Girls Inc. of Durham: Raising funds for tsunami relief

A group of teens from Girls Incorporated of Durham, Ontario wanted to do something to help the victims of the devastating tsunami that ravaged large parts of southeastern Asia. So on January 15th, eight girls set up shop at their local Home Depot to hold a fundraiser.

13-year-old Rebecca Peirson described the process: "We sat at a table in the front of the store where there was a big donation box. If the customers asked what it was for, we'd tell them it was for the tsunami and they'd put a donation in the box. Some of us went outside and handed out pamphlets." Rebecca was particularly moved by the generosity of the customers she encountered. "It surprised me how much money some people put in the donation box and how many people donated," she recalled. "It was a wonderful experience."

The girls worked from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and those five hours seemed to affect everyone involved. Allison Wilkinson also volunteered that day. She said the experience changed her view of raising money for charity, and that she will be involved in similar projects in the future. "It made me want to help more, maybe volunteer with the Red Cross," she said. It's safe to say that Saturday at Home Depot and the experience of raising money for the tsunami victims made a lasting impression on the Girls Inc. girls of Durham.

The girls raised a total of $160, which they donated to the Red Cross.

If you would like to make a donation or hold your own fundraiser for the victims of the tsunami, visit these websites:

Girls Inc. of Durham: Raising funds for tsunami relief

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