After Typhoon Haiyan struck the Philippines, a school teacher in Barcelona, Spain, Mark Paterson, felt drawn to help support relief efforts by initiating a school wide fundraiser at St. Paul’s School. He knew the fundraiser would not only help survivors, of what has been called the worst storm in history, but also help educate his own students about the aftermath, giving back, and life in the Philippines.
In my first assembly, I showed them videos and images of devastated buildings and destroyed families.
By sharing photos and videos of the children in the Philippines, Mark tried to build a connection with the Filipino children for his Spanish students.
It makes a big difference for our children to know they are helping other children on the other side of the world who are basically just the same as they are.
This combination of philanthropy, education, and fundraising for projects that help people is the basis of the GoAbroad Foundation’s mission, to not only support communities in need, but also bring awareness to global issues.
By mid-January 2014, just 3 months after Typhoon Haiyan, St. Paul’s School was able to raise almost $9,000 USD, through:
a combination of bake sales, contributions from parents and more importantly, contributions from the children, who were happy to donate their pocket money and savings.
At first, their funds helped make the children’s lives easier, by providing essential items. And once the Cangumbang Community Center was rebuilt, their fundraising efforts have provided numerous supplies to rebuild community programs and children’s activities at the center.
Most recently, St. Paul’s School’s funds helped purchase brand new uniforms, school shoes, and school supplies for more than 40 children in Cangumbang.
The fundraising efforts of Mark Paterson and the students of St. Paul’s School are literally a “gift that keeps on giving”. Even 18 months after Typhoon Haiyan, their generosity continues to help provide better futures for children in the Philippines.
To Learn how you can Start a Fundraiser, click here.