The 110 students at Borculo Christian School were hard at work his week, using their art skills to assemble a display of their work.
The art is inspired by victims of the recent earthquake in Haiti, and will be on display at a soup supper fundraiser from 5 to 7 p.m., Feb. 12. at the school, 6830 96th Ave.
Donations given for the supper will benefit the school, and donations given for the art will go to Zeeland-based GLOW Ministries International to support its work in Haiti.
Those who make a donation in response to the art show will receive a small piece of the students’ art as a “Thank You.”
The artists range from Young Fives through eighth grade. Under the direction of art teacher Wendy Kragt, the students created pieces from recycled materials, as well as paintings and masks. Much of the art reflects life in Haiti.
“It’s a way for children to learn about the culture and the people of Haiti, and then to use this inspiration to create their own pieces of art to raise money,” Kragt said
Classes borrowed artifacts and books from Phil Snyder of GLOW Ministries to learn about Haiti and prepare for their art projects. Snyder and his organization have been serving the Haitian people since 1979.
“All the teachers at Borculo are willing to help,” Kragt said. “And the parents are willing, too.”
Kragt said the display will be set up so those attending the soup supper will have a chance to see and enjoy the work of the students and learn about Haiti. The school band will provide background music for the evening.
Snyder’s wife, Amber, is delighted with the project.
“So many times when little children have a chance to roll up their sleeves and get involved, they really get excited to see that they can make a difference,” she said. “All of those little gifts add up fast.”
Snyder cited a recent cookie sale that raised $700.
She said when food is purchased by the container load, one meal can be provided for a nickel.
“Right now, we’re feeding 6,000 people each day,” she said.
Her husband and oldest son are currently working on site in Haiti. Except for the two North Americans, GLOW Ministries uses Haitian workers to provide its services, which helps the organization earn the respect and trust of the earthquake victims.
“What those kids are doing will have a direct effect on the health, hunger and happiness of the people we serve,” said Snyder.
