Starts With One is a Free the Children Youth Action Group founded by seven York House School classmates; Jan L., Bridget C., Marissa M., Isabelle C., Marysa H., Briana L. and Emily H.
Free the Children is a worldwide organization focused on providing sustainable support for developing countries around the world. After attending We Day 2011, an event hosted at Rogers Arena to inspire change in the minds of youth, we were incredibly inspired. We were touched by the reality of the horrifying statistics, such as, there are over 200 million child soldiers in the world, and 150 million children drop out of primary school before they have completed five years of education – the minimum required for achieving basic literacy.
Starts With One was driven to make change. Since October, we have had many fundraising activities, have raised over $2500 dollars in three months. Fundraising goals include raising $5000 to purchase cattle and sewing machines, funding $2500 for an all-girls secondary school, and donating $2500 to an organization run by the mothers, all in the Kenyan village of Enelerai.
Our most recent fundraiser took place over the long weekend preceding Valentine’s Day, at Richmond Center, Arbutus Mall, and Oakridge Mall. Chocolate and plush sales raised nearly $1000. Special thanks to all the volunteers that helped us with this event: Christina X., Emily M., Jocelyn C., Monique C., and Dorothy Z.
Sometimes our group becomes overwhelmed with the seemingly helpless situation of our world. But change is possible and we are ecstatic to be part of it! Thank you for your generous support of Starts With One; together, we can be the change the world needs to see.
Jan L., Grade 7
Co-Founder of Starts With One
