The Rotary Interact Club has entered Edwin Parr Composite (EPC) Community School into a fundraising competition: the Spread the Net Student Challenge.
The top fundraising elementary, secondary and post-secondary schools get a visit from Canadian TV star Rick Mercer, who is a co-founder of the Spread the Net campaign, and the winning schools and communities will be featured on an episode of his show, The Rick Mercer Report.
The Spread the Net Student Challenge raises money to purchase insecticide-treated bed nets for people in Zimbabwe in hopes of preventing malaria caused by mosquito bites.
Edwin Parr is currently in first place; however, the contest isn’t over yet.
The challenge ends on Feb. 28, and the winning schools will be announced on the March 11 Rick Mercer Report on CBC.
EPC has raised $7,220 so far, and the school in second place with $6,140 is Nottingham Public School in Ajax, Ontario.
Interact president Bailey Nelson said she is really proud of the initiative and how much money Athabasca has raised compared to larger schools.
Vice-president Rochelle Kenny said the amount is pretty amazing and that the Interact Club is proving that a small club can make a difference.
Dianne Jewell, a supporting teacher, said the competition is Canada wide.
“What happens is that the school collects a $10 donation. It can be texted in, emailed or purchased online, as well as cheque or cash, and that goes towards a (mosquito net) kit,” she said.
Donations can be made by texting NETS33 to 0333 or may be dropped off at EPC.
“Whoever fundraises the most money for this cause gets their community and the school on the Rick Mercer show. They do a whole thing on the town and the school,” Jewell said.
