Thursday, Feb. 4, 2010

Glendaal grade 4 student Ian Viall wanted to help after he heard the news about the earthquake in Haiti in January.

He asked Principal Thomas Eagan about putting together a school-wide bottle and can collection for the people of Haiti. Ian, a student in Jan Grant's class, spearheaded the building-wide effort.

"This was a wonderful opportunity for Glendaal to come together as a community to support those in need," said Eagan.

Recycling Day was on Thursday, Jan. 28. Grade 4 students sorted the bottles and cans and they were returned.

At a ceremony on Thursday, Feb. 4, a check for $650 was presented to Major Jim Guest for the Salvation Army-Haitian Disaster Relief Fund.

Guest told students that the Salvation Army has operated schools and had a strong presence in Haiti since 1950. After the earthquake, efforts switched to establishing tents and clinics for the people of Port Au Prince, the capital struck by the earthquake. He told the students that the $650 donation will purchase thousands of bottles of water and fill other needs for Haiti.

Glenville Council Sid Ramotar declared Thursday, Feb. 4, as Ian Viall Day in the town and presented him and his parents, Randel and Catherine Marker, with a proclamation.

Below: the top pictures show grade 4 students with some of the recycled bottles and cans. The bottom photo shows Ian speaking to students at Glendaal while his parents Catherine and Randel Marker; Principal Thomas Eagan and Salvation Major Jim Guest look on during Thursday's ceremony. Ian's father, Clifford Viall, also attended but is not pictured: