At Denver Christian, our mission is to inspire and equip students of Christian families to engage the world with Christ’s transforming power and love. With the weight of tragedies and conflicts around the world, it’s easy to feel helpless. One of our students decided it’s time to take action. What started with empathy has turned into a fundraiser with almost $3000 raised for UNICEF in a week.
Being a Shalom Restorer and Resource Steward
Two of our outcomes of a flourishing student is that they become a Shalom Restorer and a Resource Steward. Being a Shalom Restorer means fulfilling God’s desires by bringing order to chaos and healing where there is brokenness. Being a Resource Steward means managing the creation God has given us, the talents He has created us with, and the treasures he has bestowed upon us for the good of others and the glory of God. We believe that learning doesn’t end in the school. True learning equips students to take action and transform the world.
The story behind our fundraiser
Sophomore Joy Russelavage felt a strong desire to support Ukraine. Her dad serves in the military and is stationed in Germany. After talking with him and getting a more in-depth perspective about what’s going, she felt convicted to get DC to support. She approached the student council about doing a fundraiser. Joy says, “I knew I wanted to do something about it. I wanted to not only raise awareness of what’s going on but also raise funds.” After talking with her dad about which organization is doing the most good, Joy decided to raise funds for UNICEF. By donating to UNICEF, we can help give refugees the simple but essential commodities that they have little access to; food, clean water, emergency aid, and medical supplies.
“Every action you take, whether it’s big (raising $2000 in a week), or small (picking up a piece of trash off the sidewalk) matters and makes a difference. It matters to other people, and it matters to God, who works in the little things.”
Joy Russelavage, 10th Grade Student
They set up a donation box set up outside the front office with a QR code to donate via CC. They also added a QR code on the Homeroom announcement slide. This fundraiser will go on for three weeks. We will end with a K-12 outdoor movie night on April 13th, put on by StuCo. Families can come and attend with donations encouraged and all proceeds from concessions going to UNICEF.
Anyone can make a difference
Joy believes that every person can make a difference. This week, we asked Joy what she wants people to take away from this experience. She said that “Every action you take, whether it’s big (raising $2000 in a week), or small (picking up a piece of trash off the sidewalk) matters and makes a difference. It matters to other people, and it matters to God, who works in the little things.”
We are thankful for Joy and the many students who have participated in being Shalom Restorers and Resource Stewards. Obviously, this fundraiser has done so well and is just getting started. We pray that every dollar can make an impact in alleviating suffering. The Denver Christian community truly wows us with generosity and care for the world. Joy says, “It’s like I planted a seed, and everybody else is watering it.”
How can I participate in the fundraiser?
Read the weekly newsletter for more information on the movie night! Check out the cash box by Mrs. P’s desk or click on this link to donate!
“He has shown you, O mortal, what is good.
And what does the Lord require of you?
To act justly and to love mercy
and to walk humbly with your God.”
Micah 6:8