Category: 12 Days of Giving

Day 12: A special surprise for the Heise family

Posted December 22, 2017

Terri Heise lives in Cambridge with her two daughters. She considers herself a single mom because her husband has acquired brain damage and lives in a long-term care facility in Niagara. Terri works as a home daycare provider, which allows her to provide for her family and pick up her 10 year old daughter, Sophia, […]

Day 11: Helping children in Ethiopia reach their potential through education

Posted December 21, 2017

Abdi Maawiye is a dedicated social worker making a big impact in our schools and around the world. Abdi founded Education 4 Change in response to his own personal struggle to obtain education while growing up in Ethiopia. Education 4 Charge is largely run by the volunteer efforts of WRDSB employees and other members of […]

Day 10: Supporting our students and families

Posted December 20, 2017

For the past 18 years, students at Crestview Public School have been raising money to support families in their community. The annual Canadian Tire Money Drive raises funds to purchase toys for Crestview Public School families that could use some extra support over the holidays. Any money left over is used to buy winter boots, coats, hats, […]

Day 9: Westheights PS dazzles holiday shoppers with a surprise performance

Posted December 19, 2017

Members of the Westheights Public School choir surprised holiday shoppers at Frederick Street Mall on Saturday with a musical flashmob. Before the musical festivities began, the group of students shopped for items such as hats, mittens and scarves to help decorate the school’s ‘Giving Tree’. They wanted to give back to their community, not just […]

Day 8: Honouring Jacob Ranton

Posted December 18, 2017

If you were at Waterloo Collegiate Institute (WCI) on December 15 or 16, you would have been greeted by volunteers wearing t-shirts that read “My Life Matters”. The volunteers were there to support the fundraising efforts of the 3rd annual Jacob Ranton Memorial Basketball Tournament. But more importantly, they were there to raise awareness of […]

Day 7: Forest Hill PS’s HERO Gift Shop

Posted December 17, 2017

With a quick visit to Forest Hill Public School’s HERO Gift Shop, it’s hard to spot the difference between giving and getting. “It’s been such an amazing experience,” says Rebecca Bearinger-Fay. “And the giving just keeps on happening.” Each day, staff are on the lookout to see their students doing something kind. They then recognize […]

Day 6: Grand River CI hosts 26th annual student and senior tea

Posted December 16, 2017

For the 26th year in a row, Grand River Collegiate Institute (GRCI) welcomed members of the community for their annual student and senior Christmas tea. More than 165 seniors from various retirement homes in the area were treated to an afternoon filled with the musical talents of students and staff, as well as holiday treats […]

Day 5: An entire week of giving at Elizabeth Ziegler PS

Posted December 15, 2017

During this time of year many of our schools participate in a week of giving, where each day is devoted to a different cause. At Elizabeth Ziegler Public School, this week is organized by the Union of Youth student group. On Make ‘em Smile Monday, small items such as books and games were brought in […]

Day 4: Thank you for supporting us by supporting our children

Posted December 14, 2017

The holiday season is a time for all of us to give thanks and take stock of the things we are grateful for. We are so fortunate to have many community partners helping us ensure that our students have the support they need to learn. On behalf of Waterloo Region District School Board, I want […]

Day 3: Queensmount’s “Operation Give so People can Live”

Posted December 13, 2017

The giving spirit is alive at Queensmount Public School, where a group of 35 students from the Queensmount Leadership Team (QLT) are rapping their way into the holidays. Yes, rapping. “We have a really great group of QLT students, they truly amaze me,” said Taryn Dowsling, a Grade 8 and special education resource teacher. “We […]

1 2