How school students in the US raised funds for flood affected in India, and people in need in the US.

Ayaan Raza is a ninth-grade student at Westmont High School. He and his sister Numaa Raza, who is in fifth grade at Gussie Baker Elementary School, have been actively fundraising for various causes with ActionAid Association for the past five years. The kids sprang into action after they heard about the devastating floods and subsequent landslides that displayed thousands of displaced and vulnerable families from Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Uttarakhand, and Uttar Pradesh due to the heavy monsoon. After reading the news and stories emerging from the affected regions from the ActionAid Association website, the kids were motivated by a shared desire to contribute positively and channel their energy into organizing a fundraiser.

This year, to make their efforts more engaging and appealing to a wider audience, the kids have diversified their fundraising activities by hosting an online fundraiser to reach donors in India as well as the USA. Instead of doing their traditional cookie and candle sales, the kids researched online to find the best online crowdsourcing platform that appeals to the people who wish to donate. They narrowed it down to the GIVE website, which offers donors an opportunity to claim tax benefits as per the local law.

The students initially set their fundraising goal to 50,000 rupees and started reaching out to people worldwide. To raise funds, the kids have taken the opportunity to educate their peers and community about the impacts of natural disasters and the importance of collective action. Their efforts paid off right away when they reached the goal quickly, so they raised the goal to 100,000 rupees. The kids did extensive outreach within their local community in the USA and in India through social media and reached their goal soon. This encouraged them to increase their fundraising goal to 125,000 rupees. Overall, they collectively raised close to 115,000 rupees at the end of the fundraiser. The fundraiser has provided financial aid to the victims and fostered a sense of community and shared responsibility among the participants. The kids’ involvement has forged strong bonds, and they are learning valuable lessons about collaboration, leadership, and the impact individuals can have when they work together toward a common goal.

In times of crisis, it is heartening to witness the determination and spirit of individuals, regardless of their age. The kids organizing this fundraiser for the North India flood and landslide victims exemplify the power of compassion and the positive change that can be brought about by even the youngest members of society. Their efforts provide relief to those in need and serve as a powerful reminder that collective action, fuelled by empathy, can make a lasting impact on communities facing adversity. As we applaud and support these young change-makers, we are reminded that the future is in capable hands, driven by compassion, unity, and a commitment to making the world a better place for all.