Pennies from Heaven

While there is lots of work to be done still, the students of FVC proved me wrong this week. Seems they thought that a "little" penny drive might generate a few funds and a little enthusiasm for our building project for Nyima and friends. I was grumbling about it in my Religious Studies 12 class this week, when Lisa grumbled back and basically said "Just watch us, you grumpy vice principal." And Lisa can do that in a way that makes me smile. I tossed out to them that a $1000 would be a nice start, but not enough. I mean, the winning class "only" got 75 minutes of free time on Friday afternoon; who would that inspire.

Seems like students were inspired for all kinds of reasons. Nothing I write here will accurately describe the community building, laughter, and intensity of Thursday, and Friday was a whole other story. When word got around that the grade 8 or 10's were in the lead, some grade 12 students sprung into action and led by example. You need to know that you only get "credit" for pennies, while any cash or silver put in your classes jar actually counts against the penny total. Students were literally running with their bank cards out down the road to get cash to stuff money into other classes jars. Henrik, a wonderful grade 12 student, waited to the last minute before running to his car and taking thousands of pennies which he got from the bank. The grade 10's countered with boxes of pennies, which some grade 9 students balanced out by throwing $20 bills in each jar as they filled up with pennies. It was like "I see your 2000 pennies, and I raise you a $50 spot."

Before we even counted a single coin, we had $2500 in cash. We finally went home Friday with lots of coin to be counted, and we were already closing in on $6,000 total just for the penny drive. It was so intense. Hats off to Mr. Wright and the student council.

But, to be honest, we have a lot of work to do. In fact, I think the easiest part is done. The students, the staff, and you are all going to be an important part of raising the last 55%. After one week we stand at an impressive $11,000 overall. There is no doubt in my mind that this will happen, but it won't happen without you. We have received checks from all over North America. Someone in Ontario who lost a son sent money from his son's foundation, people from the Interior of B.C; Alberta, Missouri and the list goes on. Special thanks to Mike Toddwhose blog updates have led to money from different parts of Canada (tip of the hat to Mike's mom, Mrs. Todd, for getting involved!!!)

I've spoken to people and simply told the story of this village and talked to people about being partners with Nyima and her community. We aren't going in with North American workers and building a North American school; this is not a build and leave campaign. It will be an African school built with African labor with African teachers and an African curriculum. You have the opportunity to be part of this legacy. Please. You have the opportunity to help change the future of an entire community. I can't imagine living in Africa, but I picture being in the room in Sierra Leone when we make the phone call and say "We have the money, we will build this school." I can't even comprehend what that would mean in a place where an education isn't even a reality.

The time is now; you have been blessed to be a blessing and maybe you have been called for such a time as this.

FVCH Africa Project
15353 92nd Avenue
Surrey, B.C.
V3R 1C3

Nyima is waiting.

UPDATE: Today I dropped off 297,000 pennies as disgruntled bank manager looked on and the rookie behind the counter loved spiting his boss. Officially we stand at $15,200!!!! Exciting? Yes, but Nyima is still waiting.