Students put heart into Syria fundraiser
A group of Nayland College students are busily raising funds for Syrian refugees so displaced children can continue their education.
For over a month now Year 12 groups have worked toward a goal of raising about $2500 for World Vision which will put the money toward building a classroom, students say.
Nayland College has put its hand up to support the World Vision New Zealand Syrian Refugee Crisis Appeal that aims to assist 2.4 million registered refugee children. That will be coupled with funds raised through the 40 Hour Famine campaign.
Nayland College Year 12 student Felix Chrysostomou-Koed said they had learnt about the gravity of the Syrian refugee crisis in class.
‘‘It’s a very complex conflict, so there are multiple non-profit organisations, such as World Vision, that are involved in this humanitarian aid scheme.’’
The recent Compassion Day was the perfect opportunity for students to set up a stall. Felix was among the students who sold heart-shaped sweets to raise awareness about the atrocities. The money they raised will be put toward the school’s end goal.
International students Luana Porfman from Brazil and Leonie Schueler of Germany have also been an integral part in the school’s fundrasier.
Luana said the best part of the campaign was feeling she had made a difference. ‘‘We were organising, on the side, some cake and coffee sales and lottery sales and a lot of other activities that helped a lot,’’ she said.
‘‘It’s different to seeing other people help and donating money than actually organising the event, putting in effort and giving your time away.’’
Leonie said it was a great project and an experience she doubted she would have been a part of at her school in Germany.
‘‘So I’m really glad that I was able to take a part in this and it felt really good to help.’’
She spent a lot of time baking goods to sell at a coffee stand and helped organise links with community businesses who donated various items like coffee cups and hot chocolate.
‘‘We actually sold more coffee than hot chocolate, thanks to the teachers.’’
She said right from the start every student at the school understood why they were raising money for Syrian refugees and were more than willing to give.