OneSchool Global Des Moines students raised $20,000 to fund the provision of a service dog for a military veteran with Puppy Jake Foundation.
Raising $20,000 for charity is an outstanding effort for any school, but even more so when you consider OneSchool Global Des Moines is a small campus of just 28 students.
“As part of our fundraising for the year, we wanted to find a charity in the local area that was making a real difference,” said year 10 Liana Holt.
A service dog provides much needed support and companionship for veterans with disabilities, and from birth to placement costs approximately $18,000 to $20,000. The team at Puppy Jake provide these dogs, fully trained at no cost to veterans or their families. When the student-led Puppy Jake Team at the Des Moines Campus learned of this amount, they immediately set that as their fundraising goal.
“The work of Puppy Jake Foundation, and the impact it has on the lives of men and women who have given so much in service to our country, made a strong and fast connection with us and we became passionate about doing what we could to help. There are many great things about being a teacher at OneSchool Global, and seeing our students and school community come together to support a cause like this is just one of those,” said Campus Principal, John Van Ess.
“Once the students learned the costs of placing a dog with a veteran, there was no stopping them in their goal to raise the funds. I am really proud of their initiative and commitment to making this happen. The students really personified our school’s values”.
With a progress chart adorning the walls of the learning center, the students sought sponsorship from their extended families and local businesses, as well as by rolling up their sleeves with some hard work in running stalls and campus events to reach their target.
“Puppy Jake Foundation works hard to honor and support those who have given so much for our country,” said Puppy Jake Foundation CEO, Linda Russell.
“We can only do this with generous support from the public, and the effort of the OneSchool Global students is and outstanding example of this. The students’ fundraising efforts will change the life of a veteran and we are so thankful for this significant donation”.
About OneSchool Global
OneSchool Global is one of the world’s largest and most comprehensive, truly global schools. With more than 9,000 students, 125 campuses and 2,000 staff and volunteers operating across 20 countries, OneSchool’s global education ecosystem provides an environment in which our staff and students thrive.
We develop learners who “learn how to learn”. We facilitate this learning through a forward-looking and pioneering approach to education. While academic excellence has and always will be a priority, OneSchool challenges dated educational practices and processes with our Self-Directed Learning program. We place the focus on what and how students are learning, rather than merely on what is being taught. www.oneschoolglobal.com
About Puppy Jake Foundation
Puppy Jake Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to help wounded military veterans with the assistance of well-bred and professionally trained service dogs. Veterans’ injuries may be invisible such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or physical mobility impairments. The Foundation advocates for increased awareness and accessibility for those accompanied by a service dog in everyday situations. For more information, please visit: www.puppyjakefoundation.org
