Liidlii Kue/Fort Simpson - Students at Bompas elementary school are practising being good global citizens.

Wearing pyjamas for a good cause, Kim Cherry, left, holds $32.50 that Class 3 raised on Nov. 13 towards Bompas elementary school's fundraising project. Students like Morgan Myers, right, have been keeping track of their efforts on a giant barometer in the school's hall. - Roxanna Thompson/NNSL photo

Since October students have engaged in a project to furnish an entire classroom in a developing country with school supplies. The idea for the project was brought to a staff member by a Fort Simpson resident, Diane Cook, said Lea Lamoureux, the Class 3 teacher who's coordinating the school's efforts.

"The staff was really excited about it and we thought the kids would be too," Lamoureux said.

Students took the project on with the goal of raising $600. Through a World Vision program $600 will furnish a classroom with desks, chairs, books and necessary supplies and leave a bit left over for some soccer balls, said Lamoureux.

To make the project more fun every Tuesday students are allowed to wear their hat in school. At that morning's assembly each class pours their gathered money into a special red firefighter's helmet. The general donation is $2, but some students bring more.

"You should hear the kids gasp when they bring in bills," said Lamoureux.

Suspense builds until the end of the day when that week's donation amount is revealed on the announcements.

"They're on the edge of their chair," she said.

The students have shown their support for the cause through their donations. On Oct. 23 they started off with $220.79 which grew to $514 by Nov. 6. Nearing their goal, students were allowed to wear pyjamas instead of hats to school on Nov. 13 to celebrate.

Students have been keeping track of their progress using a giant barometer. The school hasn't decided yet if they'll stop at $600, said Lamoureux.

Students are eager to share information about their project.

The students who will get the gift probably have no supplies right now, said Winter Alger.

Raising the money is "exciting" Alger added.

"It's important because we're being kind and caring," said Katrina Browning.

Browning estimates that they'll reach their fundraising goal next week.

"I hope they enjoy it and like their classroom," she said about the class that will get the supplies.

Students aren't the only ones who have put their support behind the project.

Kiwi Electric donated $200 to the project, a gift that was matched by Wolverine Air.

"I think it's such a great idea," said Pat Waugh with Kiwi Electric.

Waugh said she was inspired by the students to donate. Her own grandchildren have been so excited by the project that they've volunteered to do household chores and donate the money they earn.

Individual residents have also helped. June Pelley, who works at the Nahanni Inn, donated an ice cream pail full of change.

A second barometer has been set up in the school to track corporate donations.