Classroom cleans up to aid tsunami victims
By LESLIE ANNE JONES Special to the Daily Press
Two dozen elementary students recently worked themselves into a lather to raise nearly $2,000 to help kids on the other side of the world, victims of this year’s devastating tsunami.
On Friday, third-and fourth-graders at the Pluralistic School #1 handed their hard-earned cash over to Santa Monica-based International Medical Corps., a 21-year-old humanitarian organization that last year distributed $62 million in resources with the help of 6,000 workers in 20 countries.
The class of 25 students, taught by Abbie Perttula and Chris Kuzina, raised $1,930 themselves through their car and dog wash.
Students had brainstormed a list of almost 30 possible fundrais-ing ventures, including making a movie or opening a restaurant. But in the end, they decided that the car and dog wash was the most feasible option.
Before cleaning up in the name of charity, the students hit the pavement and sought donations from their neighbors.
“I didn’t actually like washing the dogs, only the cars,” explained 10-year-old Morgan Pantuck. “The dogs got all soapy and smelly.”
Some classmates agreed, but the group appeared united in their assertion they had a lot of fun raising the money through hard work.
The class wanted to find the charity that they felt would best maximize the use of their money for tsunami victims. They looked into five charities before deciding on IMC.
When the class inquired about IMC, the organization’s communications officer, Judy Tyler, paid a visit to the classroom. Many of the students were impressed that IMC made the effort to send a representative, when other charities had just told the students to look at their Web sites.
“This is an amazing gift on your part,” Tyler said. “At your age, thinking about people you’ll never meet... the money will mean so much to them.
“Everyone at IMC is excited about your contribution.”
Before Perttula handed the check over to Tyler, the students explained why they chose IMC.
One student mentioned he was glad IMC didn’t just go to a location for a short time. Instead, the organization sends representatives who stay in the affected areas for years. Another student said the class was impressed that IMC buys its supplies from the country it’s aiding, better to support that economy.
They also liked that most of the money IMC receives — 92 cents out of every $1 — goes straight to relief, not administration.
The class seemed intrigued by IMC’s method of ensuring children didn’t get vaccinated twice. In her previous visit, Tyler explained to the class that after being vaccinated, children had their nails painted so that IMC workers would know who had received a shot. One student wondered if there would be confusion if the children took it upon themselves to paint their nails. Tyler explained it was unlikely that tsunami victims could afford nail polish.
According to Tyler, the class’ donation was unique because most people just donated money and didn’t specifically work to raise the proceeds.
Another P.S. #1 classroom is apparently knitting scarves that students intend to sell — proceeds of which also will go to IMC.
Begun in Afghanistan in 1984, IMC provides health care training and relief, and development programs. IMC differs from its counterparts by focusing on local preparedness — educating resident doctors and other workers so they can take care of themselves. For example, IMC has had a presence in Indonesia since 2000.
When the deadly tsunami hit last month, Smith said IMC had 91 staffers working there, eighty-eight of them natives.
IMC workers and volunteers are currently stationed in Indonesia and Sri Lanka — areas hit hard by the disaster. The organization has fixed clinics and mobile clinics, and a mental health clinic.
IMC services include Malaria prevention, maternity care, psychological care for tsunami victims and nutrition monitoring. IMC also is helping to restore emergency medical services and health centers in those areas.
The money P.S. #1 students raised will go to support those ventures.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on March 26, 2005. Read the original PDF.