“Skip - A - Snack” Soars at the Dhu
“Skip - A - Snack” Soars at the Dhu
"Believe, when you are most unhappy, that there is something for you to do in the world. So long as you can sweeten another's pain, life is not in vain."
- Helen Keller
The Glen Dhu school community participated in their third annual “Skip - A - Snack” Day this past week. This has proven to be an increasingly popular program in the community, with the participation level of the students rising steadily each year. This April over 200 of our students decided to go hungry for a little while to help those who struggle getting enough to eat. The event was culminated with a lively assembly where the students had an opportunity to show off their new wrist bands.
The dual purpose of the program was to raise both money and awareness in the fight against the devastating problem of hunger in our world. One of the key features of this project was the fact that participating students were asked to give up their morning snack. This temporary hunger experience helped build a sense of empathy for those children who go without food on a daily basis. In addition to doing this we asked each of those involved to bring in a toonie with all proceeds going to World Vision.
A couple of new ideas were implemented this year. All those who participated received a colourful blue and gold wrist band which has the catch-phrase “Skip - A - Snack, Save a Life” written on it. In addition we challenged Glen Dhu students to invite cousins, team mates, friends, etc. from other communities to participate at their schools. Many of our kids took up that challenge, as several students purchased up to 10 or more wrist bands. All together we were able to raise over $600 (with some money yet to come in)to help provide food for those in need.
"You have not lived until you have done something for someone who can never repay you."
Anonymous
The Glen Dhu World Vision Club played a key leadership role during this drive. They created some amazing posters that were put up around the school. They also made some lively presentations during the divisional assemblies in addition to making several individual classroom promotions for the program. Most importantly they led by example through their passionate participation. Several members have posted some impressive “Skip - A - Snack” blogs on the World Class website to inspire other students and educators across Canada.
We find that whenever we engage in a project such as this, there inevitably arise some inspiring and heart-warming stories from some of the students and staff who become involved. We have included a description of just a few of the stories from this year’s “Skip - A - Snack” at “The Dhu”
1) About a week before the big day was to arrive two of our first year World Vision members (Lauryn and Maddy) from grade 4 came to the WV staff with a curious request. They were aware that our project was linked to World Vision’s 30 Hour Famine which is geared to high school and college/university students. They also knew that a couple of our staff members from Glen Dhu were doing the 30 Hour famine during the week of the “Skip - A - Snack” (which is another story in itself). They wanted to know if they could do the full famine as well. The girls were quite disappointed when we told them that this wasn’t a good idea at their age. After some persistence on their part we agreed that they could do a 12 to 15 hour famine (as long as they had a permission note from their parents). Lauryn and Maddy were not going to take “no” for an answer. These two members have been incredibly dedicated students all year long…what an inspiration they are to others!
"A person's true wealth is the good he or she does in the world."
- Mohammed
2) During the two week promotion of the project at the school one of our members (Shannon) decided that she wanted to get her local church on board with “Skip - A - Snack”. She enlisted the help of her parents and started a penny drive at her church. Shannon and her parents have set up a display table complete with wrist band samples and posters. She has now raised over $200 through her efforts. Shannon is a great example of how one person can impact so many others and make a big difference.
3) One of our members (Sidra) and her family are planning on collecting money from extended family members as part of their Muslim practice of caring for those in need. How exciting it is to see Christians and Muslims working side by side to make a positive difference in the world!
"Nobody made a greater mistake than he who did nothing because he could do only a little."
- Edmund Burke
4) One of our JK/SK teachers (Paul Switzer) came up with a very creative way of including his kindergarten class in this project. Obviously having the kids skip their snack at this age creates a number of difficult issues, so Paul came up with “Delay - A - Snack”. At the time his class would normally be eating a snack he had them draw a picture of what was in their refrigerator, and then had them share stories about how important food is, how it helps us, etc. This essentially delayed their snack time by about 30 to 45 minutes. He had them discuss what it felt like to be a little hungry while their snack was delayed. The students were then permitted to eat their snack. This idea was brought to the grade one teachers who also thought it was a much more practical approach at this age.
It is quite amazing each year to see how the students as well as the staff at Glen Dhu are changed by their experience in “Skip - A – Snack”. I continue to be inspired by the passion with which our students engage in projects such as this. I am also truly thankful for an educational staff which supports our projects and which encourage the students in their classroom to participate at such a high level.
One more note. I am truly thankful to Chris Anderson and Stephanie Bell (the two other staff members of the World Vision Team). Due to various circumstances I was unavailable to be involved in the most intense part of the program, including the “Skip - A - Snack Day”. Chris and Stephanie stepped up and did a magnificent job of bringing the project to a successful completion.
Thank you so much team!
Garry Howe
"If you can’t feed a hundred people, then just feed one"
Mother Theresa
This post was edited on: 2012-04-17 at 02:25 PM by: garryhowe
