Released For Publication - December 14, 2023

"It's a pretty special thing that we've had so much support. It's one of my favorite things that we look forward to every year and the kids love it," said organizer and St. Joseph CS in Fergus teacher, Michael Burt.

Now in its eleventh year at St. Joseph CS in Fergus, Burt shared that more than ever there are families in need at this time of year – and the school community really showed up to for them.

“When we started this at St. Joes, we had probably about five families that needed help,” he explained.

“Now we are between twelve and thirteen - and we know there is always more support we can provide. So we keep additional money aside going into the new year for things like clothing and hygiene items, groceries - to help give things they need for the year. We've used money before to get kids into swimming lessons and involve them in activities and things they wouldn't otherwise be able to afford to do.”

Over the two-day period, students from all grades were invited to participate in age-appropriate festive activities and Christmas card making. The school community donates to the cause ahead of the special event, with prizes such as Storm tickets and pizza parties for top fundraisers.

“Our kindergartens came in for what we call our Reindeer Games, so they did a number of Christmas themed activities - What Time is it Mr. Grinch, Steal the Presents, Elf Counting Games, Little Ninja Challenge,” he explained. “Our grade 1 -6 students have the opportunity to come into the gym to do a soccer tournament or go to the library for Christmas Cards and our grades 7-8s do either floor hockey or our Christmas Cards.”

Beyond the day being a fundraiser, the Christmas Cards created by the students are created for and delivered to nursing homes in the local community to share in Christmas cheer. Burt shared the importance of the students not only raising funds, but providing service.

“It is a pretty special feeling, my students know that when they wake up and know that when they are going down and excited about their own gifts, they know that there are kids here in our school community that are experiencing that same thing because of what we are all doing together,” said Burt. “At the end of the day, it's about helping people.”

While the fundraiser has now come to a completion, the school is always accepting donations to help families in need throughout the year.

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Wellington Catholic District School Board consists of 18 elementary schools, three secondary schools and an alternative education program. We are proud to meet the educational interests of near 9,000 students in the City of Guelph and the County of Wellington.