Ridgewood EarlyAct

Helene and Clem Burrowes have been working with EarlyAct and Interact clubs in the Malton area for several years.  I asked Helene to tell us about the community service projects that the Ridgewood EarlyActors’ were involved with last year.  (Unfortunately, the students and teachers are not allowed to participate in any projects this year due to the current labour dispute.)  Take a look at what these fourth and fifth-graders did last year.
 
Helen writes:
  • Collection of used eyeglasses for missions. Doctors use the frames but replace the lenses in the frames. 
  • Collection of used stamps (legacy of Rtn. Carole Berry, Rotary Brampton) for the Leprosy Mission. Stamps are sold to the big stamp companies who package them for stamp collectors!  They are then sold in stores. It costs just less than $950.00 to cure someone who has leprosy, not just treat him/her but to actually cure the person! Next time you throw a letter with a stamp on it.... remember you could have helped cure a child or adult who has leprosy!
  • Together we made "medallions" for 130 residents in Malton Long Term Residence. Ridgewood EarlyActors presented songs, dances, and a marching band.  The children also presented each resident with a Christmas-themed medallion.
  • Earth Day, huge clean up!
  • Malton Community Tree Planting (in honour of Helene).  The children always attend and have fun and food.
  • Mount Zion "Back to School event at the park”. The students volunteer to do anything that they are asked to help with. Set up picnic tables, lay the tablecloths, and non-stop cleaning up.  They help with games for kids, etc. More than 600 people attend these Malton events. 
  • Malton Community Tree Lighting.  This event is always run by the young members, supervised by Helene and Clem Burrowes. This happens at the Malton Community Centre and up to 800 people attend this day-long, come & go event. It’s always successful!
  • Yearly food drive at Ridgewood Public School – most of the donations go to our local Mount Zion Food Bank and the rest goes to several churches or organizations who help those in need.
  • …and more!

It’s a real eye-opener. It goes to prove that no student is too young to become involved in service projects!  Thanks for all your hard work Helene and Clem!