Hello Parents,At this time of year, children are dreaming about what Santa will bring them. Through discussion, I always find that children also care about others and want to help them.My neighbours, Liz and Len, who a few of you know, travelled to Nepal a few years ago and were touched by the kindness and generosity of the people there in spite of the difficult living conditions and poverty. In an effort to help in a sustainable way, they, and a Nepalese family, established a small business. The company is Jackets for Jasper (J4J). Down jackets are produced in Nepal and sold here. Almost all of the profits are used to help children in Nepal get an education. Jasper was the first to have his complete education paid. Some of the profits were used to help families repair their homes after the earthquake last year. For more information, the website is located at WWW.JACKETSFORJASPER.COMThe students in our class have decided they would like to earn money by doing extra chores, and perhaps by giving shoulder massages, etc.☺ With the money, we will buy a jacket and then donate it to Sage Transition House in North Vancouver. In this way we will be making a small difference internationally and locally.The cost of a jacket is $123.20 (including taxes). If each child is able to raise approximately $ 4 to $5, we can purchase a jacket. Liz has offered to speak to the students about life in Nepal and the resilience of the people there. The children will decide on the colour of the jacket.I know families are on a budget and many of you have already made charitable donations. Please do not feel any pressure to support this cause. I understand and the children do too.Thank you for your generosity, now and always.Laurie (Reichert)
