STUDENTS IN Gitwinksihlkw (Canyon City) made a huge effort to collect money to send to Burns Lake for the families affected by the mill explosion.
The 48 students at Gitwinksihlkw Elementary School raised more than $500 by bringing in coins from home for their fundraiser during the week of Jan. 23.
One student even brought in her tooth fairy money from the night before.
The coins are going to the relief effort in Burns Lake, the community which was hit hard on Jan. 20 when the town’s primary employer, the Babine Forest Products sawmill, exploded and burned, killing and injuring workers.
“Students could relate to the tragedy at Burns Lake and found a way to share their concern and support,” said teacher Tom Wilkinson.
A small fish bowl was filled and by the time the students were finished, four bowls overflowed with coins.
Students even spent their lunch time and class time sorting, counting and wrapping the many coins, most of which were pennies.
Locally, the Terrace Rotary Club is sending $2,000 to a Burns Lake relief fund started with the assistance of that community’s Rotary club.