The global response to the worst natural disaster in our lifetime has been unbelievable.
The tsunami that struck Asia during the Christmas holidays has touched us all, and the Sunshine Coast is no exception.
Last week, we told you a few stories of people who had begun to fundraise and plan events. This week, more stories of support have affected us deeply.
On Dec. 31, an impromptu busking event raised close to $5,000 in mere hours. Organizer Michael Maser and his daughter Robin had so many donations at one point they had to rush out to find larger donation jars.
Then there are stories of the young people of this community giving back.
Eleven-year-old Shelby Wilson decorated an ice cream bucket to hold donations and raised money at the Polar Bear Swim in Davis Bay. She collected almost $40 that day.
The Grade 7 students at Roberts Creek Elementary School have started Kids with Coins and have sent a fax to every elementary school on the Coast challenging them to meet or beat their donation.
On Jan. 16, Roberts Creek will hold the coin event at the school, and students from around the Coast will no doubt pack the gym, rolling and donating coins for the cause.
The Elphinstone Secondary Interact Club has made up coin collection cans and distributed them to businesses willing to display them. All the money raised will go to Asian relief.
There is a benefit concert being planned for Roberts Creek Hall on Jan. 16, and word came late Thursday that another major fundraising concert is being planned for Sechelt on Jan. 30. The idea for this event also came from a young person in our community - a student from Davis Bay Elementary School.
We're also touched here at Coast Reporter by the outpouring of people in the business community, many of whom are donating a day's pay, and the many people who have dropped by or mailed donations to our office.
We've been flooded daily with contributions. As of press time, we have sent over $12,000 from this community to the Canadian Red Cross.
It's amazing what we can do in times of need. The Sunshine Coast should be proud of its efforts.
