/R E P E A T -- Winnipeg students learn how to be compassionate community
members/

Students illustrate why Manitoba leads Canada in charitable giving

WINNIPEG , Dec. 16 /CNW/ - On Friday, Linden Christian School (LCS) students will announce how much money they raised for their annual Christmas fundraising campaign for the World Vision Gift Catalogue. This year more than 570 students are looking forward to exceeding their goal of raising $12,000 to purchase gifts such as livestock, antibiotics and school supplies. For the past five years, LCS students have raised more than $70,000 through their Christmas campaigns.

"LCS students have embraced the true meaning of Christmas by purchasing gifts through the World Vision Gift Catalogue," says Chris Schroeder , regional team leader for Central Canada . "They have been looking for the opportunity to be generous during the holidays and by using the catalogue they are helping children and families in need who lack the most essential necessities."

Students from grades five through 12 have been busy collecting donations through craft and bake sales.

This tradition of giving during the Christmas season has taught students how to make an impact in their world and be thankful for what they have.

"This event coincides with our schools core value of helping others. We want to teach our students how to live as compassionate community members," says Robert Charach, principal and chief administration officer of LCS. "By participating in an event such as fundraising for World Vision, students learn a pattern of giving which translates with them as they become adults."

    
    WHEN:  Friday, December 18, 2009
           8:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. (presentation at 9 a.m.)

    WHERE: Linden Christian School (Chapel)
           877 Wilkes Avenue
           Winnipeg, Manitoba
           R3P 1BS

    WHY:   Students are given the chance to become compassionate community
           members and are reminded of the true meaning of Christmas. This
           campaign changes the focus from a materialistic holiday to one
           which reinforces the joy of giving to those less fortunate.

    INTERVIEWEES:

           Chris Schroeder, World Vision (Available 30 minutes prior to the
           presentation and 30 minutes after.)

           Robert Charach, principal of Linden Christian School (Available 30
           minutes prior to the presentation and 30 minutes after.)

           Students who have participated in the giving campaign
    

For more information on World Vision's gift catalogue, visit www.worldvision.ca or call 1-800-844-7993.

For more information about the catalogue please visit www.worldvision.ca/gcnewsroom

World Vision is a Christian relief, development and advocacy organization dedicated to working with children, families and communities to overcome poverty and injustice. World Vision serves all people regardless of religion, race, ethnicity or gender.

For further information: or to arrange an interview, contact: Karen Flores, [phone] ext. 3497, [phone] (mobile), [email protected]; Maria Roman, [phone] ext. 2263, [email protected]