Students at École Notre-Dame-du-Sault Create Blankets for Charity

A group of ten students from École Notre-Dame-du-Sault has embarked on a charitable project that combines learning with compassion. The Grades 7 and 8 students, guided by teachers Nadine Campbell and Marie-Pier Lecours, crafted three fleece tie blankets to support women and children in need. This initiative directly benefits clients of Centre Victoria, a non-profit organization located on Elgin Street that provides vital support and counselling services to Francophone women facing violence and sexual assault.

The students dedicated their free time, particularly during recess, to create these blankets. “They’re diligent. They made the blankets on their own free time,” Campbell noted. Student Anna-Gayle Laroulette expressed her enjoyment of the project, stating, “It was a very good experience and I think it’s good to help people in need.” The students completed the project in half a week, and Laroulette even plans to make a blanket for her family in the future, potentially as a Christmas gift.

Teaching a Lifelong Skill

The idea for this project originated from a personal connection between the teachers. Campbell revealed that Lecours learned the art of blanket-making from her when she was a student at École Notre-Dame-du-Sault in Grade 6. Reflecting on this connection, Lecours said, “It was very special to be able to do it for a good cause, so I thought it would be a good idea to do it with these kids.” She emphasized the importance of passing down this skill, noting, “They’re my go-to gift now.”

The fleece used for the blankets was purchased by the school, and the project has become a tradition at École Notre-Dame-du-Sault, typically taking place around Christmas. “It feels great and I’ve done it for so many years with so many of my students. It’s a good feeling,” Campbell said, highlighting the joy derived from contributing to the community through this initiative.

Cultivating Compassion and Creativity

Lecours and Campbell shared their pride in the students’ commitment to the project. They acknowledged that the students not only learned a practical skill but also developed a deeper understanding of the importance of giving back. “It was nice to see their interest in it. They took pride in making them and they know that it’s for a good cause,” Lecours stated.

The initiative serves as a powerful reminder of the impact that young people can have in their communities. By creating these blankets, the students of École Notre-Dame-du-Sault are not only providing comfort but also fostering a spirit of empathy and generosity that they can carry with them throughout their lives.