FERGUS – St. Joseph Catholic Elementary School in Fergus has raised almost $6,000 to support 12 families through its Christmas Family Fundraiser.
“It’s a pretty special thing that we’ve had so much support,” said organizer and teacher Michael Burt.
“It’s one of my favourite things that we look forward to every year and the kids love it.”
From Dec. 12 to 13, students participated in festive activities including Christmas-themed games and crafts, soccer and hockey tournaments, and Christmas card making.
The cards are delivered to people living in local nursing homes.
The school community donates to the cause ahead of the festivities, and top fundraisers are rewarded with Guelph Storm tickets, pizza parties and other prizes. Students were encouraged to donate $10.
Burt said helping others creates a special feeling for his students, who know that when they wake up and open gifts on Christmas morning, there are other kids sharing the same experience thanks to their fundraising work.
“At the end of the day, it’s about helping people,” he said.
Burt has been involved with the Christmas Family Fundraiser for 14 years – beginning what he taught in Guelph before starting at St. Joseph.
Over the last 14 years, the fundraiser has raised $70,000.
The St. Joseph version of the fundraiser is in its 11th year, and there are more families than ever in need, Burt said.
“When we started this at St. Joe’s, we had probably about five families that needed help,” he explained.
Now, the number of families in need has more than doubled.
While the fundraiser has come to a completion, the school is always accepting donations to help families in need throughout the year.
“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,” Burt said.
“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.”
To make a donation to support families in need in the St. Joseph school community, contact the school office at 519-843-3810.
