Me to We: A mother-daughter fund-raiser for tsunami victims

I explained my idea to Olivia after dinner one night, showing her where the storm had struck on her new globe. We also talked about how her many classmates from India and Nepal hailed from areas near where the tsunami struck. Then I talked about how we could raise $100 by reading 50 books and the money would help buy clean water and medicine for those who were hurt and had lost their homes in the disaster.

To my disappointment, Olivia was not very keen about the read-a-thon idea. She told me that she would think about it and asked for a chocolate pudding for dessert. The exchange that followed was not my proudest parenting moment. "How can you ask for pudding when you aren't even sure if you want to read books to raise money for so many kids that don't even have safe water to drink?" I blurted out. Olivia hung her head and ran up to her bedroom.

That experience taught me a lot. When I went upstairs to comfort my daughter I realized she was overwhelmed at the thought of reading, yes reading, 50 books; especially when -- as she pointed out -- she wasn't even able to read one whole book on her own yet. Good point; I should have been clearer! When I explained to Olivia that I would read the books to her but she would have to give up three to four hours of playtime to read with me, she was on board.

So far, after talking to family and my co-workers, as well as posting a sign at Olivia's school, we have raised about $75 in pledges. I am confident we will meet our $100 goal. Half of the money will go to Unicef Canada (Olivia's Toronto public school is partnering with that group) and the other half will go to Free the Children, as Canadian Living is partnering with its founders on their latest social initiative, the Me to We philosophy.

I will keep you posted on our final tally! Best wishes in instilling a sense of social activism in your child.