​School District No. 43 (Coquitlam) is presenting the Canadian Red Cross $25,420.21 in support of the relief efforts for the Fort McMurray residents that were displaced by the wildfires that resulted in one of the biggest evacuations in Canadian history.

The monies were raised through an initiative spearheaded by Grade 7 students from Pitt River Community Middle School in Port Coquitlam under the guidance of teacher Kiren Chand, who began the campaign by holding ‘Toonie Tuesday’ drives throughout the month of May while challenging other schools within the district to follow their example. Students from many SD43 schools were involved in the initiative.

The Canadian Red Cross has pledged to use donations to support recovery operations to help those affected.

For more information, read this Tri City News story.

Photo courtesy of the Tri City News.