École Notre-Dame-du-Sault Students Craft Blankets for Charity

A group of students from École Notre-Dame-du-Sault has combined learning with compassion by creating blankets for women and children in need. Ten students from Grades 7 and 8 at the French-language Catholic school located on North Street produced three tie blankets, including one for adults and two for children. The project was guided by teachers Nadine Campbell and Marie-Pier Lecours, aiming to support clients at Centre Victoria, a non-profit organization on Elgin Street that provides vital services to Francophone women facing violence and sexual assault.

The initiative not only taught students a new skill but also fostered a sense of community service. Grade 7 student Anna-Gayle Laroulette expressed her enthusiasm for the project, stating, “I really enjoyed it. It was a very good experience and I think it’s good to help people in need.” She also noted that the project took just half a week to complete and expressed plans to create a blanket for her family in the future, potentially as a Christmas gift.

The connection between the students and their teachers runs deep. Nadine Campbell recalled, “The irony is that Marie-Pier learned blanket-making from me when she was a student at École Notre-Dame-du-Sault in Grade 6.” When Lecours began teaching at the school, she approached Campbell with the idea of involving students in the project. “It was very special to be able to do it for a good cause,” Lecours added. “Nadine taught me how, and I still make them. They’re my go-to gift now.”

Each year, the school engages in such charitable projects, particularly around the holiday season. Nadine Campbell highlighted the importance of this tradition, stating, “We do this usually at Christmas. It feels great, and I’ve done it for so many years with so many of my students. It’s a good feeling.”

The students dedicated their free time during recess to make the blankets, showcasing their diligence and interest in the task. “They took pride in making them and they know that it’s for a good cause,” Marie-Pier Lecours remarked. The skill learned during this project has potential long-term benefits, as the students discussed how they could create blankets as gifts in the future.

The blankets, crafted from fleece purchased by the school, will soon provide warmth and comfort to those who need it most, demonstrating the impact of community-driven initiatives on both students and recipients alike. This blend of education and social responsibility not only enriches the lives of the students but also serves a crucial purpose in supporting vulnerable populations.