Spanish Club launches charity for those in need

“Salsa and chips for sale! Salsa and chips!” yelled Partoo Ahari (12A), the president of Spanish Club, enthusiastically at passersby in the locker area. The Spanish Club is raising money to purchase jackets for children in Christel House, a Spanish orphanage, for Christmas. In previous years, it had always been Spanish classes that raised the money, but this year the club wanted to help, so they took the responsibility. With the goal of 1000RMB and 10 jackets, the club has spent every morning break and lunch for a few weeks to sell snacks.

Spanish Club shows their respect and care for both the children and Hispanic cultures. Along with the jackets, the members carefully crafted colorful Spanish Christmas cards for the children of Christel House. In addition to gifting, the club also submerges themselves into Spanish culture by going on trips to Hispanic events such as museums, restaurants, and theaters. “I feel really proud of my club because we interact with the language and culture a lot,” Partoo expressed. By learning more about Hispanic cultures, the club creates a greater bond with the language and cultures they support. “I am glad that we go on these trips,” Kate Yang (12C), treasurer of the club, commented, “Even though I’m not in the [Spanish] class, I can enjoy and learn about these cultures.”

But the club’s highlight for this year are the charity events they participated. When Ecuador was struck with a 7.8 earthquake in 2016, over 6000 citizens were severely injured. In response, Spanish Club managed to raise 1000RMB worth of medical supplies for the victims. Moreover, the club also raised 700 RMB for the victims of the 7.1 earthquake that hit Mexico earlier this year. “I’m really glad that our club puts in so much effort to help people from a completely different country,” commented Robin Jeon (12A), secretary of Spanish Club.

As the Spanish club has shown, helping may not simply mean giving money or materialistic gifts; it also includes understanding each other and making the effort to get to know each other. Next time a club is raising awareness, donate even one yuan! A little bit can go a long way.

Featured Image – Partoo Ahari (left) and Mrs. Sanders (right) sell snacks during lunch Courtesy of Michelle Wassmuth