Spread the Net this Christmas . . . and help combat malaria
This year, Fern students have signed our school up for Plan Canada’s Spread the Net Student Challenge to help combat malaria in some of the world’s most vulnerable places. Fern students are competing with elementary schools across Canada to raise the most money for the program, and to win a visit from CBC’s Rick Mercer Report.
Last year, the top fundraising elementary school raised approximately $5,500.
Every year, approximately 660,000 people around the world die after contracting malaria from a mosquito carrying the plasmodium parasite. Most of these victims are children under five. It is a disease that costs the African economy an estimated 12 billion dollars and can devastate the families it effects. Fortunately, one of the best ways to prevent the spread of malaria is to keep them away from people while they sleep by using treated bed nets.
Fern’s Spread the Net campaign will raise money to buy as many nets as possible by the end of February 2014. Ten bucks buys a net and can protect two people from malaria for up to three years! It is also a good way to help teach our kids about international development issues, the relationship of humans to our environment, and the value of helping others when we can, by participating in a campaign that can be measured in the number of life-saving nets the school community has bought.
There are lots of ways:
Last year, the top fundraising elementary school raised approximately $5,500.
Every year, approximately 660,000 people around the world die after contracting malaria from a mosquito carrying the plasmodium parasite. Most of these victims are children under five. It is a disease that costs the African economy an estimated 12 billion dollars and can devastate the families it effects. Fortunately, one of the best ways to prevent the spread of malaria is to keep them away from people while they sleep by using treated bed nets.
Fern’s Spread the Net campaign will raise money to buy as many nets as possible by the end of February 2014. Ten bucks buys a net and can protect two people from malaria for up to three years! It is also a good way to help teach our kids about international development issues, the relationship of humans to our environment, and the value of helping others when we can, by participating in a campaign that can be measured in the number of life-saving nets the school community has bought.
How can you help?
There are lots of ways:
- You can order nets as a holiday gift card by downloading this order form. Each one costs only $10 and buys a net for someone who needs it. Plus, you can send your friends or family a card with a limited edition print from the budding young artists of M. Gelinas’ class. The cards make great teacher gifts too!
- You can download and fill out a pledge form with your kids to buy a net, and ask friends and family to pitch in.
- Too plugged in for paper? You can also buy a net by texting the Fern Avenue Public School keyword (NETS39) to 30333.
- Keep your eyes open for further events and offers being planned by students at Fern, and if you and your child would like to help out, contact Matt Bera at mbera@rogers.com.
- Visit Plan Canada’s Spread the Net Student Challenge page.
