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Students learn to make a difference by helping others by Abigail Cukier Special to the Beaver 5 | Friday, March 21, 2014 | OAKVILLE BEAVER | www.insideHALTON.com Grade 8 teacher Marianne Delija is so proud of her students. And they have given her hundreds of reasons to be. Through various social action projects, the Holy Family Catholic School students have raised hundreds of dollars for people in need around the world. And they have raised awareness at their school about important causes. "I get praised for it, but I really just made up the assignment," Delija said. "If you give kids freedom to do something, they just run with it. It's amazing what they can do." For the third year, Holy Family has been a We School, which means 15 students were allowed to attend We Day in September 2013. Run by Free the Children, We Day brings together 20,000 youths and educators to be inspired by speakers and entertainers. The goal is to turn the inspiration into action, with students committing to making the world better. Delija had students identify three passions and choose an organization to champion, based on those passions. Groups were formed according to interests, not classroom friendships. Each group had to reach one goal by December 2013 and another by April. Mission Possible is supporting Action Against Hunger, raising almost $1,000 by going doorto-door and selling candy kebabs at events. Its Marianne Delija's Grade 8 students at Holy Family School have collected more than $5,000 and 225 items of food to donate to the various worthy charities they have dedicated themselves to as a part a challenge to create a social action project this year. | photo by Nikki Wesley ­ Oakville Beaver (Follow on Twitter @halton_photog or facebook.com/HaltonPhotog) members also collect donations for food banks. Water Girls supports Water Aid America to build wells to create clean drinking water and sanitation in Third World countries. It collected money door-to-door and sold hot chocolate during recess, raising $700. It hopes to double that by selling lemonade this spring. Water Girls member Megan Lis, 14, said they chose Water Aid America because they all play sports and know how important water is for athletes. "It was a great experience. I loved working with my group," she said. "I know I will now be more concerned with how much water I use." The Justice League of Canada supports UNICEF . Its members sold holiday cards and Christmas gifts to local businesses to raise more than $1,000. They raised another $100 through Blue Day, where students had to donate $1 to wear blue. They are now starting a bottle drive. "We take it for granted being safe here. In countries like Africa, children are not safe from things like child labour," said Justice League member Ezra Moos, 13. Raise to Play supports Right to Play, which provides sports equipment for kids in need. This group showed a movie at school, charging $2 admission and selling snacks, and raised more than $200. It will soon hold a bake sale. Kindness 4 Cause supports Free the Children. It collected $300 door-to-door and are organizing a teachers-versus-students volleyball game, where they will charge admission. Change 4 Change also chose Free the Children and collected $750 by going door-to-door. It's holding a movie day this month. "It makes you feel like you are doing good for others instead of only thinking about yourself," she said. "Now that I know about how people are suffering, I will continue to support these causes," said Madison Frazao, 13. Delija has seen the impact on her students. "This has made them more mature. We talk about how lucky we are to live in Canada. Bullying has improved, different groups hang out together and friendships have formed," she said. "They do the work, but because I initiated it, it feels awesome." INJURED? I Can Help! A STEP BEYOND IN CARE DO YOU HAVE: Salima Kassam Reg. Chiropodist YOU DON'T HAVE TO PAY UNLESS I GET YOU MONEY My team of experienced lawyers can help you with: · Car accidents · Slip and Falls · Disability Claims (Short-Term Disability, Long-Term Disability, CPP) · Wrongful Dismissal OFFICES IN OAKVILLE AND TORONTO For a free consultation call: Oakville: 905.842.2022 or Toronto: 416.351.9222 email: sspadafora@slspc.ca · Foot/Arch Pain? · Ingrown Toenails? · Diabetes? · Swollen Ankles? · Corns, Calluses? CALL FOR AN APPOINTMENT 905-632-1414 728 Burloak Drive www.footandhealthclinic.com Sam Spadafora Injury and Employment Law