Enumclaw residents are ready to make a change in the lives of students overseas.
During the past month, Walk in the Light (WITLI) partnered with the Enumclaw Chamber of Commerce and local businesses for the “Change 4 Change” fundraiser, which raised money to purchase school supplies for schools in Burkina Faso.
In just four weeks, Enumclaw raised $6,000.
WITLI has worked with communities in Burkina Faso for several years, giving those in the West African nation access to water, health centers and schools.
In March, Jane Matson and Walk in the Light approached the Enumclaw Chamber for help with its fundraiser and the Chamber agreed to sponsor and promote it in the community. Many local business owners picked up and placed the collection bottles at their locations.
“The community rallied and took on the project,” Matson said, delighted with the response of the community and the generosity of the businesses and their patrons.
“The businesses that really stand out to me are the Gateway True Value, they raised $572, the Dick’s Barber Shop, which raised $228, Pursuit Distilling Company and DOXA Crossfit, who raised $368 through a workout fundraiser, and Hornet Lacrosse, who raised $300,” she said. “At Gateway True Value, they replaced the water bottle with a mason jar, just to make it so they could collect more. Then at Dick’s they had the Yuban coffee container, which I thought was super sweet because they went for more.”
Bridget’s Boutique also donated $250.
While the fundraising event ended last month and the collection bottles have been turned in, WITLI is still raising money for the schools in Burkina Faso.
“We can keep it ongoing [through WITLI’s website] because the school supplies don’t need to be purchased until September,” Matson said. “Our goal was $15,000 and we’re super happy we raised $6,000, but we want to keep going cause if we can reach $15,000, we can buy all the school supplies for all three schools for next year.”
To donate, visit http://www.witli.com/donate/ and select “Change 4 Change.” Your donations will help purchase chalkboards, notebooks, and pens, as well as other school supplies for three schools.
