Sylvan raises $10,000 for Free the Children campaign

Penny drive next on the agenda for Sylvan Learning Centre (6906 King George Blvd.)

Sylvan Learning centres in South Surrey, Newton and Fleetwood – with eight other locations in B.C. – have raised $10,000 to support Free the Children’s Brick by Brick: Schoolbuilding Campaign.

Students, families and staff have helped the company contribute a total of $76,000 since first participating in the campaign in 2008. Brick by Brick funds the creation of classrooms in countries where children would not otherwise receive an education.

From Aug. 1 to Oct. 31, students purchased “bricks” to build a school from the ground up, either by donating tokens earned for their achievements in tutoring programs, or through a cash donation.

Funds raised this year will help build schools in the Massai Mara region of Kenya.

Sylvan Learning is now raising funds for another Free the Children campaign, We Create Change. Until Dec. 20, participating locations are collecting pennies as part of Canada’s largest penny drive.

The goal is to collect enough pennies to provide clean water to 100,000 people for life.

A collection of 2,500 pennies – or just $25 – provides a permanent source of clean water for one person.

Pennies can be dropped off at 36A-3033 King George Blvd., 6906 King George Blvd. and 15428 Fraser Hwy.

For more, visit www.freethechildren.com

Peace Arch News