CHARLOTTETOWN, P.E.I. — Some children in Charlottetown are trying to raise money for relief efforts in Beirut, Lebanon.
Rosa Coles, 13, as well as her siblings and friends are making and selling bracelets and necklaces at the corner of Dennis Crescent and Parkview Drive in the neighbourhood of Parkdale, near Park Royal United Church.
Rosa said she and her friends have been designing bracelets and necklaces for four years now but were inspired to do something extra special after attending the vigil at Victoria Park in Charlottetown on Tuesday night.
“We went to the vigil on Tuesday night and when we got home we were inspired to try and help out,’’ Rosa said on Thursday afternoon.
The vigil was held to honour those who were killed in the Aug. 4 explosion when 2,750 tonnes of ammonium nitrate exploded at the port in Beirut. It killed at least 200 people, wounded another 6,000 and damaged an estimated 70,000 homes. The blast was felt hundreds of kilometres away.
Tuesday’s vigil in Charlottetown was organized by the Canadian Lebanese Association of P.E.I. and attracted more than 250 people. It included prayers, lighting of candles, poetry, songs and speeches.
As of lunchtime on Thursday, Rosa and her friends had raised more than $100.
“We actually like doing it,’’ she said, referring to making the bracelets and necklaces. “They certainly need the money more than we do.’’
One of the parents helping the children out says all money raised will be donated to the Canadian Red Cross effort.
Rosa said if they can raise $250 that would help one family in Lebanon for an entire month.
They will be selling them until late afternoon on Friday.
