Small change can make change for the better

aipei American School (TAS) administrators, faculty, students, and parents participated in a change drive to raise money for the Haiti relief effort on Jan. 21 and 22. TAS joined the well known international relief group CARE to provide immediate financial assistance following the catastrophic earthquake in Haiti. The generosity of the TAS community, and the care and concern of the students, resulted in a collection of more than NT$520,000 or US$16,000.
The TAS Parent Teacher Association volunteered to oversee the collection process and the TAS accounting office converted all coins received into cash and sent the contribution directly to CARE. This organization ensures those in desperate need receive aid immediately.
Reflecting on the TAS relief effort, Upper School Associate Principal John VandenBoom said, "For the second time this school year, the TAS community has pulled together on very short notice to come to the aid of victims of a terrible natural disaster. The money that was raised for Haiti over the short two day period gives testimony to the generosity of our community. It is heartwarming to see the TAS community at large exhibit such concern and kindness for those less fortunate." Overall, TAS students recognized that a terrible, devastating event occurred and that the people of Haiti are in desperate need of help.
Upper school student Leah Grande commented, "I was really impressed by how fast the TAS community responded to the crisis in Haiti. Donating change was such a simple and easy way for TAS students to contribute to a very worthy cause." Through this effort, our students felt they had the chance to reach out and make an immediate difference.