Generosity in action
Local school organizes fundraiser in support of Backpack Program
NEW GLASGOW, N.S. — Students at A.G. Baillie Memorial School were asked to demonstrate generosity by participating in a food drive and they certainly didn’t disappoint, bringing in a total of 1,583 pounds of food during November.
This year, students have been learning about different virtues each month and, as a lead-up to December’s virtue of generosity, the school decided to organize the fundraising event in support of the school’s Backpack Program, explained guidance support teacher Ashley Robertson. The Backpack Program provides food for students in need to take home with them on Friday that can be cooked with their families during the weekend.
Robertson said the fundraiser was such a success that the school is going to be repeating it for the month of December in an effort to help others.
There’s a friendly rivalry between the classes to see who can bring in the most. For the month of November, Cheryl Corbin’s primary/Grade 1 class brought in the most pounds of food. As the winners, students in that class will receive a healthy snack and an extra gym class. The prize will also be offered this month in addition to the potential to win a special gift.
Above and beyond the students own efforts, Robertson said it’s been nice to see some local businesses also make donations to the Backpack Program. In addition to providing a healthy and nutritious meal, she said the school also hopes it helps encourage families to cook and spend quality time together.