Student fundraiser a sweet treat for Kidney Foundation

Kidney disease has affected not only teacher Christina Kenny but several members of her family. Her mother, grandmother and many aunts and uncles all received kidney transplants.

Sitting on the Renal Patient and Family Advisory Council (PFAC) at the Sault Area Hospital and being a teacher with Huron Superior Catholic District School Board, she knows that education is power and really wanted to bring the Kidney Foundation into the school system. 

With Valentine’s Day quickly approaching, the students at Our Lady of Lourdes were eagerly asking if they would be part of the Kidney Candy Gram Campaign once again this year.

Their principal, Mike Oliveira, was ready and willing to have the school participate in this initiative. 

Students from all grades helped to stuff little bags with candy that would later be distributed to their friends.

"It was wonderful to see how the students were collaborative contributors who demonstrated respect and contributed to the common good," Kenny writes.

"They were very much aware and compassionate towards the struggles that many people face each day and this fundraiser was a great way for the staff and students to demonstrate the importance of being charitable and responsible citizens." 

The students of Our Lady of Lourdes raised $1,000 in four days. 

The fundraiser had an impact on several of their students and families. 

They came to learn that several families within their school board were affected by kidney disease as well, and this campaign was close to their heart.

Said student Veronica: "I was happy Mrs. Kenny was doing the Kidney Candy Grams because my dad had kidney cancer and I wanted to support the Kidney Foundation. I also wanted to do it because I got to give my friends candy and that made them so happy."

Said student Mya: "I felt it was important to volunteer because I am in Grade 8 and wanted to set an example for the younger students. It is important to be actively involved in our school as well as our  community especially when helping to support those in need."

Added student Luciana: "I volunteered to help with the Candy Grams because I wanted to show the leadership and passion I have for helping those in need. Also, I loved seeing a bright smile on the kids' faces when they received their candy grams. School spirit is very important to me and anyway I can help the teachers and school community, I always volunteer my time."

This was Our Lady of Lourdes' fifth year with the campaign and ever year they break their original donation to the Kidney Foundation, according to the school.

On May 1, the students presented a cheque to Tannis McMillan of the Kidney Foundation. Kenny writes that their hope is to get as many schools as possible involved in the initiative next year.