As you probably know…… A devastating earthquake measuring 7.0 on the Richter scale has struck Haiti causing an unfolding humanitarian crisis. Children have been killed and injured — many are in desperate need of clean water, shelter and medical help. Early reports indicate a large number of casualties and widespread damage.

The situation for Haiti was already difficult before the earthquake hit the island. Haiti is the one of the poorest countries in the world and is struggling to recover from years of violence, insecurity and massive natural disasters. More than half of the country’s 9.6 million inhabitants are under 21 years of age.

Dear Parents,

Children at the school wish to raise some money to show their support of the people affected in Haiti. We have discussed what we as a school can do to help, and we propose to fund raise on Friday to send money to the Disasters Emergency Committee.

Upper School students will be holding a bring and buy stall on Friday at Cherry Hinton Hall. They plan to bring in any toys that they wish to donate to sell. Can Junior and infant students also see if they have anything they would like to donate for this. If you wish to, please send in your child with some spending money.

Adriatic Class will be making cakes for sale on Friday as well.

All Junior and Infant pupils will take part in a Readathon for Haiti, see below

Thankyou for your support of the children’s efforts to participate in the nationwide funding appeal.

Kind regards

Harriet Sturdy

Step 1: DECIDE TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE!

Step 2: Collect as many ‘pledges’ as you can from family, friends and neighbors. This is an example of the message that you might give to everyone you ask to sponsor you:

I am going to take part in a special ‘marathon’ to raise funds for Haiti – a reading marathon! I am doing this to help people in Haiti who are trying to recover from the recent earthquake. The money that I raise will go to the Disaster Emergency Committee.

I will read as many books as I can between now and the end of February, and I am asking that you support me by sponsoring me for each book that I read. I will collect the money at the end of February, and show you a record of my efforts! Please give generously – I really want to do my part to help the children, men and women who are suffered and have lost so much. Thank you!

It is a very good idea to bring along an example of the kinds of books that you plan to read – they can be long or short, whatever you prefer – to help people decide on their pledge amounts.

Another tip – it is a good idea to ask your parents to write down their pledges on the very first lines of the form… if they are generous, others might follow their example!

Step 3: Read, read, read!! Remember to fill out your fundraiser reading record when you complete each book.

Step 4: (and this is a very important one!) Collect the money. If you feel shy about this, you can remind yourself how very much people in Haiti need any support that we can give them. And remember, your sponsors will feel proud of you!

Step 5: Remember, you can always do something to try to help others – congratulate yourself on a job well done!