“These bed nets only cost $10 each and each one can protect up to five children for five years,” said Jonah Macan, a Grade 11 student organizer at St. Michael’s College School.

As part of St. Mike’s fundraising initiative to raise between $15,000 and $20,000, the school held a walk-a-thon Sept. 30. The nationwide challenge kicked off Sept. 13 and runs through February.

Canadian students have raised more than $1 million in the last five years, adding up to more than 100,000 bed nets. Between 300-500 million people are infected with malaria every year, but these treated bed nets can reduce mortality by up to 50 per cent or more, according to statistics on Spread the Net’s web site. The bed nets are effective because, in addition to providing a physical barrier to mosquitoes, they are treated with insecticide so the bugs are killed on contact.

“It really helps us to connect with our brothers and sisters in Africa who we don’t really know,” said Macan.

“We see their struggles on TV but we don’t understand it. We don’t understand they have to go to bed at night in these mosquito nets while we at St. Mike’s… don’t have to worry about our next meal or where we go to bed at night.”

Macan, a member of the school’s student government, and Nestor Maslej came up with the idea of bringing the challenge to the school. They were attracted to it because they would be able to see the direct benefits of their involvement.

“We know these are actual tangible bed nets that are being bought for these kids to protect them at night from malaria… and we thought something like this would bring a level of awareness to all students,” he said.

Principal Terence Sheridan said this challenge is helping students put their faith into action.

“St. Mike’s has a significant focus on community service so this was one way of participating in that cornerstone of St. Mike’s,” said Sheridan. “It’s recognizing a need in a Third World country and I think every human being has a call to help out another individual when needed.”

And Sheridan said taking part in the challenge will help students better understand their global responsibility.

“Even students who may be less fortunate in our school don’t have the struggles that Third World countries might have… And ultimately, the walk-a-thon and ability to try to put a hand out to those in need is another aspect of our school motto of goodness, discipline and knowledge.”

Catholic high schools that took part in last year’s challenge included Mother Teresa High School and St. Patrick’s High School in Ottawa and Holy Trinity High School in Edmonton. Schools can get involved right up to the campaign’s end Feb. 29.

For more information about the Spread the Net Challenge, see www.spreadthenet.org.