When it comes to helping Syrian refugees settle in Surrey, Andrea Sekhon's Ocean Cliff Elementary students were pretty crafty.
The Grade 2s – at the prompting of classmate Abby Anderson and with the help of another Grade 2/3 class – made Christmas decorations and gifts to sell last week prior to the 12550 20 Ave. school's Christmas concert.
Sekhon said the children hoped to raise $500 through the effort, which offered up everything from sock snowmen and candles to bird feeders and tree decorations.
The results, Sekhon said were beyond expectations.
"It was amazing. We set a goal of $500 but raised $890.25," Sekhon said by email.
In addition, a Grade 5 class donated partial proceeds from their entrepreneur show, bringing the total to $1,106.75.
"Wouldn't it be neat if someone would match our donation?"
Sekhon said the funds will benefit the Surrey School District's welcome centre and the Eversafe Ranch outreach society.
Sekhon said her students, when asked why they wanted to help the refugees, cited wanting to comfort the families, as well as feeling a responsibility to support them.