Sooke fundraiser supports Guatemala school reconstruction

Support Casa Guatemala Children Inc. will host its third annual fundraiser on September 25 at the Pearson College dining hall. The event aims to raise $10,000 to support the Wayne Malin Memorial School restoration project in the Rio Dulce region of Guatemala.

The project intends to replace an older section of the school that was damaged by termites and jungle rot, which previously led to the evacuation of four classrooms due to safety concerns. The total cost for the classroom project is estimated at $140,000, with approximately $53,000 raised to date. The new construction will feature six bamboo-engineered classrooms with cement foundations and flooring.

The fundraiser will include music from the Colombian band Fuerza Vallenato, a DJ, and a live auction featuring accommodation packages and items donated by local businesses. Tickets are priced at $15 per person, with a $25 option for additional contributions, while students may attend for free.