Students under the jurisdiction of the Niagara Catholic School Board held the 11th annual "Kids Helping Kids" campaign from February 6th to February 12th in support of the Niagara Peninsula Children’s Centre.

Elementary and secondary schools in the Catholic Board system from all across the Niagara Region organized various fundraising projects, with each school deciding on its own event or events.  Events included crazy hair and hat day, out of uniform day, principal for a day, Star of the Day, cuddle up and read day to name just a few.

"Kids Helping Kids is a wonderful way for our students to learn not only about the unique challenges many of their fellow students 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 out staff and students do towards this very worthy cause."

Jack Foster, Chair of the NPCC Foundation Board of Trustees says, "Kids Helping Kids" is more than just a fundraiser; it’s also an educational and awareness program.  The students of today are the parents of tomorrow and some of them will be utilizing the Centre’s services for their children.  Through "Kids Helping Kids" students learn of the variety of treatment services offered by the Centre, and it’s rewarding to see Niagara Catholic students identify with children with special needs."

In preparing for the fundraising events, and to see how the proceeds are used, students from several schools toured the Centre, and Centre staff and volunteers visited 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 School Board raised $46,000 bringing the total to more than $410,000 since the "Kids Helping Kids" campaign started 11 years ago.