(L-R) Lacombe Upper Elementary students Leo Jackson, Will Gillett, Khalel Abarro and Gavin Barnwell delivering their donation to ABW general manager Carl Hahn. (A Better World)

By rdnewsNOW Staff

Lacombe Upper Elementary School

A Better World receives a surprise donation from young humanitarians in Lacombe

Mar 28, 2024 | 4:59 PM

Four students from Lacombe Upper Elementary School kicked off their spring break this week with an act of generosity.

Grade 5 students Khalel Abarro, Gavin Barnwell, Will Gillett, and Leo Jackson delivered donations from their own fundraiser to four different Lacombe charities.

One of those charities was A Better World, a Lacombe-based non-profit that has completed various humanitarian projects in more than 15 countries over the past 34 years, in education, healthcare, and clean water systems, with the goal of breaking the cycle of poverty.

Principal Craig Fullarton said the students were not prompted by the school, but were inspired by the messages about kindness in their program.

One example of the school’s emphasis on kindness includes their “Quality Citizenship Recognition” monthly initiative, where chosen students receive an award and free pizza if they demonstrate:

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• Positive interpersonal relationships with peers and adults
• A consistent high level of responsibility, dependability and cooperation
• A high level of consideration for the personal feelings and property of others
• A positive role model in terms of leadership and participation in both school and classroom activities

“It is our goal as a school, in conjunction with the home, to develop and enhance citizenship qualities and characteristics within individuals. This will provide an opportunity for every student in École Lacombe Upper Elementary School to work towards realizing his/her own personal aspirations while making a positive contribution to society as a whole,” said school officials in their March 2024 Panda Press Newsletter.

Fullarton says the four boys came up with the idea for the fundraiser and carried it out all by themselves.

With help from their families, the students put together raffle prizes and sold tickets around the school. They raised $440, and each chose a charity for the proceeds. Abarro chose A Better World to receive his quarter of the total.

The organization says the $110 share will go towards new desks for classrooms in Kenya.

The Lacombe Upper Elementary School is part of the Wolf Creek Public Schools Division.

READ: A Better World shares 2023 progress report: project progress steady

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