Students pitch in to help Haiti

With help from dedicated staff, youngsters in the downtown Toronto elementary school's student cabinet devised a plan to create blue and red ribbons, which they have been selling both inside and outside the school since mid-January.

The school's Grade 8 class has led the charge with help from those in other grades, with students both making and selling the ribbons to classmates, parents, neighbours and others in the community.

The concept arose at a student cabinet meeting, and work on the ribbons started almost immediately.

"The next day, we were already getting started," said Ryerson student Amy Han.

Students have sold the ribbons at MuchMusic, in Kensington Market and elsewhere under the protective eyes of their teachers.

"Sometimes when we're waiting for the bus, we have signs (outlining the fundraiser) with us and some ribbons and we'll just start selling them there," said student Khadra Mohamed.

Other schools have pitched in their support as well, with a number of Toronto schools buying ribbons at recent DAREarts Jazz Choir performances.

"At a visit to North Toronto Collegiate, (guidance counselor Ray) Chong came up and told the whole group about the Ribbons for Haiti," said student Joshua Habtold. "All the different schools chipped in."

As the Ribbons for Haiti campaign continues, money continues to flow in. The students have set a $3,000 fundraising goal, a target they seem likely to exceed given Ryersonians' dedication and the campaign's early success.

"We'll probably make our goal higher," said student Marco Lauretano. "We just want to help the kids and people in Haiti as much as we can."

While Ryerson Community School principal Karen Barnes was not surprised at the students' hard work and resolve - she noted the children are always eager to help out however they can - she said she and the staff have been impressed with the determination with which they have tackled the project.

"We know there's a lot to be done (in Haiti) and the students have been amazing," she said. "We're very proud of them."

The school continues to raise funds, which will go toward Free the Children's humanitarian work in Haiti. To make a donation, contact Ray Chong or Desleigh Pang at the school at 416-393-1340.