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SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE - Kiera Nolting believes it's unfair for any child to be without books.

"I think it's unfair that some kids have to go without books," the 10-year old said. "Being able to read is very important."

From left, Brittney Bessette, 9, Kiera Nolting, 10, and Kimberly Walcer, 9, are working with St. Joe's principal Flo Campbell and other classes at the school to help raise money to build a library in Ethiopia, an idea Nolting came up with over the Christmas holidays. - Andrew Livingstone/NNSL photo

Over the Christmas holidays, Nolting got a catalogue called Best Gift Ever, which displays different gifts that make a lasting difference in the lives of children and families in Canada and six countries around the world.

With plenty of different gifts to choose from, Nolting decided to raise $3,000 for a library to be built in Ethiopia. "We're feeding them knowledge," she said. "I think it's very important."

Nolting, Grade 4 students Brittney Bessette and Kimberly Walcer, with the support of St. Joe's principal Flo Campbell, are going to work towards Nolting's goal of $3,000 by putting on a loonie drive starting Jan. 30.

"Over four Fridays we hope to raise about $1,000 towards the goal and we feel it's very doable," said Campbell.

Every Friday for four weeks students will be able to donate to the cause. Each classroom will be equipped with a donation jar for students to help out however they can.

"We're not just accepting loonies, but whatever a person might be able to give," Campbell said. "We just thought it would be easier if we went with loonies."

Classes are getting on board with Nolting's plan after Campbell read out a letter that the student had written to the teachers. Bessette and Walcer's Grade 4 class is planning a toy and book sale to help raise money for the cause.

"Lots of us have books and toys at our house so we want to sell some of our old toys and books away," Walcer said.

"Our students do such amazing things and it's honestly really humbling," Campbell said. "We might never get to go to Ethiopia but we may be able to make a difference for kids there."

Like Nolting, Walcer is an avid reader and felt it was important to give people the opportunity to have access to books.

"Our class was thinking of ideas on how to help Kiera and we decided it was a good idea to get involved," Walcer said. "I love books and it wouldn't be that fair if we got books and they didn't."

Giving people opportunities they might not have is an important thing to keep in mind in life, because some day you might need the help yourself.

"It's a world of strangers, but we can still help them," Bessette said. Anyone wishing to make a donation or volunteer time to count money may contact St. Joseph's school.