Mowat students & staff raise thousands for emergency fund

Sir Oliver Mowat CI students and staff are always thinking of the many less fortunate Toronto District School Board (TDSB) students. In December, they set out to raise a lofty $12,000 for the Toronto Foundation for Student Success (TFSS), the TDSB’s arm’s length charitable foundation.  

The fundraising drive proved to be a great success! A cheque presentation on December 17 wrapped up two weeks of student fundraising activities. The $12,000 raised is going to the TFSS in support of the Hope in Action Emergency Fund. The fund provides schools with one-time grants to help address students’ urgent needs.  

Superintendents Jeff Hainbuch and Al Wolch were at the school to applaud the students for their efforts.  Hainbuch’s team officially launched the TDSB Social Justice Action Plan last year. This plan is part of Director of Education Chris Spence’s initiative to encourage every school to support at least one global and one local cause each year. Social Justice Action Plans now engage entire school communities in awareness and fundraising activities in support of the TFSS. Monetary support is provided to those who need it most, while students learn the value of strong character. It was this plan that spurred Sir Oliver Mowat students and staff into action.
 
The TFSS exists to support the needs of TDSB students. Ten high schools have pledged their support to help build the Hope in Action Emergency Fund, so that it can be officially launched throughout the system early in 2011.