At Eagle View Elementary in Pequot Lakes a second grade class has been learning a lot about what is going on across the world in Australia. As students look out the window at all the snow in Minnesota it's hard for them to imagine that somewhere in the world there are places so dry that wildfires are burning so much land that they can't be controlled.
After seeing pictures of animals going back to a completely charred forest with no food around, Beth Nelson's second grade class wanted to do something to help.
"We are going to do a garage and craft sale to raise money for the wildlife in Australia because there are a lot of bush fires that are killing the animals," said second grader Luella Loven.
"We need to help the animals that are suffering from the bush fires," said classmate Clara Anderson. "I think it is really important that we help Australia because they're going through a lot."
The sale will take place from 11:45 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 30 in Mrs. Nelson's classroom. The class is hoping to raise as much money as they can to donate to Australia and help the animals. They chose to raise money to send to WIRES (New South Wales Wildlife Information, Rescue and Education Service Inc.). This is an organization that wants to actively rehabilitate and preserve Australian wildlife and inspire others to do the same. It was a close call between a couple organizations because many are doing such good work, but the class thought the rehabilitation piece was important.
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The students have been collecting items from homes of students and staff that are in good shape along with making items on their own at home. In class, they've made some positive message artwork and koala bookmarks. The hope is to not only raise money for the animals in Australia but to also spread some positive messages to students and staff around the school.
"I could not be more proud of these students," Nelson said. "They care so much and want to help even though they may not see the effects of their efforts with the animals in Australia. It's fun to see them get excited about it and work together to get the sale up and going."
