Bayside Secondary and Bayside Public Schools recognized with Christmas Sharing's Humanitarian of the Year Award
On June 16, Bayside Secondary and Bayside Public Schools were presented with the Christmas Sharing Humanitarian of the Year Award in recognition of their ongoing and exceptional support and commitment to the Christmas Sharing Program.
Both schools made exceptional contributions to the program last year with Bayside Secondary School contributing 30 baskets to families in need in the community, while Bayside Public School contributed 15 baskets. This represents around ten percent of the total baskets contributed to the program last year. Bayside Secondary School also raised over $1000 in funds to provide turkeys and gifts to give to families. Bayside Secondary School's Christmas Sharing committee is James Mastorakos, Dawn Somers and Shelley Ray, and Bayside Public School's program is run under the leadership of Karen McPherson.
Last year's contribution was the continuation of a longstanding tradition of supporting Christmas Sharing at both schools. Over the past 25 years, Bayside Secondary School has provided over 600 baskets to the community.
Bayside Public School has been participating in Christmas Sharing for over 20 years. Each year they proudly support between 15-20 families in the community. The staff, students and families all actively contribute to the program through generous donations of food, toys, clothing and gift cards, and by making deliveries. One staff member donates all of the milk, and another provides all of the eggs. As teacher Karen McPherson says, "It's a great way to come together to care for the community, encourage volunteerism and foster empathy for others."
Accepting the award on behalf of the schools was James Mastorakos and Dawn Somers from Bayside Secondary School and Karen McPherson and Nicola Wand from Bayside Public School. Congratulations to the staff, students and families of both schools for this recognition of your generosity and compassion, and thank you to the board of Christmas Sharing for this honour.