The Link class at Vankleek Hill Collegiate Institute (VCI) recently took action to help make Christmas, and daily life more enjoyable for many people in our region.
According to Link teacher Tamany Booth, one of the students, Christopher Goyette, had a homeless person in Hawkesbury approach him and ask for help. That led Goyette to decide he wanted to do something for the community. He first contacted the Town of Hawkesbury and was directed to social services agency Valoris. A Valoris representative came to speak to the class about the programs and services the agency offers. Goyette wrote a letter that was delivered to local businesses on behalf of the class. The students collected donations of gift certificates, new gift items, and monetary donations from the businesses.
“Chris and Laurent Fimine worked hard to get the businesses to give gifts by following up with them and speaking to them to explain why they were doing the fundraiser,” Booth said.
On November 29 and 30, the Link class also held a drive-thru fundraising campaign at VCI where the public could stop by and drop off money, gift cards, new toys and clothing, new hygiene items, and non-perishable foods. In total, more than $4,000 was raised.
The Link class at VCI is a leadership class for Grade 12 students where they develop their leadership skills to both help Grade Nine transition into high school as well as hold events that involve the school community or local communities. This year students have ran school events like the Terry Fox run and Welcoming Day.
