Saskatoon students raise money for Syrian refugees

Taryn Hein, 13, says she didn't think twice about selling her own toys to raise money for Syrian refugees.

She's part of the ScienceTrek program at Montgomery School for Grade 8 students in Saskatoon. Every year they choose a cause and hold a New2U sale to raise money for a charity. This time they picked the Open Door Society to help incoming Syrian refugees.

"I was happy to lend all of my toys to put in this sale," Hein said. "I thought it was a really good idea because they don't have as much stuff coming into the country as some of us do. It would be really nice of us to help them out when they get to see their new home."

I think I will take into consideration how much we use stuff and what we take for granted.- Taryn Hein, Grade 8 student

The students in the program bring items like puzzles, electronics, and toys, which they sell or auction to their schoolmates. After the one-day event the students had raised about $900.

Hein said she learned a lot from the experience.

"I think I will take into consideration how much we use stuff and what we take for granted," she said. "Put yourself in their shoes and see what else could happen to you or what your life could be if you weren't here."