In response to the devastating earthquake it Haiti, students at Clairlea have been making worry dolls to be sold for $2.00 each. Worry dolls are small hand made dolls traditionally made in Guatemala. According to this folk tradition, children tell the worry doll what is troubling them and then place it under their pillow. The worry doll is said to take the worries away.
Ms. Persaud was able to secure a generous donation which will go towards the purchase of more clothes pegs. This means that each student at Clairlea from kindergarten to Grade 8 will get to make 1-2 worry dolls each. With 500 students at our school, this classroom initiative alone will mean that we will meet goal of raising $1,000 for Haiti. We should raise much more than this. Starting Monday, Room 204 will be building a Helping Haiti display in front of the office. You'll be able to learn more about this country, earthquakes, and also see how much money Clairlea has raised from day to day.
Still more - I was approached by Mrs. Smith, a Clairlea parent. She has volunteered her time and costs to paint fingernails for children who would like to make an additional $2.00 donation. I went around the classrooms yesterday to find out how many students in each class would like their nails done. Permission forms will go home next week for those students who are interested. Many boys have agreed to have their nails done too. I reminded them that they can get black, rock star nails. This changed a few minds. If it's good enough for Iggy Pop ...
The dolls haven't even officially gone on sale yet, and we've already raised over $100.00 just from children who have made dolls and sold them to family members. As well, several students have made generous donations without even taking a doll. Thank you to all the children for their creativity and hard work. A big thank you also to Clairlea families, staff, and the School Council for getting behind this very important cause. It takes a village to raise a child.
Ms. Hawkins
