This Remembrance Day, students at Central Toronto Academy are finding a meaningful way to honour Canada's veterans through creativity, historical research and community engagement with Project Poppy, an innovative cross-curricular initiative bringing together Visual Arts and Business students.
In the lead-up to November 11, Visual Arts students have been handcrafting clay poppies, each one a unique piece of functional and decorative art. The handmade poppies will be available for purchase at local community business Red Pegasus, giving customers an opportunity to commemorate Remembrance Day while supporting a meaningful cause.
Meanwhile, Business students have been researching Indigenous veterans who served Canada during times of conflict. Their research has been transformed into informative postcards that will accompany each handmade poppy, sharing the stories, contributions and sacrifices of Indigenous service members whose experiences have not always received the recognition they deserve.
Project Poppy is about more than making and selling art. It is about connecting learning to real-world experiences and giving students an opportunity to make a difference in their community.
Most importantly, 100% of proceeds from Project Poppy will be donated to the Canadian Legion, supporting the organization's ongoing commitment to veterans and their families.
Through Project Poppy, students are finding a creative way to remember, recognize and give back – helping ensure the stories and sacrifices of those who served are not forgotten.
CP24’s Beatrice Vaisman visited CTA to speak to art teacher Beckie Di Leo and grade 11/12 students about the project: