HD Stafford Middle School teacher-on-leave Djiba Camara’s dream was realized on Thursday, as he watched students and fellow teachers fill a shipping container with donations destined for Guinea, Africa.
From bikes and computers, to office chairs, soccer balls and more, Grade 8 students and several teachers loaded the container, which is expected to arrive in Guinea in February, said Camara.
"And God willing, so will I," he said.
The PE teacher has been battling cancer, but that hasn't stopped him from fundraising to get the shipping container to his native country, one of the most impoverished places in the world.
His church in Coquitlam held a garage sale for the cause a month ago, raising $9,000.
A teacher at HD Stafford donated $5,000 of his own money and the Langley Teachers Association donated funds as well. A parent donated $1,000, he said.
With all those funds, the shipping container can also be filled with rice, oil and other necessary food supplies for children and adults.
This will be the third container Camara has sent to Guinea. If his health allows him to go this time, he plans to document it.
He said he is extremely grateful to everyone who has supported his dream to help the people of Guinea.