The spirit of giving knows no boundaries. Students in Canada are finding a special way to help children in need through the ‘Chalice in Schools’ Program and the Christmas gift catalogue. The students pictured holding our Christmas gift catalogue are from St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic School in Oakville, Ontario.
This school has been actively involved in our program for years, and their Global Aid Club has partnered with Chandarua Primary School in Tanzania for the 2024-2025 school year. Global Aid Club leaders, Olivia and Abigail, were happy to share their heartfelt thoughts.
“Going into high school, I wasn’t so sure what I would do with my free time, until I joined the Global Aid club in grade 9,” says Olivia, a grade 11 student and club leader. “I really enjoy fundraising for those that have less than myself because I grew up with so many opportunities. Working with Chalice is so great because we know that the money we fundraise for will be used for good causes.”
“Something I really appreciate about Chalice is that we get to specifically choose a school and connect to the students.” says Abigail, a Grade 10 student and club leader. Their club created and sent a video to Chandarua Primary School to let them know they will be praying for them and supporting them our fundraising campaigns. “Although it’s digital we can see their videos and know exactly who and what we are fundraising for,” says Abigail.
This year, Chalice’s Christmas gift catalogue features a joyful image of a young boy holding a goat. When St. Thomas Aquinas received their package filled with the catalogues, the response was overwhelmingly positive.
Although the Chalice gift catalogue arrived late for their club to use before the Christmas break, the students are planning to use the catalogue during January. Their motto is “it is never too late to lend a helping hand.”
“As a club, we collectivity thought that the catalogue was great! It’s a great guide that breaks down what each school or family needs the most. This way, we know exactly what we’re fundraising for, to make a difference,” says Olivia, “inside the gift catalogue, we saw that our partnering school (Chandarua) was inside with the things they need most,” says Olivia, “we hope to have a large fundraiser that can be contributed to the catalogue!”
“Our main plan is to have many fundraisers with various churches around our community,” says Olivia, “last year we had many bake sales within churches and were able to raise over $15,000.”
“I am truly thankful that I get to use my resources and ideas to help others, and Chalice has made that possible for us.”
There is still time for you to donate to our Christmas Gift Catalogue and make a difference this Christmas season.