Our latest press release

Student-driven funding drive almost halfway to goal
By C.D. Mazurat

Madison gave up the money she earned from her paper route, Evan chose to forgo the purchase of a video game he’d been desperately waiting for, and even Molly the dog went without doggie treats – all to help Glenmore Elementary students trying to raise enough money to buy a bookmobile for resource-impoverished students in Uganda.

The Raise Your Voice challenge is Glenmore Elementary School’s latest social awareness event and continues with the theme of “Glenmore Cares”. Students and staff organizers are trying to raise enough money to purchase and fund a mobile bookmobile through Niteo Africa (www.niteoafrica.org), a Kelowna-based NGO. In addition to the usual donations and pledges, students hit on an innovative way to raise money: they would give up something special or important for a month and donate the money to the drive.

Candy, movie rentals or Milk Bones – all was fair game. Teachers and parents were encouraged to give up their lattes or other small luxuries. Students were given pledge forms to take home to family and friends, and since starting the challenge on March 12th, organizers at Glenmore have collected over $7000 towards their goal.

The drive culminates with a gala evening at the Kelowna Community Theatre on Tuesday, April 14 with two shows at 6 and 7:30. Directed by Governor General Award-winning music teacher Rhonda Draper, the performances will feature African songs, a mass choir and thrilling solo artists. It will also include two separate raffle draws with prizes generously donated by local businesses including IGA, Bowering, and Starbucks.

Everyone is invited to attend these performances. Tickets for the event are still available and can be purchased at the door for any size cash donation. Tickets are also available at the school. Through a combination of donated ticket price, corporate sponsorship and raffle income, organizers hope to raise a total of $20 per seat for each of the two shows. All money raised goes directly towards the purchase of the bookmobile.

Anyone needing more information is asked to call Glenmore Elementary at (250)762-3509.