Baker Lake (Jan 26/05) - A Grade 3 student at Rachel Arngnammaktiq elementary school in Baker Lake is a perfect example of the level of generosity and compassion Kivallimmiut feel when the call goes out to help those in need.

Crayston Owingayak went above and beyond the

call of his civic duty during his school's recent fundraising drive for the Red Cross tsunami relief effort.

Owingayak was deeply moved by the images he saw on his TV set when giant waves of disaster obliterated a number of Asian shores and the lives of the people who called them home.

The youngster told his mother he really wanted to help those who had been affected by the tsunami, so he emptied his piggy bank and donated his entire life savings of $107.59.

Owingayak said the images he saw made him feel deeply sad and he felt bad for all the people who lost their families and everything they owned in the disaster.

"I was saving my money to buy a new game for my PlayStation 2 system," said Owingayak.

"But I felt sad and worried because I thought more people were going to die, so I donated it instead."

Co-principal Becky Iyago said the staff at Rachel Arngnammaktiq elementary school were very impressed with Owingayak's generosity and sense of compassion.

"Actions speak louder than words and I am very proud of what Crayston has done," said Iyago.

"The staff members were touched by his actions, as well."

Co-principal Patrick Garrah said he was also touched deeply by the extent of the Grade 3 student's generosity.

"Crayston had probably been saving the money he donated for a very long time," said Garrah.

"Others I know at our school gave to the extent they could as well, with the result of $2,049 being raised by our school."