Food programs at two Elliot Lake schools will share a $10,000 donation from St. Joseph’s General Hospital Elliot Lake.
Both Fatima Catholic School and Central Avenue Public School will receive $5,000 each raised through donations from hospital staff, doctors and several local businesses.
On Wednesday about 400 students from the two schools gathered outside the hospital to show their appreciation to those who donated to the fundraiser spearheaded by nurse Lynn Blanchette. It’s the second year the hospital has donated a similar amount to the schools.
Fatima principal Andrew Chi said the schools feel “blessed” to receive the money.
“She (Blanchette) asks these businesses and staff at St. Joseph’s to donate toward these local schools,” Chi said. “The Elliot Lake doctors match the donation and there have been donations the past two years.
"These funds go a long way at Fatima and Central. They help support students with our food programs which help feed some students through our lunch programs which include, pizza, subs, soups, sandwiches and smoothies.
"The funds help to support our students to get winter clothing, school uniforms, sports equipment, sponsor students for sports teams, clubs, camps or opportunities where money may have been a barrier for them to participate.”
The students and staff gathered on the hill overlooking the hospital with thank-you banners and were joined by hospital staff and doctors.
“We are so very thankful for their continued generosity and kindness,” Chi added.
Pictures of the gathering were taken and will be framed and presented to the hospital along with photos that will be taken of smaller groups of students and presented to the businesses that donated to the fundraiser.