A Dollar for School. A Dollar for the World.

THE MISSION:

TO RAISE ENOUGH MONEY TO COMPLETE MY SCHOOLING

AND AT THE SAME TIME

RAISE MONEY FOR CHARITY

My dad told me to be creative. I am taking his advice.

My name is Ruthie and in August, 2006, I will begin a Masters program in Forensic Psychology. As most students can attest to, finances for tuition and living expenses are hard to come by. My situation is not any different. I have been spending my days working and applying for various scholarships and grants as well as loans both in Canada (as I am Canadian) and in the States. Frustrated and not too excited about the thought of owing a tremendous amount of money when my degree is complete, I came up with an idea to finance my education.

On another note, the world needs help. Every day, men, women and children are suffering. Problems range from health, water and food, to shelter, clothing and war. In this part of the world, we sometimes forget how hard other people have it, unless we are reminded by the latest news story news or the odd infomercial. Yet, we still, most often, do not do anything about it. People need help. So my thought was: I need help and the world needs help. Why not do something about both problems at the same time?

The idea: to raise money for my schooling and for a charity, by asking as many people as I can to pledge $2; $1 will go to support my education and $1 will go to support a charity.

How the idea came about: While brainstorming ways to raise money for my education, I proposed that I could ask people to sponsor me. However, previous fundraising experiences have shown me that it can be difficult to raise money by going to my own network of people. Because a network can be a relatively small group (church members, friends, family, co-workers), one may be forced to seek a bigger donation, from each individual, to reach the quota. I speak from experience, as many past school sporting and musical fundraisers often fell short of their goal. Then I thought of something: If I have a larger network of people and I ask for a smaller amount, I may be able to raise enough money for my cause. The electronic super-highway is at my disposal. Why not use it? Why not take my quest worldwide?

This is what I promise: I ask you, please pledge at least $2 to my cause (you can pledge more than $2 if you are inclined, but I am just asking for $2). Please let your friends and family know about my quest. My quest is to make enough money to complete my education and while I am at it, help as many people as I can.I promise to be accountable to each and every one of my supporters. Without your help, it would be a tougher road for me. Money raised will go to helping me with my educational and living expenses, including tuition, rent, food, transportation, books etc. The other $1 will go to a charity.

The charity: The charity that I have chosen is The WANTED Children Foundation (http://www.thewantedchildren.com/). The following is taken from The WANTED Children Foundation website:

The Wanted Children Foundation seeks to give long-term safety, security and love to the orphaned children of Nigeria by providing them with a loving home environment, proper food, clothing and food, medical care, and education.

(Please go to the website to read more about the project.)

If you are willing, each individual that donates will be named on my site. I will list your name and your location as a “thank you” and appreciation. Through this site, I will also keep everybody up to date on what is happening with me and how your money is benefiting both the charity and me. In addition, I promise to use only the amount of money that is needed to complete my education and reach my needs. Any other money received, over the amount needed, will go to the charity.

A little about me: In April 2004, I graduated from university with a degree in Psychology Honours and Communications. I was able to attend and pay for school on my own and with help from my parents. Although my parents helped in any way they could, I have three other siblings (and also foster siblings) and money only stretches so far. Therefore, by working, by saving, by some small bursaries, by large loans and by the grace of God, I was able to complete my university education.

However, upon completion, I also emerged with a substantial amount in loans. By hard work and frugality, I was able to pay off my loan in less than a year, which left me broke, but not in debt. Yes, saving and frugality is possible and it really works! Currently I am working 3 part time jobs, as it has been difficult to secure a full time job and struggling to make money for school. I am still broke and so, in addition to working, I am scouring and applying for loans, scholarships, and grants.

I write this to prove to you that I am a hard worker. That I do not sit back and wait for things to happen to me, but go out and work to make things happen. I plan to work while I am in school, as well as help coach a volleyball team. However, I am not too proud to ask for help. And today I'm asking for yours.

How you can support: If you would like to donate, you can use the PayPal or HyperWallet buttons or send me an email at adollarforschool@gmail.com. Also, please feel free to send me an email, write any letters or comments so I know who is supporting me. Thank you very much for your support.

Love and Blessings,

Ruthie