Delta Secondary School’s annual Twenty Days of Giving Campaign proved to be tremendous success and will make a difference for many over the holiday season.
The campaign, which wrapped up on Dec. 7, collected $17,000 worth of food items, gift cards, toiletries, cash and cheques, blowing past the initial goal of $7,500. It means more than 25 local families will benefit from the generosity, along with the South Delta Food Bank. The initiative was organized by teachers Colleen Blatz and Graham Harkley.
“This was truly a team effort,” said Blatz. “We had participation from classes throughout our building. The Interact Club and Student Government took on a leadership role in collecting and organizing the donations, and many teachers, counsellors and administrators also spent countless hours of their time with this event.
“It goes to show that even though we are in a challenging time right now, when we work together, we can achieve so much positivity. It also reminds us of the true spirit of the holidays and how it feels so much better to give to others.”
Some DSS graduates dropped off donations and local businesses donated to the project as well. The drive-thru food drive organized by Carla Day’s Interact Club on Dec. 1 resulted in more than 1,300 food items alone.
“It has been an amazing couple of weeks at Delta Secondary,” added Harkley. “People were so generous and seemed to enjoy helping so much that it really made me glad to work at such a great school in such a caring community. I hope that these donations bring some relief to families in our community who are struggling. It is a tough time for a lot of people and we wish them happiness in the coming months.”
For over two decades, students at DSS have collected food and gifts, and assembled hampers for families in need in the school community to help them through the festive season. This year, knowing that many more families are in need of support, students expanded the initiative and reached their goal.
Paige Collings and the student government took care of the organization and the promotion of the event. Shelley Greene and Maggie Callander worked with the local businesses and organizations, while Cora Deane was praised for her work behind the scenes.
“I really want to thank our staff, students, families and the local community for their generosity over the past three weeks,” said DSS principal John Pavao. “The holidays are a difficult time of year for many people, and this hands-on experience has brought our Pacer Community together to help those who would benefit the most from this support.”
