With painted faces, Santa hats and reindeer antlers, students from Cataline Elementary School spread Christmas cheer across the city by singing carols on Dec. 13.
Rya Enns’ Kindergarten class partnered with Carol Anne Dikur’s Grade 4/5 class as part of the 12 Days of Christmas Giving, where students do random acts of kindness for people in the community, including making art, shovelling driveways and singing, said Enns.
The inspiration for the annual project came after Enns saw a need for children to have more connection to their community and others, she explained.
“By helping others, it brings joy to yourself as well. As one of my students (Duncan Eckert) said, ‘It’s like a chain reaction.’”
Students loaded onto the school bus and first made their way over to the Cariboo Chilcotin Child Development Centre (CCCDC), singing for staff members and the preschoolers who attend the CCCDC. Along with carols, the students donated over 100 new toys for the CCCDC’s toy fundraiser, with toys going to families in need this holiday season.
From there, the magical school bus headed to the School District 27 administration office, singing for staff members. Gifted with Timbits and mandarin oranges in return, the students then carolled at Cariboo Memorial Hospital, Deni House, and lastly, city hall.
“This annual event focuses on thinking about how we can make our world a better place,” said Enns.
Next week, students will be singing at the Williams Lake Seniors Village and are putting together Christmas baskets for those nominated who need some extra holiday cheer.
And holiday cheer was indeed spread on a windy Wednesday afternoon. Students’ smiles were wide as they rang bells and sang Santa Claus is Coming to Town, Jingle Bells, Rudolf the Red-Nosed Reindeer, Frosty the Snowman and We Wish You a Merry Christmas. Those watching sang along, too.
