From the tragic passing of an elementary student from Surrey has come a teaching moment for his remaining classmates.
Newton Elementary students have spent the last three weeks fundraising for Surrey Memorial Hospital's pediatric unit in memory of a beloved late student – the school's fundraising choice in honour of Vaisakhi this year.
"Last year I had a student who passed away. He had severe medical issues, and this kid, he was sitting in my class and I would be thinking about him because we knew he wasn't going to make it too long, that we wouldn't have him here soon," said teacher Jaspal Gill.
"Him passing away was something that made me make up my mind that it would not be for the food bank this year, we would do it to the children's (unit) at Surrey Memorial Hospital."
The last two years, the school chose Guru Nanak Food Bank as the organization spotlighted for Vaisakhi. The school's efforts raised $1,500 last year and $1,200 the year prior, focusing on the service side of the Indian festival and teaching students the importance of giving.
"This is how our kids will learn," Gill added.
"The kids get so excited about it, bringing in that $5, $10, $20 — I've even gotten 10 cents, 25 cents from kids, which is awesome. The little kids would come and say 'I brought this for you!' it's really cute."
All the big and small donations have most definitely added up as the school has garnered its highest total in years.
"Our goal was $1,500, but we've reached well over $2,000," shared principal Amy Newman.
The school will be presenting a cheque to staff from the hospital at their Vaisakhi assembly on Friday (April 11).
