|
Students in Virginia raised money through the Hop on the Dot Challenge to stomp out measles in Africa
Rachel Quintner
Tuesday, February 15, 2005 — Chris Hutchinson, manager of volunteers and youth at the Alexandria Chapter in Alexandria, Virginia, motivated 95 grammar school children from five recreation centers to get involved with the Measles Initiative and made them into heroes through the Hop on the Dot Challenge. The red dots were to simulate stomping out measles cases in Africa. Hutchinson visited the local grammar schools in her area with a poster showing school-aged African children sick with measles.
“They’re just like you, except they don’t have the measles shot,” Hutchinson told the children. She passed out flyers with information about measles and how the kids in Alexandria could make a difference and save a life through the fundraiser. She explained that it costs less than $1 to vaccinate a child against measles, which in turn will give them a much better chance at survival. “I thought it was important to show the kids that they can change not only their own community, but they can change the world right from their own homes. They had the potential to make a difference in someone else’s life halfway around the world with really such little effort…a dollar isn’t really that much. It was really kids helping kids.”
George Mason Recreation Center Staff and Youth |
The Interschool Council of Middle School and High School students, a volunteer group, organized the day of activities for the younger kids who raised the money. They set up games and crafts, but the main event was the Hop on the Dot Challenge. Anyone who raised more than a dollar was able to participate in the hopping contest and received a Measles Initiative pin for participating in the benefit. Each child also received a certificate that gave him or her the title of Little Hero. Awards were given to the children who completed the most hops.
The children had a wonderful time with the fundraiser. One little girl wrote,”I felt good when I hopped on the dot because I helped save one person’s life in Africa. I was proud of myself. I helped a child in Africa survive by not getting measles. I had fun and everybody that helped save a life is a hero. I want to save more people’s lives.”
Jefferson Houston Recreation Center youth proudly wearing his Measles Pin |
The Hop on the Dot fundraiser raised $550. Hutchinson is now planning a fundraiser for middle school aged students in Alexandria, where they will participate in a Double-Dutch hopping contest. She plans to make the events an annual tradition.
For more information about how you can help, visit www.measlesinitiative.org
|
