Pickering Learning Site Charity Fundraiser Events – Success!

The Pickering Learning Site is small, we’re only a class of 11 people. But being a small number of people does not mean that our passion is small. The 11 of us formed three groups each passionate about our charities. Our charities of choice were The Canadian Diabetes Association, The Durham Humane Society (HSDR), and The Denise House. Each group had a very different idea for what their event would look like an executed them in different ways.

To start, there was the HSDR group that worked with the Oshawa Generals to host a stadium wide “fill-the-truck” event, in which they filled the truck with physical pet food donations. They also had a private suite where VIP guests could participate in a raffle and silent auction. Their event joined the love of animals with Canadian’s love of hockey. It included a tennis ball toss where game attendees could purchase a tennis ball and try to land the ball in the centre of the rink to win a signed Don Cherry book and a pair of Leafs Tickets.

Next, was Rush Comedy Night with proceeds going to The Canadian Diabetes Association.  With budding talent from Humber College, who volunteered their time, they were able to have a successful night full of jokes and laughter. They hosted their event at La Saucisserie a new bar in the downtown Ossington area .  They also offered a fun raffle for guests.

Finally, my group and I hosted a Pottery Painting Party for children with all proceeds being donated to The Denise House, an emergency shelter for women and children in the Oshawa area. Guests were welcome to come in and paint a pottery figurine. While the figurine dried they were welcome to join in on a raffle, a silent auction, and a bingo and colouring station.

Each group was able to donate a large sum to their respective charity. HSDR was able to donate $3,015 to the Durham Humane Society and a truckload of dog and cat food. Rush Comedy donated $1,271 to the Canadian Diabetes Association. Pottery Painting Party donated $1,201 and 260 household items to The Denise House. Between 11 students, PLS was able to donate $5,488 as well as over 400 physical donations.

Together we cried, laughed and learned from each other as our events crashed, burned, and finally, after a lot of hard work, came together. I was lucky enough to attend all of the PLS events, and I am so proud of what we all have managed to do given our limited resources.