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Play raises funds for kids in Kenya

Beaconsfield school raises $1,000 for Suitcases for Africa

ALYCIA AMBROZIAK
The Gazette
Thursday, March 6, 2008

Who said being an actor doesn't pay? Students in the after-school program at Christmas Park elementary in Beaconsfield raised $1,000 last week with their presentation of Willy Wonka. The money isn't theirs to keep, however. It will all go to the school's Suitcases for Africa program. "We're very proud of our students," said Ruth Allardyce, co-ordinator of the school's after-school program, adding that two other plays presented last year and in 2006, brought in $1,500 for the project that helps improve the education and health of children living in Kenya. Allardyce said much praise goes to Nadia Pearson, a Concordia University education student, who directed the play. "Her enthusiasm and involvement help foster self-confidence and a positive commitment to this project," she said. "Students also gain satisfaction from knowing that their involvement is making a difference to children in Kenya." Kate Whitmore, a Grade 6 student who played Willie Wonka, echoed that sentiment. "I really love the fact that we're helping people in Africa," said the 12-year-old. "It's great that you can help people by doing something fun." Christmas Park's Suitcases for Africa project has been ongoing since it was founded in 2005 by nursery school teacher Darlene Anderson, as a tribute to Ebi Kimanani of Beaconsfield, who died at age 46 after contracting malaria while organizing HIV/AIDS drug trials in Uganda. "Ebi's children attended Christmas Park, so the connection is very strong there," she said. "Several schools in the community have been assisting us, but the connection to Christmas Park is extra strong because of that." She said Suitcases for Africa gets donations from all sorts of people, from all walks of life. "We had one group of children, age 6 to 8 years old, who charged $1 to paint fingernails and gave us the money they earned, $17 in all," Anderson said. "It may not sound like a lot at first, but $17 can feed a lot of orphans." "For example, $5 will feed seven children one meal a day for a month," she said. "So you can see how far even the smallest amounts will go." Anderson said funds are used for various other projects, like buying school textbooks and uniforms. "This year, we are buying beds for an orphanage and physiotherapy equipment for disabled children," she said, adding that help from the community is very much appreciated. For information on the Suitcases for Africa project, call 514-457-3786 or visit www.suitcasesforafrica.com.