Global Giving is working to raise US$57,655 to assist Holy Cross

In September of 2011, Holy Cross Anglican School, through the hard work of the Holy Cross Education Foundation HCEF began its journey to becoming completely self-sufficient. The first step was in providing its own electricity using solar energy.
Holy Cross Anglican School serves the less fortunate kids of Ambergris Caye and has surfaced as a beacon in an era when unemployment is at an all time high in an area where residents are already burdened with poverty.
The fundraising efforts of the HCEF through the program, Global Giving, saw the purchase and installation of some 24 solar panels which was promised to have offset about 30-35% of Holy Cross’s annual consumption. The panels produced some 5800 – 6000 kilo watt hours of electricity per year. At an approximate cost of US$33,000 these panels should have saved the school over Bz$12,000 per year with an expected life span of at least 25 years, functioning at 80% capacity throughout their lifespan. According to representative from Holy Cross, “The system is working wonderfully.”
Global Giving is back at the forefront, now working on raising some US$57,655 which would suffice to purchase and install solar panels that would provide electricity to the entire school, making the school completely self-sufficient with renewable energy. To date, the program has raised just over $30,000 with a balance of approximately $26,000.
The immediate goal is to fund 24 panels at an array of cost ranging: $1,400 US per panel including all peripherals and installation; $700 US per panel, stand alone; $350 US per half panel and $175 US per quarter panel. Donations may be done by visiting Global Giving . Organizers have added that all donations received on October 17, 2012 will receive a 30% match.
The overall goal of the program is to provide renewable electricity to the computer lab, medical clinic, cafeteria and classrooms that serve over 500 students. The long term goal sees moneys being saved from this program being re-invested into other school programs, such as the “Feeding Program”.