This story also appeared in the Delta Optimist on December 20.
It’s the season of giving and for students and staff at Delta Secondary School, it signals the start of a tradition that has been going strong for more than 20 years – the collection of food items, toiletries and gift cards which are used to create hampers for local families in need.
“Three years ago, we named this initiative the 20 Days of Giving Campaign,” said Ms. Colleen Blatz, Social Studies Teacher, who has been involved in organizing the annual fundraiser since 1999. This year’s campaign ran from November 15 to December 2, and the goal was to surpass last year’s total of $17,000.
“In total, we raised $19,345 including food items, toiletries, and gift cards. We were able to create 26 hampers for local families in the Ladner community and make a positive difference this holiday season because of the generous donations by students, staff and our community members. I would like to thank everyone for their support of this project. It truly takes a village to make this happen,” said Ms. Blatz.
The Interact Club, led by Ms. Carla Day, organized the Food and Donation Drive Thru Event on November 29. Student Government, led by Ms. Paige Collings, was responsible for the promotion, collection and tallying of food items. Social Studies Teacher Mr. Graham Harkley looked after cash donations and the total contributions of this year’s campaign.
“Thank you to our Pacer students and staff and our community for their efforts this year. We showed our Pacer pride and why we are #Ladnerstrong in breaking last year’s total and helping out so many local families,” said Mr. Pavao, Principal. “A special thanks to Colleen Blatz for all the extra hours she put in to organize and assemble the hampers. This year’s campaign would not be the success it was without her leadership, commitment and work to ensure local families are cared for and have something special for the holiday season.”
