Amazing young fundraiser Sam Terry. Photo Credit The Globe and Mail/Todd Korol

Sam is an inspirational youngster, and is spreading an excellent message about world literacy. Her dedication and community leadership are incredible. Not only is she raising lots of money for an excellent cause, but she is doing it by informing and educating her community. As Room to Read says, and Sam demonstrates, 'World Change Starts with Educated Children.'

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High School student Sam Terry from Canada raises $32,000 through public speaking

Fourteen year old Samantha (Sam) Terry is not your average high school student.

In addition to playing for the school basketball team and volunteering at her local church, Sam tours the province of Alberta as a public speaker, attending events and raising awareness in the community of the Room to Read Foundation.

Set up by former Microsoft executive John Wood, the Foundation strives to raise literacy levels in developing countries.  To date Room to Read has constructed 1,450 schools and 12,522 libraries around the world, and has distributed ten million books around the globe, benefitting six million children.

Motivated after watching a video documenting the work of the foundation, Sam decided that she was going to do her bit and build a school in Nepal.  Since then she has raised over $32,000 through attending public events and speaking on the impact of the Foundation.

When asked why she works so tirelessly to help others, Sam replied:

“My theory is that life is like a lottery and we got the winning ticket; but you could share your prize with everyone.”

Sam focuses her efforts on speaking to children her own age, appealing to their unbridled generosity:

“Adults think with their heads; kids think with their hearts.  Whenever I’m telling my story to kids, it’s not, ‘What’s my financial obligation?’ It’s just, ‘What can I do now?’ ”

In 2009, at the age of 12, Sam was awarded the Government of Alberta’s Great Kid Award for her fundraising and public speaking.  In being presented with the award, Sam was described as

‘already a leader in her community.’

Sam is currently raising funds for the Rotary Everest Trek 2012 school building project, and, although she cannot skip school to go on the expedition, has set herself the goal of raising $15,000.  With over $7,500 currently raised, Sam is well on her way to reaching her target.