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By Brice Roy SPECIAL TO THE BEAVER Holy Family students get lessons in social activism As a class, they have raised more than $1,500 for various charities as well as gathering canned food and supplies for needy children around the world. One of the larger efforts was participating in a global one-day vow of silence, which was taken by every member of the class and raised $500 for Free the Children. "The class was so creative and amazing," said Delija. "I always tell them that they blow me away." The students in class pointed out that the children on the receiving end of the fundraising weren't the only ones who benefitted. 17 · Thursday, May 3, 2012 OAKVILLE BEAVER · www.insideHALTON.com When it comes to raising money for charity it's not the size of the fundraisers, but the size of their heart that matters. Nowhere is this more evident than at Holy Family Catholic School where Grade 8 students have been doing their part to make the world a better place. Inspired by Craig Kielburger's book Free the Children, the students' teacher, Marianne Delija, signed her school up to become a We School. We Schools in Action encourages children to be involved in activism across the globe. "We got to go to We Day, which was awesome and really motivated us to help," said Delija. "When we came back, we decided that instead of just doing Free the Children, let's do something that the students are passionate about." The students were then arranged into groups of four "It makes me happy to know there are kids on the other side of the world benefitting from what we're doing," said Abigail Armstrong. Another student, Christian Kotulak, said, "It makes me feel good that we are helping kids less fortunate than me and that they get stuff that they need to survive." Delija echoes her students' thoughts and believes that the experience has made each one better for it. "I think the kids have really gotten something out of this," she said. "It's helped other people but also helped us see beyond ourselves. I think they've become better people." RIZIERO VERTOLLI / OAKVILLE BEAVER / @halton_photog ACTIVE LEARNING: Holy Family Catholic School teacher Marianne Delija and her Grade 8 students get in some lessons on social activism. where they chose a charity or organization based on a topic they were interested in. They were asked to complete three goals by the end of the year such as raising money or awareness. "I found that was the best idea because they are so passionate about their interests. For example, one group sent sports equipment to the Dominican Republic because they love hockey and sports," said Delija. And the students couldn't agree more. "Our group chose the organization Share Life and what we've done is face painting and games. We all enjoy art and using our talents and doing the things we like to help someone else," said Rio Sousa. MAY 5TH && MAY 6TH APRIL 30TH MAY 1ST Over 120 juried crafts people In the Great CRAFT SHOW The Milton Farm Saturday & Sunday 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Adults $5.00 Children Under 12 FREE Parking FREE Gambrel Barn, The Aberfoyle Town Hall and Individual Exhibitor Tents AT: Handmade Quality Great Food Great Gift Ideas 8560 Tremaine Road, Milton, for Mom Call 905-878-8151 Live Entertainment Take Hwy. 25 North to Milton & follow the signs. COUNTRY HERITAGE PARK ON OB $1.00 OFF ONE ADMISSION WITH THIS AD OAKVILLE EXECUTIVE GOLF COURSES Since 1959 $30 (tax incl.) TUESDAYS for SENIORS (60+) $30 (tax incl.) EARLY BIRD THURS. & FRI BEFORE 9AM JUNIOR / ADULT SPECIAL Juniors pay their age when playing with an adult after 3pm FRIDAY 9 & DINE IS BACK Tee off between 4 & 6pm on Angel's View for $30 and receive a $6 food voucher to be used in the Bistro ALL DAY GOLF MONDAY every Monday for the entire golf season ­ play all day on both courses for $34 WOMEN'S LEAGUES ARE ON MONDAY'S AND TUESDAY'S MEN'S LEAGUES ARE ON THURSDAY'S NEW FOR 2012 30% OFF Vanity Sale 4&5 May 4414 Fourth Line at Lower Base Line (Eglinton Ave.) Call for tee times 905.875.EXEC (3932) www.oakvillegolf.ca Best 19th Hole in GTA! 23 years of affordable golf at private course standards Showroom and Excess Inventory Sell-off 3235 Fairview St., Burlington 905-639-7106 www.plumbingmart.ca