Newcastle kids crafting charity, making magnetic memo holders, bracelets and bookmarks.
A group of local kids is crafting a way to help more Sri Lankan children go to school.
The crafting charity was started by two sisters, Emma and Siobhan Ward, years ago to buy school supplies and uniforms for Sri Lankan children whose families can't afford the mandatory school necessities.
Today a group of their friends join them each week, making magnetic memo holders, bracelets and bookmarks. The crafts are sold in schools and local stores to raise money for the charity.
Family friend Benedict Gomez, who works with Christian Horizons with the girls' aunt, was the seed for the idea to aid Sri Lanka. He travels there twice a year to do mission work.
In 2006, a large tsunami hit the area. Emma helped him collect necessities for people impacted by the disaster. Mr. Gomez filmed the local children receiving their school supplies and Emma became determined to continue raising money to help.
"After seeing the video it made me happy they were able to get this stuff and help with their education because their education is important," said Emma. "It's good to see that it helps out."
Over the past six years, the girls have raised mire than $8,500 by selling the $2 crafts. All of the money raised goes to buying school supplies for children in need. Last year, the girls raised approximately $1,500 and more than 1,000 Sri Lankan children benefitted.
"Every year I see more and more kids going to school and having school supplies and getting education. It makes me happy and I want to do more to make sure more kids can go to school," said Siobhan.
The charity has grown from supporting one school, to now supporting five schools in remote areas of Sri Lanka. This year, the sisters have set a target of $2,000 for their charity work.
"It really has expanded from last year and the year before," said Emma.
Mr. Gomez delivers the aid to the school children and brings back photos and stories to share with the young philanthropists.
Emma had planned to go with him in 2009 to see the work being carried out, but civil unrest put the plans on hold. She's hoping to be able to go in February 2012.
"I'm really excited about that," said Emma.
For the next few weeks, the crafts are on sale in Newcastle at RONA Hardware, IMS Inkspot and Newcastle Home Decor and in Bowmanville at Hooper's Jewellers.
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