Date: Mar. 12, 2012
Contact: Carol Connelly, Director, Media & Communication Services, ext. 5267, cconnelly@pnc.edu

PNC Social Work Club Collects Coins to Build Schools

Westville – The Purdue University North Central Social Work club has posed a “ Water Bottle Challenge" as part of its spring fundraisng efforts to support it "Build a School in Africa" project.

The Club will give a water bottle to anyone who would like one. The Club asks that the bottles be returned, filled with as many coins as can be collected. The bottles are said to hold $90 in dimes.

All money collected will be given to Judy Lorimer, a retired kindergarten teacher from Massachusetts, who had dedicated herself to the "Build a School in Africa" foundation. Every year she raises money on her own to build a school in Africa.

The Social Work Club hosted one fundraiser and handed out 75 bottles while collecting more than $200 through a bake sale. The club members intend to host another fundraising event on April 15. Anyone who wants to make a donation may visit the April 15 event, or place a donation in a collection container is located in the PNC Cafeteria, near the cashier or make a donation through the “Build a School in Africa" website at www.buildaschoolinafrica.org.

In the meantime, the Social Work Club asks that all bottles and donations be returned prior to the end of spring semester.

Lorimer personally raises about $10,000 each year to contribute to the $30,000 cost of building a school in Africa. Her goal is to build one school a year, with the school construction funded solely through contributions. Lorimer ensures that the school buildings reflect their village and that members of the community are involved in the planning and construction of the school.

Lorimer visited PNC in 2010 to discuss her project and meet with the Social Work Club members and PNC Social Work students.

Further information about the Social work Club and its fundraising efforts may be obtained by contacting Lori Radtke, continuing lecturer of Social Work at 785-5200, ext. 5727 or lradtke@pnc.edu