As with most, I am constantly amazed by the generosity of this community. Especially given that what makes this community so generous – any community, for that matter – are the individual efforts which combine.
Like that of Emma Wilke-Whittington. Emma is 10. And lest anyone think that kids are just too busy with their i-pods and social networking, they see what’s going on in Haiti too. I’m sure they’re scared when something like that happens, to people through no fault of their own (unless you believe Pat Robertson, but I digress…)
But like a lot of people, they decide to do something. Emma—a grade 5 student at Immaculate Conception—put the word out that she wanted to collect clothes and toys for the children of Haiti. Her collections will be going to Seeds of Hope, for transport to Haiti.
As was described in the Examiner this morning, Emma is overwhelmed by the response, which is akin to the “mountain” of articles she has collected. Again, no surprise. Peterborough is generous.
But we are also overwhelmed by Emma, and by others like her—children with the heart, energy and compassion that rival the rest of us. And all too often, exceed our own.
Here’s more…
Edmison Heights students and staff raised just over $1200 with a coin collection.
At Keith Wightman, a "guess the number of jellybeans in a jar" contest and coin drive led by the Grade Threes raised $453. That’s Grade Three, folks. What were you doing in Grade 3?
Warsaw Public School students raised $500 in one day, by supporting a bake sale.
Crestwood School students and staff have raised more than $8000.
Those are just a few schools. There are many more, representing both boards, helping to shoulder the effort.
And this Sunday, 2pm at PCVS, the Peterborough Pop Ensemble is hosting ‘Harmonies for Haiti.’ Again, an event that was all but an idea just a few short days ago has morphed into quite the show. Already confirmed: Danny Bronson, Terry Guiel and Jericho’s Wall with special guest, Jasher Guiel , Alyssa Morrissey, Al Black and the Steady Band, The Cover Girls, Aaron Hoffman, The Hiscox Brothers, and of course the Peterborough Pop Ensemble. That list could grow.
Admission is by donation, with $10 being the minimum. Many will give much more, and that’s not just because any donation over $10 will be met with a charitable tax receipt and will also be matched by the federal government. It’s just the right thing to do, and all the more when a bunch of community citizens are coming together yet again, giving of their time and talent, to help those in need a half world away.
And if we were to ever think that we have neither the time or the resources to help, it’s the children who are showing us the way…