By Jasminee Sahoye

The Toronto District School Board (TDSB) has been able to raise more than $1.25 million to help rebuild earthquake-ravaged Haiti.

Within days of the earthquake, hundreds of public schools and administrative offices banded together to lead site-based campaigns doing everything from bingo nights to bake sales. More than $625,000 was raised and matched by the federal government’s Haiti Earthquake Relief Fund and will be equally divided between the Canadian Red Cross and Free the Children.

“The Haiti disaster was felt directly by many in the TDSB community – not only those who had friends and family in the country, but our whole community,” said Bruce Davis, Chair of the TDSB. “Our quick and responsive efforts have been remarkable and truly demonstrated what can be accomplished when we work together towards a common goal.”

“We are blown away by the support students, educators and the TDSB community have given toward the efforts to rebuild Haiti. Students have taken action by fundraising and committing thousands of volunteer hours; their dedication during this very important time of need is truly inspirational,” said Craig Kielburger, Founder of Free The Children. “This support will go a long way in supporting Free The Children's goals in the rehabilitation of Haiti. Providing access to medical care, clean water, alternative income programs and helping to get children quickly and safely back in schools so they can be active participants in rebuilding their devastated nation.”

“The generosity and support of the TDSB will help the Red Cross continue to provide for immediate needs including shelter, clean water and medical support as well as address longer-term needs of the affected communities as we begin to help them rebuild and recover,” said Ron Kelusky, Director General of the Red Cross in Ontario.

Our fundraising efforts for Haiti are just one example of the tremendous work the TDSB community does on an ongoing basis, said Director of Education Chris Spence.

“Our community has always been strongly committed to principles of fairness, equity and human rights,” he said. “To better align our Board-wide focus on contributing to a more socially just world, we have launched a Social Justice Action Plan that will help position the TDSB as a leader in this movement.”

The Social Justice Action Plan will engage students to learn about issues ranging from equity, diversity and abuse against women to poverty reduction and environmentalism. “While many schools are actively participating in social justice initiatives,” said Spence, “we want to ensure each and every student has the ability to contribute to social change. It’s about more than education – we want to create a better city and country for all of us to live in.”