The Citizen, 2012-12-06, Page 17THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2012. PAGE 17. Board’s Trust Fund has successful first yearIn 2011, the Huron Perth Catholic
District School Board (HPCDSB)
established the St. André Bessette
Trust Fund to help those within
the board who are in need of
assistance.
In the first full year of operation,
over $9,600 was distributed to
support families in need, whether for
medical emergencies, fires,
specialized therapies and equipment
and enrolment in enrichment
activities. Tammy Adkin, chair of the
trust fund, told trustees that the St.
André Bessette fund has built a
solid foundation, has seen great
success and is looking toward the
future.
“This fund was not developed to
replace the spontaneous outpouring
of caring and support that our
schools are known for, nor to replace
the really great community services
that people access, it was developed
to fill a gap that some families can
find themselves in with urgent
needs,” said Adkin, adding, “We
have a very generous community
that has supported our fund.”
As of Aug. 31, 2012, the fund had
more than $35,000 in it to support
families in need. She said the
majority of the funds has been raised
through the employees of the board
through payroll deductions or one
time donations. Additional funds
have also come from parish
collections.
“The other major source of
revenue this past year was our first
gala dinner and auction, which raise
nearly $15,000, which was quite
remarkable for a first time event of
this nature,” said Adkin, adding, “I
applaud the generosity of this
board.”
She said the goal for the comingyear is to raise $40,000 to continueto meet the needs of HPCDSBstudents and families. “We also want
to raise the profile of the fund so that
principals are aware of the support
we can provide,” she said, adding
other goals are to widen the circle of
support in the community and to
strengthen the research and
accountability processes.
Adkin said the process by which a
student or family is helped starts at
the school level. The school
principals identify students or
families who are in need and then
submit the requests to the St. André
Bessette Trust Fund board of
directors.
“Our board considers those
requests and we pride ourselves in
our quick turn around and response
because these families are coming tous with urgent needs,” said Adkin,noting over the first year over 24requests were received and
supported, most within a few days.
She said the funds are given to the
school and the school extends themoney to the family in the best waypossible.“It has been an exciting first year
of operation fo us,” said Adkin.
The second gala dinner and
auction has already been scheduledfor May 10, 2013.More information about the fundand details of the annual report can
be found on the boards website at
www.huronperthcatholic.ca
Leading the way
The Brussels Legion Pipe Band followed only the Brussels Fire Department on Saturday night
as the annual Santa Claus Parade made its way through Brussels. The parade featured
dozens of floats and plenty of fun back at the Brussels, Morris and Grey Community Centre
after the parade, featuring visits with Santa, free skating and more. For a full gallery of pictures
from the parade, visit The Citizen’s website at www.northhuron.on.ca (Denny Scott photo)
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Special Holiday Buffet
Book early for Christmas and New Year’s Eve!
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Campaign
underway
Continued from page 16
campaign, students are spreading
seasonal joy by performing at local
nursing homes and painting
Christmas scenes in the windows of
local businesses. Students will also
be found carolling and volunteering
in their schools and communities.
The board is also inviting the
community to attend Advent and
Christmas services at the board’s
affiliated churches.
“In the season of Advent we turn
our attention to focus on renewal
and finding new ways to give life
through acts of love and justice,”
says Dutrizac. “Giving to our
community is a way to help the
good news of Christmas linger long
after the packages are opened.”
By Hilary LongSpecial to The Citizen