Natural disaster shakes the community into making a difference

By Iris Kuo
October 27, 2009
Filed under Features

In the course of one week, Samoa, the Philippines, and Indonesia were all hit by natural disasters that left behind victims in need of help. The total death toll is around 1,700 and will probably continue to rise due to disease and lack of supplies. Enter ‘Iolani’s One Team spirit. The Red Cross Club, Interact Club, Leo Club, Students for Peace, Club Anonda, Filipino Club, and Mrs. Kimi Frith’s Economic and Social Entrepreneurship class are all working together to contribute to the effort to send relief.

Mrs. Frith’s class is planning a bake sale in mid-November where baked goods and bracelets will be sold. All of the mentioned clubs will assist in providing baked goods and workers. The bracelets that will be sold are made by women in the Philippines; 100% of the price goes to helping them. The seventh grade Geography classes will also join the effort because they will have learned about the Pacific region by then. Since the Filipino Club has plans for a clothes drive to help the victims in the Philippines, the income from the baked goods will be sent to the Red Cross and split between relief for Samoa and Indonesia.  Also, some ‘Iolani alumni will set up face-painting booths in Sullivan Courtyard and the second floor of Kozuki Stadium on Homecoming day, where they will accept donations for the cause.

The goal? Obviously to raise money for the victims. But Mrs. Frith says it is also to teach students to give back and help others. She wants students to know that they can help, even if it is just through a bake sale. “I know everyone’s busy and consumed with school work,” she said, “but I hope people come to the bake sale and come through with the clothes drive, because this is something we have to make time for.” The bake sale will be on Thursday, November 12 outside the Student Activities Office during periods 1 through 8 and lunch.