The Programs Aid School Children in Jerusalem and Raise Awareness of the Dangers of Bullying

Contact: Andrew Walther, 203-824-5412, andrew.walther@kofc.org; Matthew St. John, 203-584-6129, matthew.stjohn@kofc.org; both with Knights of Columbus

SAN ANTONIO, Aug. 8, 2013 /Christian Newswire/ -- Knights of Columbus Jesus the King Arab Christian Council 15045 of Markham, Ontario, and Donat Robichaud Council 9178 in Cap-Pelé, New Brunswick, were recognized for their creative youth programs.

The two councils were awarded the 2013 International Youth Activity Award at the 131st  annual international convention of the Knights of Columbus held in San Antonio this week.

The Markham council developed a program to help the Melkite Catholic Patriarchate in Jerusalem provide scholarships to needy children. The program features a fundraising website -- JerusalemStudents.org -- and allows donors to sponsor the education of Christian students in Beit Sahour, near Bethlehem.

According to tradition, Beit Sahour is the location where angels announced the birth of Christ to shepherds as they kept the night watch over their flocks. The present-day population includes about 14,500 residents, 80 percent of whom are Christians.

Because many Christians in the Holy Land live in poverty, the program helps to ensure that children have access to quality education and economic opportunity. The per-child cost is $500 a year, and donors can sponsor students on a monthly basis. Currently, 40 children receive support for their education at the Greek Catholic Patriarchate School in Beit Sahour.

Fifteen members of the Markham council have participated in the program, contributing more than 730 hours of volunteer service.

The Knights of Columbus Donat Robichaud Council 9178 in Cap-Pelé, New Brunswick, helped to organize an anti-bullying campaign. As part of "No to Bullying, Yes to Respect!" each student was asked to draw a picture of what intimidation means to them, and 12 drawings were selected for a promotional calendar.

The council also distributed "No to Bullying, Yes to Respect!" stickers for display in windows and on vehicles. Working with local officials, the Knights also installed two signs at the entrance of the village to remind visitors that the community values courtesy and respects human dignity. Six members of the council contributed 180 hours of volunteer service for the project.

The Knights of Columbus was founded in 1882 by Father Michael McGivney, a parish priest in New Haven, Conn. With charity as its central commitment, the organization has grown to 1.8 million members worldwide. During the past year, Knights donated more than $167.5 million and more than 70 million hours of service to charitable causes.