A few kind gestures contributed to a gracious donation of $2,313.29 to the Children’s Treatment Centre (CTC) on Friday.

St. Joseph’s Catholic Secondary School (SJCSS) principal Joy Martel explained that students could take part in a casual, dress down day last month for $2 and indulge in ice cream for $2 as well. All funds raised from this event will now support local youth in CTC programs.

“It’s so inspiring to see young people contribute and support the CTC,” said CTC president Don Fairweather, in appreciation. “Young people are the beneficiaries, so in a sense, it’s peers helping peers. Of course, they don’t know the individuals they have helped, but I think there is a recognition that this is a resource that helps everyone in the community.”

Fairweather explained that continued support from the community is vital as COVID-19 restrictions still inhibit the Centre from operating its traditional fundraising activities.

He noted that this is not the first time SJCSS students have showed their support for the Centre, though. Fairweather recalls students from a marketing class helping Isabelle Paquette increase her cupcake sales, which supported the CTC. This summer, 12-year-old Paquette launched and sold at-home cupcake kits. She has been a local baker and philanthropist for five years now.

Martel thanked the Royal Lepage Dream Team for their Dreamcycle, which she explained is an ice cream delivery bicycle. Within utilizing the bike for fundraising purposes, the Dream Team contributes $275 for the purchase of ice and sweet treats. Martel also thanked Jordan O’Brien and Chris O’Brien (FreshCo franchise owners) for providing ice cream at a great price.

The SJCSS panther mascot could be seen riding around school with the dreamcycle. The moment was even captured in a video on SJCSS’ Facebook page .

“We wanted to support…CTC is a valuable resource in our community for a number of reasons. A number of students in the Catholic District School Board of Eastern Ontario (CDSBEO) are supported by the CTC,” said Martell. “The kids loved it. The sun was shining, it was a beautiful day.”