Niagara Catholic District Schools Gearing Up For 2009 "Kids Helping Kids"

Students under the jurisdiction of the Niagara Catholic District School Board have scheduled Februrary 9th to February 12th for the 11th annual "Kids Helping Kids" campaign is support of the Niagara Peninsula Children’s Centre.

Elementary and secondary schools in the Catholic 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, valentine hearts, hug a teddy bear days, bake sale or hot dog sales, 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 our 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 Catholic Director of Education John Crocco.  "We are extremely proud of the good work our staff and students do towards this very worthy cause."

Jack Foster, Chair of 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 tour the Centre, and the Centre staff and volunteers visit the schools with video presentations.

The program is planned to coincide with the time leading up to Valentine’s 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 "Kids Helping Kids" campaign started 11 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.