This community will soon be designated a “Free the Children Community” after Wellington North council endorsed a request to erect signs indicating the designation at all entrances to Mount Forest.
“Over the last five years our three local schools have developed a wonderful relationship with Free the Children,” retired teacher Donna McFarlane told council at its May 12 meeting.
The intent of the local group under the banner “Me to We” is to work at creating social change in third world countries.
For members from Victoria Cross Public School, St. Mary Catholic School and Wellington Heights Secondary School the goal was to adopt Osenetoi, a remote Kenyan village, where poverty is widespread and impacts the village’s 350 families on a daily basis. The group has raised about $58,000 for construction of a new well for drinking water and work on a new school in the community, McFarlane, who was joined by several student members at the council meeting, said.
The students told council about the individual fundraising efforts that have taken place over the years. They include a bake sale, penny drive, chocolate auction, spaghetti suppers and talent nights, used toy sale. The group has also hosted a grandparents tea for grandparents and students and hosted an anti drug-walk.
Mayor Ray Tout said he was “intrigued by the creative ideas,” students came up with as fundraisers.
“We’re very proud of what you’ve done in,” Tout told the members. “You are truly ambassadors for our community.”
Councillor Sherry Burke also acknowledged the work done by the students. Burke said council supports the signs the group will pay for and have installed.
“I support the signs 100 per cent,” Councillor Dan Yake said. “Whatever we can do to make this happen we will do.”
