SUCCESS! Money Raised for Third Grade. Starts in January!

Safe Passage student (photo by Debbie Grail)

I am so happy that the many people I have met along the way, and others who heard about my expedition to share the stories of the children of Safe Passage, have given generously.  The goal was to raise $150,000 to convert third grade in 2015 and fourth grade in 2016 from after school programs to full day school.  The supporters met the goal!   At the start of the school year in January,  the third graders will now attend the Safe Passage school!  Thank you!
I have now completed 1445 miles.  That is 61% of the total distance I need to kayak.  We have raised $109, 623.  That's 73% of the total goal.  When we reach 100% of the goal, can I stop kayaking?  Everyone says, "No!"  So maybe we can raise money to convert fifth grade as well!

We have already met the goal of the money needed to convert third grade!

When Safe Passage made the decision to convert our after school programs to a formal school, we did it because it will enable the children to get a better education.  We started with our pre-school grades, and as those children graduated, we then added kindergarden.  As those kindergarden students graduated, we added first grade.  The next year we added second grade.  The idea is that this group of students will be the first to complete all of their primary and middle school grades at the Safe Passage school, rather than spending the four hours a day at the local public and private schools, like their older siblings had done.  We are already seeing positive results, with the number of students passing each grade increasing when they are in the Safe Passage school.  

Now I can get back to work kayaking and sharing the Safe Passage stories, so we can raise the rest of the money for fourth grade!  You can join in by using the "Give Now" button on the blob or the website.  Thanks again for all of the donations thus far!  You did it!  You raised the money for third grade!