UCDSB schools raising money for Australian wildlife

Upper Canada District School Board schools (UCDSB) are pitching in to help Australian wildlife affected by the catastrophic wildfires.

Linklater Public School in Gananoque started the trend on Wednesday. It posted on social media that students are collecting money for the Humane Society International for its Australian Animal Rescue Fund. Linklater put out a call to other UCDSB schools to join the cause and Pineview Public School, Thousand Islands Elementary School and Athens District High School answered. 

The elementary schools are fundraising until January 17 and Athens plans to get things underway following exams at the end of the month. 

Jennifer McMaster, Principal of Linklater, says the response from the community is incredible. She noted people are happy that the school is doing this.

The WE Club at Rockland District High School is spearheading its own efforts to help Australian animals by selling candy-grams, baked goods and pizza. The club plans to donate the funds to the World Wildlife Fund, Port Macquarie Koala Hospital and the Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park. 

TR Leger in Prescott took a different approach and started sewing pouches for young kangaroos. 

John McAllister, UCDSB Chair, says these initiatives show the character and caring hearts of staff and students.