The little school with a big heart showed how kids help kids with their 19th annual Community Care Toy Drive celebrated on December 14 at the Burleigh Hill School assembly. In the school’s packed gymnasium yesterday, we learned how a team effort can unify school, families and community to work together in pursuit of a common goal to support Community Care.
For 3 weeks, Burleigh Hill School students, staff, and volunteers canvassed for donations at Canadian Tire on Glendale Ave. The campaign collected cash and Canadian Tire Money and new toys. Prior to the assembly, students and volunteers shopped like Santa but saved like Scooge at Canadian Tire, while packing up carts full of toys for Community Care.
“Our team of volunteers included two school graduates and their parents. They came back and asked if they could help out. Jordan Burton and mother Jeanette and Angelica Wright and mother Crystal told us they had been part of the campaign for the many years that they attended Burleigh Hill and that it just didn’t feel like Christmas if they couldn’t be part of it. Thank you for helping and continuing the Burleigh Hill tradition,” said the Event Organizer and Teacher Maria Carfagnini
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It was a thrill to see the students spread holiday cheer and help families in need. In a speech at the assembly student Felicia summed up the experience on the team as a valuable lesson.
“Our Community Care Campaign is a great example of Character Education in Action. We are respectful of those families experiencing financial challenges during the holiday season. Together we are making a difference. All money collected was used to purchase toys and sports equipment for Community Care. We are bringing smiles to children’s faces on Christmas morning. These acts of kindness and caring are making a positive difference,” said student Felicia in a speech at the assembly,” said Felicia.
Canadian Tire Glendale surprised the group by donating gift cards to the campaign and special markdowns on items boosting the donation to $7,319 worth of gifts this year. Since 1999, the campaign has donated more than $79,819 in toys to Community Care.
Burleigh Hill School student Emily G. inspired the audience in the packed gym in her speech at the assembly.
“Families accessing Community Care really matter. They just need a little help from some friends like us to help get through some difficult times. Life can throw some curveballs, but that makes us stronger and together we can manage and support one another and overcome any challenge,” stated Emily.
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