Fort Simpson (Apr 07/06) - Some stray dogs from Fort Simpson will get a chance for a better life thanks to the efforts of class four students at Bompas elementary school.

The 21 students raised $346 by providing entertainment.

On March 30, the gym of the elementary school in Fort Simpson was transformed into a movie theatre. The animated movie Chicken Little played to a full house. Movie-goers had a complete theatre experience with the film being projected onto a large screen. There was even a canteen with popcorn and juice for sale.

The idea for the fundraiser started over a month ago. In the village, Shauna Christensen and Betty Hanson have been taking in stray dogs. Using their own money, they send the dogs to the Great Slave Animal hospital in Yellowknife which also absorbs some of the costs. Asking the hospital if there was anything they could do to help, the women turned to the school to see if anyone was interested in assisting the dogs.

Class four jumped at the chance.

A lot of the students have dogs and during the year there has been an animal theme in class so the fundraiser fit in well, said teacher Leanne Lawley.

The effort also complemented Bompas' goal to promote a safe, caring team, said Lawley.

"I thought it was a good idea because there are a lot of stray dogs in Fort Simpson," said Madison Pilling, one of the students.

Pilling said it's not the dog's fault that people don't look after them so it's not fair that they get shot.

"Shauna and Betty are very nice people because they are taking in the dogs," Pilling said.

Planning for the event started in the first week of March.

Jobs were divided up so students helped with different tasks including making popcorn, working the door, setting up the gym and working in the canteen, said Lawley. The class took a vote to decide the movie choice.

All the students got involved.

"I thought it would help them get a better home," said student Sherissa Grossetete.

During the movie, Grossetete worked in the canteen selling food and counting money.

"It was kind of caring," said student Devan Horassi.

Horassi has two dogs of his own. He set up chairs in the gym prior to the movie.

All the money the class raised will be sent to the Great Slave Animal hospital where it will be used to assist dogs from Fort Simpson.