The war against Ukraine by Russia has touched the hearts of some Portage Collegiate Institute students who set out to do something about it. It started when one of them had the idea on March 3rd and approached a teacher.

Ronin Chalifoux, Kenna Parker and Belle McLean worked together while Chalifoux consulted school staff.

Chalifoux outlines what inspired her.

One of the boxes in the west building office"We wanted to start a fundraiser for Ukraine because we were upset by it and we thought it would be a good idea to do it at school," says Chalifoux. "It goes from March 7th to March 25th. My Baba inspired me to do this because she was really upset by this."

Kenna Parker says they're using boxes, that were made by Chalifoux over a weekend, in which students and teachers, as well as guests in the school, can place their donations.

"So, we have these boxes put in different places around the school and, essentially, kids can just put their donations in there and then it'll go to help Ukrainians," adds Parker.

Belle McLean has family who are Ukrainian.

"They've been upset by this, obviously," notes McLean. "And because they're my family, I guess I'm Ukrainian as well. And I know Ronin has a really big background in the Ukraine. I also am really big on changing the world and doing as much as I can while I'm here. So, whatever I can do to benefit people is my goal."

The project started two weeks ago and already about $200 has come in, which is more than they expected.

Parker says the boxes are painted with the Ukrainian flag's colours, with flowers on top and the words, "Donations welcome" painted on them. She adds they have four of the boxes throughout the school.

"I just think everyone should be aware that, just because you aren't in the Ukraine or not Ukrainian, it definitely is a worldwide problem as shown with gas prices," says McLean. "There are Issues that we might see as not as major to us, but there's nothing wrong with being empathetic towards people whom you might not even know, or just are trying to help."

It's called the Stand With Ukraine Fundraiser.

#STANDWITHUKRAINEFUNDRAISER