
Isaiah Kruse, kindergarten student, did laundry, cleared the table, fed the family dog, and shovelled dirt after he asked his parents to hire him as a general labourer to raise money for Canadian Foodgrains Bank. Isaiah earned $10, which he gave to the organization.
Other students worked just as hard. Jason Coombs, a grade seven student, raised $40 by cutting firewood for a friend and trimming a holly bush for his mom.
Julia Van Ankum, grade one, raised $25 by removing compost, stacking firewood, and cleaning toilets. She also gave $5 she received from her grandparents for her good report card.
Through the school’s monthly Restorative Living Project, the students have an opportunity to serve their community. They are encouraged to earn money to help end hunger, by completing work contracts–which were drawn up and signed by the students and adults they worked for.
The students’ progress was monitored on a bulletin board displayed at the school, which was set up to look like a grain tower. With each $10 donation, a shaft of wheat was added to the board. Altogether, the students raised almost $500 for the Foodgrains Bank.
After the total was announced “the kids were so excited that they let out a cheer in each room,” said Grace Van Ankum, who works at the school. “It was neat to see them so engaged with this project and work so hard.”
The Canadian Foodgrains Bank is a partnership of 15 churches and church-based agencies working to end hunger in developing countries.
