Principals and teachers of the St. Clair Catholic District School Board have made personal donations to help support students and families who are struggling as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Members of the St. Clair unit of the Catholic Principals’ Council of Ontario (CPCO) have donated $800 each to the St. Vincent de Paul Food Bank and Help Centre in Sarnia and Chatham Outreach for Hunger and a further $400 to the St. Vincent de Paul Society in Wallaceburg.
Members of the St. Clair elementary and secondary units of the Ontario English Catholic Teachers’ Association (OECTA) have donated $3,000 each to Chatham Outreach for Hunger and the Inn of the Good Shepherd in Sarnia.
In addition, OECTA has supported 42 families with grocery and Walmart gift cards and have assisted two families by helping to furnish an apartment and donate a laptop, to make it possible for a student to be able to participate in online learning at home.
“These are challenging times for many families,” stated Wayne Bechard, President of the Elementary Unit of OECTA – St. Clair, in a media release.
“Our members know first hand the circumstances their students face and they have responded generously. We are proud of their answer to our call for help.”
“Teachers often dig into their own pockets and find ways to anonymously support students in need,” stated Chad Coene, President of the Secondary Unit of OECTA – St. Clair, in a press release.
“Our members are pleased to contribute to this fundraising initiative, which will support many students and families in our communities who need our help.”
“As leaders in their school communities, our principals know their families and the struggles that have been compounded by the COVID-19 pandemic,” stated Brendan Deery, President of CPCO – St. Clair, in a media release.
“I want to thank them for their compassionate response, which will assist those in our community who need our support at this time.”
“Thank you to our teachers and principals and their union executives for these generous donations, which will do so much to help our students and families,” stated Deb Crawford, Director of Education.
“Words cannot describe what this will mean to our most vulnerable families.”
