Students under the jurisdiction of the Niagara Catholic District School Board have scheduled February 8th to February 12th for the 12th annual "Kids Helping Kids" campaign in support of the Niagara Peninsula Children’s Centre.

Elementary and secondary schools in the Catholic District School Board system from all across the Niagara Region organize various fundraising projects, with each school deciding on its own event or events.  They usually include read-a-thons, dance-a-thons, out-of-uniform days, fashion shows, cap days, valentines hearts, hug a teddy bear days, bake sales or hot dog sales, to name a few.

"Kids Helping Kids is a wonderful way for our students to learn not only about the unique challenges many of their fellow studenst face each day, but is an opportunity to put our Catholic faith into practice by helping Niagara’s children with special needs reach their full potential", said Niagara Catholic Director of Education John Crocco.  "We are extremely proud of the good work our staff and students do towards this worthy cause".

In preparing for the fundraising events, and to see how the proceeds are used, students from several schools tour the Centre, and Centre staff and volunteers visit the schools with video presentations.

The program is planned to coincide with the time leading up to Valentines day, with a theme of giving from the heart out of love.

Last year students and staff of the Niagara Catholic District School Board raised $46,500 bringing the total to more than $454,000 since the "Kids Helping Kids" campaign started 12 years ago.

All of the funds raised are used for the delivery of therapy services to the more than 3000 children with physical or communicative disabilities in the care of the Niagara Peninsula Children’s Centre.