Last year, the PET donated RMB 90,000 to Heart to Heart, and RMB 150,000 the previous year. In the last two years, PET’s fundraising activities were led by the outstanding guidance and supervision of Sarah Gilsenan; the former Head of PET and a parent at our school - her selfless actions and motivation are a lesson to all of us. Iris Kastoriano, an active member of the PET, wanted to share this statement;
‘This is my ninth year in Shanghai, and BISS is the fourth international school my children have attended. An organisation such as PET, led by parents only for the benefit of the school community and fundraising, did not exist in any other international school my children attended in the city. It is unique and rare. Hopefully, similar activities will be formed around the city as time goes by, and Heart to Heart will be sponsored from other groups such as PET BISS.’
Due to COVID-19, it has not been possible to have our usual fundraising events in school, and yet, the PET recently made the decision to donate RMB 20,000 from their existing funds to the charity. The team, all BISS parent volunteers, understands that Heart to Heart desperately needs this money to continue its very valuable operation. 100% of donations go to the children’s surgeries – Heart to Heart doesn’t take anything for salaries, reimbursements or expenses. All of their staff volunteer their time and expertise, and the charity has an RMB 0 operating budget. The donation is ‘visible’ – the PET will, in time, have the chance to meet the children and families who they work hard to support.