Special Events : Project Zambia

For the past 35 years, Calgary French & International School has prepared children to embrace the world around them and be active participants. Project Zambia is one way in which CFIS students and families contribute back to the community. Every year, students and CFIS families, in partnership with the Colin B. Glassco Foundation, contribute clothing & supplies which are then distributed to Zambia and other local charities.

2008 Contributions

CFIS is one of several organizations assisting the Glassco Foundation to collect gently used clothing and uniforms to send to Zambia. Each year, CFIS families contribute items. Below is a note from Colin Glassco about the total contributions for 2008.

"...one of the things that we do each year that does not get any much press is our project of distributing t-shirts, stuffed animals (treasures from Canada) and school supplies for the children in and around Lusaka and in the Gwembe Valley. Thanks to the generosity of many children and others here in Canada each year we are able to send over 25-30 boxes of these supplies and as this year is our biggest shipment ever I thought I would attached a picture for you of what the pile looks like. As I mentioned this project is a real group effort and I would like to acknowledge with gratitude the following:"

• Students at Hillfield Strahallan School
• Students of Calgary French and International School
• The Julie Macdonald Family
• The Matthew Mitterling Family
• Arlene Flock at Flagworks in Calgary
• Cheryl Link of Mountain Modern Timberframes
• Peter and Sandy Stead
• Paul and Elisha Dekort of Clothing for Charity in Burlington for their donation and for baling much of the toys and t-shirts, and
• Williams Moving International (Calgary) for their support and very efficient handling of the shipment.

" I should mention that over the years I have been lucky to be occasionally present when the supplies are distributed and words can not describe how grateful and excited the children and school teachers are to receive them."

Thank you for your interest
Colin

"P.S. The cap in the picture we give out to all the headmen and anyone who is helpful and the reason we decided to do this was to make sure that Canada received proper recognition for what we were doing (we have probably given out over 500). What was unexpected and what has been great fun is that each time we give one away it is cause for great celebration amongst the villagers!"

OVER THE YEARS: Our Involvement

In an effort to help protect against early cases of glaucoma in Africa, Grade 5 students at CFIS, in partnership with the Colin B. Glassco Foundation, formed relationships with children in Zambia to drill and develop clean water wells. Project Zambia helps CFIS students gain a direct first-hand connection and understanding of issues in Africa to complement their Grade 5 world area curriculum. Students were put into contact with children in Africa and encouraged to communicate via letters and photos to learn about each other’s uniquely different cultures.

In 2003, Mr. Glassco and a group of Grade 5 students collaborated on a class project and fundraised to help cover the costs for drilling two wells, which averages $5,000 (CDN). Along with raising money, children collect supplies to send to the Children in Zambia. Old CFIS uniforms, boxes full of sporting goods, packages of school supplies, and even student assembled scrapbooks detailing their own Canadian lives are sent to Africa and given to the children’s villages.

Students join aid drive for Zambia - April 24, 2004

City students dig deep for Zambian friend - April 8, 2004