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PAULATUK - It was the first time Jerry Ruben-Bennett bought a piglet for a Christmas gift. But the 12-year-old said he’s never felt more satisfied about a holiday purchase.

“I wish everyone could do something like this,” said Ruben-Bennett.

Angik school students, from left, Shari Ruben, Colten Gordon-Ruben, Georgina Wolki, and Bernadette Green proudly showcase their World Vision Wall. - photo courtesy of Justin Kinney

Actually, he was just one of many Angik school students in Paulatuk who managed to raise $1,135 in two weeks, which also paid for 10 fruit trees, two goats, two rabbits, eight hens, four roosters and nine soccer balls for needy families throughout the world.

The money will also provide clean water for a family, agricultural packs for six families, and education for two little girls.

That list came out of a World Vision Christmas gift catalogue that was sent to the school in November. When Angik schoolteacher Justin Kinney got a hold of it he and his colleague Mary Ruben-Bennett made it their mission to get the students involved.

To generate interest, the teachers showed students a power point presentation filled with images of needy children and families and the types of gifts that could be purchased to ease their suffering.

“We wanted to put things into perspective for the students because at Christmas time when they’re asking for iPods and Nintendo Wiis, there are some kids that are looking for a goat for some milk for their family,” said Kinney.

Kinney said the students took on the challenge with vigour. The school regularly splits into four house teams that compete in monthly competitions.

So, from the end of November to the second week of December, the fundraising race was on. They soon began raffling tickets on an autographed Bryan Trottier mini hockey stick.

Bernadette Green was one student in particular who Kinney said went all out during the fundraiser. During a school career fair she took the opportunity to hit up the crowd. Then other students followed suit. Three quarters of the total amount raised was amassed that night.

Not to exclude anyone, Kinney was quick to point out the achievement was born out of teamwork and the generosity of community residents.

“The kids are very proud of how much they raised. We’re having an assembly in February and we’re going to reveal all the things that we bought. The kids are going to be ecstatic when they see the impact they’ve made,” he said.

For Jerry, he is already feeling that pride.

“It feels good to help poor kids that don’t have a lot of shelter and food. I just want to help people more now,” he said.