14 Schools Unite to Deliver Holiday Cheer in Windsor-Essex

In a significant demonstration of community solidarity, 14 Catholic elementary schools in the Windsor-Essex region collaborated on December 4, 2023, to deliver essential donations to local families facing hardships. This initiative, known as the Santa School Bus Rides, marked its 11th annual occurrence, bringing together students, educators, and community members to support those in need during the holiday season.

The event took place at Holy Cross Catholic Elementary School, where students from various schools in the Windsor-Essex Catholic District School Board (WECDSB) packed school buses with thousands of donated toys, clothing items, and food. These goods are destined for the Windsor-Essex Children’s Aid Society and the Society of St. Vincent de Paul food banks. Emelda Byrne, the director of education for WECDSB, expressed the joy of the occasion, stating, “You can hear the joy here with Holy Cross Choir. Thousands of food items, as well as thousands of gifts and games.”

The participation this year reached a record high, with the following schools contributing:
– Assumption College Catholic Middle School
– Cardinal Carter Catholic Middle School
– H.J. Lassaline Catholic Elementary School
– Holy Cross Catholic Elementary School
– Our Lady of the Annunciation Catholic Elementary School
– Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Elementary School
– Sacred Heart Catholic Elementary School
– St. Andre French Immersion Catholic Elementary School
– St. Anne FI Catholic Elementary School
– St. Christopher Catholic Elementary School
– St. Joseph Catholic Elementary School
– St. Mary Catholic Elementary School
– St. Peter Catholic Elementary School
– W.J. Langlois Catholic Elementary School

Otavio, a Grade 5 student from Holy Cross, shared his thoughts on the initiative, saying, “We’re doing this so kids can share gifts with others who may not receive a toy this Christmas. It makes me feel good to give.”

The Santa School Bus Rides initiative is made possible through a partnership involving the WECDSB, Windsor-Essex Student Transportation Services (WESTS), the Windsor and LaSalle Police Service, and numerous community volunteers. Dana Capaldi, principal at Holy Cross, highlighted the program’s importance, noting, “We really like to inspire our students to look for ways they can support the community as they grow.”

The event is more than just a charitable effort; it fosters a sense of belonging within the Catholic community. Byrne emphasized this sentiment, stating, “It’s about the sense of belonging in the Catholic community and making sure that they give to one another around the holiday season.”

As families in Windsor-Essex prepare for the holidays, these donations will play a crucial role in ensuring that vulnerable households receive gifts and necessities, bringing joy and relief to those who may be facing difficult circumstances. The Santa School Bus Rides initiative continues to embody the spirit of giving, demonstrating the impact that community collaboration can have during the festive season.