Orphanage Club replaces annual Hunger Day with a fundraising event for Ukraine

by Amber W. ('23), TAS Communications Intern

Orphanage Club (OC) held a funding event for Ukraine amid the ongoing 2022 Russian Invasion of Ukraine on Mar. 23, replacing the usual annual Hunger Day charity event. Donations were collected under the sky bridge and lobby from 6:40 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. as well as through Google Forms, and all proceeds will go directly to support people in Ukraine. 

OC decided to hold the funding event for Ukraine at the beginning of March following the Russian invasion of Ukraine on Feb. 24.

“We compiled a list of possible organizations to donate to and realized the sheer amount of assistance needed to combat the recent crisis,” Chloe L. (‘24), the head of Hunger Day events, said. 

Upper school OC members collaborated with lower school students to not only spread awareness of the donation booths but also educate the lower school students on the issues around the world, urging them to donate through the lessons taught. 

Chloe’s biggest takeaway from organizing the event was communication, including ensuring that her younger audience understands the content presented by the club.

“Communication is very important, especially with already so many people willing to help,” she said. “With the LS lessons, we also have to be very mindful of what we put in the slideshows so that the curriculums would not be too hard to understand but at the same time, strong enough to last in an 8-year-old's memory.” 

Chloe appreciates how the TAS community continues to support the funding events OC holds annually.

“I am still surprised at how willing people are to donate, and how our TAS faculty makes the biggest impact of all,” she said. “Hunger Week taught me mindfulness, and the importance of publicity and persistence to get everybody to fight for a common cause.”