Young students are proving that even the smallest efforts can help build homes and hope—one nail at a time.
ST. CATHARINES, ON Beacon Christian School’s Grade 1 students are proving that even the youngest hearts and hands can make a big difference. In a now-cherished annual tradition, all Grade 1 classes have come together once again to raise funds to buy nails—one dollar at a time—to help Habitat for Humanity Niagara build homes.
The fundraiser is more than just a charity initiative. It’s a powerful learning experience that reflects Beacon’s goals of nurturing Community Builders, Justice Seekers and Image Reflectors. The students, just six and seven years old, are learning that they are not too young to help others, to show love in action, and to work toward fairness in their community.
“The children felt it wasn’t fair that not everyone has a house to live in,” says Grade 1 teacher, Wilma Harris, who has taught Grade 1 at Beacon for 20 years. “This fundraiser helps them understand that they really can make a difference.”
Beyond compassion, the project also weaves in academic goals. Students keep journals documenting the small jobs they do around their homes and neighbourhoods to raise funds. They practice literacy through writing and learn math skills by tracking their weekly earnings and counting how many nails they’ve helped buy—each costing about $1. Their goal? 1,000 nails.
This year, the students far exceeded that goal, raising an incredible $1,738.55—enough to purchase over 1,700 nails to help build Habitat homes.
As part of their “Mapping My Home” unit, the children learn about maps and their place in the community. They also explore what makes a house a home and come to appreciate that everyone deserves a safe place to live.
“Each year, I wonder if we’ll meet our goal of $1,000—and every year, these amazing children surpass it,” Wilma shares proudly. “When I hear them talk about the jobs they’ve done to earn money for more nails, I know they are proud to have contributed to helping build a house that a family can call their home.”
“We are truly inspired by the students at Beacon Christian School,” said Sarah Pritula, director, philanthropy and major gifts at Habitat for Humanity Niagara. “Their compassion, effort and generosity remind us that age is no barrier to making an impact in our community. Every dollar raised, every nail purchased, helps us build safe, affordable homes—and the fact that this initiative is led by six- and seven-year-olds makes it even more special. They are building more than homes; they are building hope.”
Beacon’s Grade 1 fundraiser is a beautiful reminder that when children are empowered to care, learn and act, their small steps can drive meaningful change.
-30-
About Habitat for Humanity Niagara
Habitat for Humanity Niagara is a non-profit organization that brings our community together to help families build strength, stability and independence through safe and affordable homeownership. With the help of volunteers and generous donors, Habitat Niagara builds decent and affordable homes that provide a solid foundation for people to build better, healthier lives. Established locally in 1993, Habitat Niagara has constructed 79 homes in Niagara, serving 86 families and creating stable and secure housing for more than 288 children.
Habitat for Humanity Niagara proudly owns and operates three local ReStores in Fonthill, Grimsby and St. Catharines. Habitat for Humanity ReStore is a social enterprise retailer that accepts and resells donations of new and used furniture, appliances, décor, home improvement items and building materials. All proceeds from operations fund Habitat for Humanity Niagara and help build homes in the community for those in need of a safe place to call home. The first Habitat for Humanity ReStore began in Winnipeg, Manitoba, to support Habitat’s mission. Built by Canadians. Building for Canadians.
For more information, please visit www.habitatniagara.ca
Dawn Marie Cavasin
Habitat for Humanity Niagara, Manager, Communications and Media Relations
Office: 905-685-7395 x406
Direct: 289-813-4883
dawn@habitatniagara.ca
Additional sources: