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Anne Muller, principal of Kindree Public School, sisters Hanna (9) and Robyn (12) Bodanis, and Heather Phair, AMJ Campbell show some of the 205 cell phones collected by the students and staff at Kindree Public School in north-west Mississauga.

Robyn and Hannah heard Heather talking about the Cell Phones for Soldiers program and wanted to get involved.  They asked their principal if they could bring the program to the school.  Ms. Muller contacted Heather for more details and quickly gave permission.  Heather, together with Robyn and Hannah made presentatons to all the Grade 1-5 classes.  Heather dropped off some AMJ Campbell boxes and posters…then the students took over.

The Cell Phones for Soldiers program ran for 6 weeks at Kindree Public School.  The program was featured in the monthly newsletter to parents.  On the day of the program launch, there was a notice sent home to parents explaining the program.  The students put up posters throughout the school. There were twice weekly announcements, with an ongoing phone count update.  Robyn wrote an e-mail note to all the employees at her mother’s place of business.  That resulted in a contact with a company in the midst of replacing all their sales force’s cell phones.  That company sent all their used cell phones to Robyn for their collection.  At the conclusion of the Cell Phones for Soldiers program at Kindree Public School, the Mississauga News came to take pictures of the girls for an article.

It was a great way for the students and staff to learn more about Canadian soldiers.   And to understand more about the differences between their lives and the lives of the families of Canadian soldiers.

The pride in Robyn and Hannah’s parents just grew and grew!  But….most importantly, Robyn and Hannah and their friends know that because of them, a little boy or girl will be able to see and hear their soldier mom or dad read a story each night before bed.

It’s amazing what a 9 year old and a 12 year old can do, and how a little bit of enthusiasm and effort can make a difference.

What have you done lately?