December 11th, 2018

Students at Laurelwood PS sat quietly, anxiously awaiting the start of the daily assembly for their Week of Giving. It was Thoughtful Thursday, where students raised money to contribute to the Kitchener Conestoga Rotary Club turkey drive in partnership with House of Friendship.

Laurelwood Lightening Leaders organized an exciting assembly that would see teams of school staff competing in a relay to raise points for their division teams. Before the fun started, students had an opportunity to hear how the money raised will support those in need from Peter Sweeny, CEO of YMCAs of Cambridge and Kitchener-Waterloo. “What you are doing is making sure families in your community have a chance to fill their plate,” said Peter.

Students learned about social responsibility and empathy while participating in the Week of Giving. “I learned how to walk in other people’s shoes,” said one Lightening Leader. “I now understand the need in our community. People my age are struggling. It’s hard to realize that people like me are in need.” The entire Laurelwood PS community came together to raise $5619 in one day to support the House of Friendship Turkey Drive.

For the Week of Giving, students collected items to support Anselma House, St. Monica House, YMCA’s Newcomer Support and Bright Lights programs, One ROOF, House of Friendship, Ray of Hope, and Foodbank of Waterloo Region. Items collected include diapers and baby wipes, toiletries, winter hats, mittens, scarves and other warm items and non-perishable food items.

We want to thank the hard work and dedication of the staff, students and community members of Laurelwood PS for another successful Week of Giving. Your generosity and kindness will help those in need in our community this holiday season.

 

We are counting down 12 days of giving where we feature some of the wonderful acts of kindness our staff and students are modelling during the holiday season.

You can check out all of the great acts of giving in our schools (there’s more than just 12) by following us on Twitter, Instagram or Facebook.

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