School counsellor thanks students and staff after successful hurricane relief drive

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — A local school counsellor is thanking the public for their efforts in a food and supplies initiative for those suffering after Hurricane Melissa.

Cassandra Baker-Watson, a guidance counsellor at Dr. Kearney Middle School, helped organize the Dr. Kearney Helps Out event throughout last week.

The focus was for the school to raise items, non-perishable foods and school supplies for the island of Jamaica as it continues to recover following the devastating hurricane in October.

Baker-Watson said the overall drive in classrooms was successful, and there was even an opportunity for the public to donate on November 21st, something some residents decided to do.

“I feel honoured that it was supported not just by the staff here and the students, but also by the community,” said Baker-Watson. “We sent out a thank you letter from here to our parents, saying thanks for their contribution and for allowing the students to take part.

“I feel like for me, one of the main things I took away from this is the level of understanding the students have. I had the opportunity to talk to some students within their classrooms and to explain to them what it’s like to have a global citizenship mindset and what it is to show empathy and compassion.”

Baker-Watson had several student volunteers assist her in organizing the donations. She admits to Energeticcity.ca a “lot of clothing” was given. 

Some was donated to the MCC Thrift Shop in Fort St. John, as winter clothing “isn’t user friendly” to the warmer weather of the island nation.

A sister drive, originating at Robert Ogilvie Elementary School, is also happening this week.

She added that while final totals are still incomplete, the winning classroom did bring in 150 items of assorted clothing, books and canned goods.

Baker-Watson did want to give a special thank you to Peace Country Rentals, which donated money as well as diapers, baby food and a first aid kit, and The Pentecostals of Fort St. John, which gave clothing.

She also thanked supporters for the overwhelming support for the drive, which she said was organized in “a short space of time.”

“People are actually reaching out this week,” said Baker-Watson. “They are trying to find out what we need, and I’m just saying to them [give] monetary contributions, because we need to also ship what we have received.

“We are very appreciative, and I am excited to see just how we can support other people, not just Jamaica, [but] what can our school do to support even our local community as well?”

According to a Facebook post by the Jamaica Information Service on November 19th, 97 emergency shelters still remain active, while 24,000 homes were destroyed in the hurricane.

Baker-Watson says the donations raised will be shipped to Jamaica before the end of December.
Those who do want to help can contact Baker-Watson by email at cbakerwatson@prn.bc.ca.