The Redpath Rotary4Kids annual fundraiser is coming May 30 and 31, and this year’s student ambassadors are members of an entire Sunset Park Public School class.
The fundraiser begins on Thursday, May 30 at 5 a.m. on Vista Radio with the Kev’s Kids 29-hour radio marathon with host Kevin Oschefski.
Gisele Lynch of Rotary Club of North Bay explains that every year the event includes a special needs ambassador to be the face of the fundraiser.
“This year, we approached Sunset Park teacher Jennifer Stewart and thought that it would be neat if the whole class was involved, rather than just one student,” Lynch said. “We are providing t-shirts for all the students and staff. The students will also be at the flag-raising ceremony at North Bay City Hall on May 30 at 10 a.m. and with Mayor Chirico. They will also be taking part at the wrap-up event at the YMCA on Friday, May 31. One of the things Jennifer has been wanting is to get her students more involved in the community, and this seemed to be a good way of doing it.”
Of the class, Stewart said, “Our junior developmental disabilities students at Sunset have very personalized learning goals and programs that are specific to them. I’ve always had a main goal for the group to integrate into the school community and into the North Bay community to develop the life skills necessary for day-to-day life.”
Stewart added, “When we were approached by Rotary4Kids, I was so excited as this felt like a natural next step. We hope that our students will enjoy these outings and gain the confidence and skills necessary in navigating new settings and relationships. We hope that these interactions develop their personal sense of identity as well as their identify as a class and team.”
During the marathon, Oschefski will interview recipients of funds and appeal to businesses, schools, and individuals to support this fundraiser. He will also be visiting schools and businesses to accept donations. Listeners will hear about the children, families and programs that Rotary supports, and hear personal stories from recipients about how much the financial support benefits them.
“Money raised during our annual campaign is allocated to the Children’s Committee of the Rotary Club of North Bay to provide assistance and support to children with extraordinary needs and families,” Lynch said. “Support can be to provide medical or other devices or support rehabilitation or other needs. Since the pandemic, needs for individual families have risen, and the cost of different items or services can be very expensive for some of the families within the community.”
Rotary encourages community organizations to participate. “We want you to be involved with the radio show. Organize a fun-d-raising event with your friends, co-workers, class at school, and raise some money,” Lynch said. “Drop by the CFCH studio on Thursday, May 30 or join us on Friday morning at the YMCA of North Bay. We can send a Rotarian or, if time allows maybe Kevin himself to your business to pick up the donation.”
Stewart said that as ambassadors, the Sunset Park class will be doing a lot of exciting things within the community.
“Our main role is being the ‘faces’ of Rotary4Kids and we will also run a few of our own fundraisers at Sunset to help earn money for this great cause,” Stewart said. “We will be having an assembly at Sunset Park at 9 a.m. on May 30 to talk about Rotary4Kids and how it helps the community. We will be introducing our students. Another class in the school will be performing a rap about our students.”
On Friday, May 31 from 7 to 10 a.m., the Kev’s Kids marathon will wrap up at YMCA North Bay where the grand total will be announced. Rotarians will be on hand to accept in-person donations and you can stick around to enjoy coffee and a muffin while celebrating another successful fundraiser.
For more information email fun-d-raising@rotary4kids.ca or visit www.rotary4kids.ca to donate.
