Sorrento Elementary School is celebrating Christmas by giving.
Principal Ian Landy is proud of what the school has accomplished.
What he originally thought would be a small fundraiser turned into something much bigger – something that has warmed his heart.
Landy explains that over the last few years the school has beeen doing a silent auction in conjunction with the Christmas concert.
Margo Hall, the school’s Grade 3 teacher, has been contributing three rugs or blankets to the school to be auctioned off.
Her rugs are created from bits of torn blankets, woven together into beautiful patterns.
The school donates the proceeds to different causes each year, with last year’s earnings buying mosquito masks and water pumps for those in need in Africa.
As the concert drew nearer, the school decided to donate the money to the survivors of the Philippines typhoon.
Hall had donated her three pieces as usual, but something different occurred this year.
Parents began coming forward, asking where they could donate items as well.
Before Landy knew it, the school had a full silent auction on its hands featuring a wide range of items including jewelry.
Landy was surprised at the sudden flood of donations, and the school gladly adjusted its plans to include the many items.
As the concert took place, many people came to bid on the auction.
It wasn’t just the parents, however, who were helping out this holiday season, but the students as well.
“There were students bringing in their entire month’s allowance,” Landy said, explaining how many came armed with bags filled with coins they had saved, wanting to use them to help others.
Other students had brought in their tooth fairy money.
“There were a few wet eyes,” Landy said, describing the touching moment.
The school was able to raise an impressive $801.50 from the auction alone.
Hall had a connection through the Red Cross as well, which offered to match the amount raised if completed before a certain date.
Luckily, the children’s concert fell right before the deadline, and the school’s money qualified.
The $801.50 suddenly turned into $1,603, an impressive feat for a small elementary school in a rural area.
Landy has been nothing but proud of his students, teachers and parents who help support the school year-round, but says they really went out of their way with this one.