For 18 years, Laurelwood Public School has supported the Waterloo Region by participating in their annual Week of Giving campaign.

The tradition first started when, then, vice-principal Wendy Brum saw an opportunity to directly make a difference in the Region, and to teach students the importance of giving back. This campaign has had such an impact on past staff and students that the initiative has spread across the Waterloo Region District School Board (WRDSB) – it has created a positive ripple effect.

For one week in December, students and staff are encouraged to donate a different item for a different local charity. The practice of giving back is a tremendous life lesson that can’t be taught enough, and watching our students make an impact in the lives of others who need help is something that needs to be celebrated. The themes and charity for each day was as follows:

  • Munchkin Monday – donation of baby supplies (clothes, diapers, toys, etc.) for Monica House and Anselma House
  • Toiletry Tuesday – donation of toilet paper, deodorant, soap, shampoo and toothpaste for Anselma House and the House of Friendship
  • Woollie Wednesday – donation of hats, scarves, mittens, long johns for the House of Friendship and Out of the Cold
  • Turkey Thursday – money donation to buy turkeys for the Rotary clubs of Kitchener-Waterloo. This year, Laurelwood PS raised more than $5,000 for the Rotary Club’s turkey fund!
  • Food Bank Friday – donation of non-perishable or canned food items for The Food Bank of Waterloo Region.

This annual giving campaign continues to be a big success. According to The Food Bank of Waterloo Region, Laurelwood PS has consistently given the largest school donation of food – WOW! As a result of last week’s event, the school brought in enough food to overflow 12 shopping carts AND 27 food bank boxes.

A big thank you to Sobeys Inc. for donating shopping carts, year after year, to help store and display all the school’s amazing donations. In addition, we cannot forget to thank the Laurelwood PS school community for their generous, and unending support. You have allowed this campaign to make a strong impact to those in the community that need the extra comfort and help, especially during the holiday season. We can say for certain that they appreciate every bit of kindness.

 

Toiletry Tuesday - just a sample of the donations!

Toiletry Tuesday – just a sample of the donations!

 

Cart after cart after cart! Look at all that food for the food bank.

Cart after cart after cart! Look at all that food for the food bank.

 

The donations made on Woolie Wednesday will keep many people warm this winter season.

The donations made on Woollie Wednesday will keep many people warm this winter season.