Faculty of Education Summer 2011
“ In union there is strength .” ~ Aesop per cranes were uniquely symbolic , donators were encouraged to take a crane after making a donation . The display that I produced included the 1,000 white paper cranes , strung together and displayed below the counter of a local coffee shop , accompanied by a few hundred decorative cranes sitting atop the counter . The cranes were set up for roughly 3 weeks , and the response was overwhelming . Through contributions that ranged from pocket change to sizable cheques , we were able to make a donation of about $ 2,800 to the Canadian Red Cross , going specifically to relief efforts in Japan .
From this benefit , I have learned about the power of collaboration , and that no effort with good intention is wasted . I have also captured a glimpse of the power of the arts . I feel that people perhaps were affected on a different level by the visual aspect of the fundraiser , which was unique compared to most conventional donation collections .
Furthermore , I have learned a
7 great deal about people , about the amazing potential they have to do good . Many were extremely encouraging , helpful , and supportive to me during the time I was working on the fundraiser installation . Additionally , I was shocked by the general public ’ s generosity . The success of this fundraiser was a result of the generosity and kindness of countless people .
Submitted by Whitney Blaisdell Arts Education and Arts Student , University of Regina