My name is Cassie, and I recently returned from a medical trip to Ghana with International Needs Canada. I went expecting to learn, serve, and support, but I didn’t expect to be so shaken by something many of us barely think about: the state of bathroom facilities in some of the schools and communities we visited.

I’m a nurse who specializes in wound, ostomy, and continence care. Sanitary and accessible washrooms are central to my work. But on this trip, I saw just how far out of reach that is for so many. Some school bathrooms were incredibly unsanitary, with no running water and very little privacy. In a few places, the conditions were so poor that students told us they often step in feces when trying to use the toilet area.

As someone who has dealt with chronic stomach issues my entire life, I struggled too. But my discomfort was temporary because I knew I would be going home soon. For the children and teachers who face these conditions every single day, there is no relief. This is their daily reality.

Despite this, I also saw what is possible. One of the schools we visited had recently built a brand-new bathroom facility: clean, safe, private, and accessible. Separate units for girls, boys, and teachers. A place where students can feel dignity instead of anxiety. Seeing the difference this made for the school community was incredible.

I learned that the cost to fully build the type of bathroom facilities we visited is around $35,000. And this July, I am turning 35.

So I’ve made it my birthday goal to raise $35,000 by my 35th to help build a new, safe, accessible bathroom facility for a school that truly needs it.

This project will:


• prevent infection and illness

• provide privacy and dignity, especially for girls and women


• support students with mobility or continence challenges


• create a safer, healthier school environment for everyone

If you’re able to give, I would be so grateful. Every contribution, large or small, brings us closer to giving hundreds of students something every person deserves: health, dignity, and a safe place to go.

Thank you so much for supporting this project and for helping me turn my birthday into something so meaningful.

- Cassie

P.S. Thanks to a generous group of donors who cover all of International Needs Canada’s fundraising and administrative costs, 100% of your gift will go directly to the project!