{"id":62646,"date":"2019-12-11T13:49:48","date_gmt":"2019-12-11T18:49:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/brocku.ca\/brock-news\/?p=62646"},"modified":"2019-12-11T13:49:48","modified_gmt":"2019-12-11T18:49:48","slug":"brock-students-bring-holiday-magic-to-local-school","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/brocku.ca\/brock-news\/2019\/12\/brock-students-bring-holiday-magic-to-local-school\/","title":{"rendered":"Brock students bring holiday magic to local school"},"content":{"rendered":"

A local elementary school was filled with holiday cheer thanks\u00a0to some help from Brock University students and\u00a0the Concurrent Education Student Association<\/a> (CESA).<\/p>\n

The annual Holiday Extravaganza, organized by CESA, has become a festive tradition at Prince of Wales Public School in Thorold. The event paired 175 kindergarten to Grade 8 students from the school with a volunteer Brock Buddy for a day of crafts, games and relaxation.<\/p>\n

The fun-filled day was packed with stations that ranged from slime and ornament making \u00a0to science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) activities. Each activity was tied to this year\u2019s theme, How the Grinch Stole Holiday Extravaganza.<\/p>\n

Most of these volunteers are from Brock\u2019s Concurrent Education programs, but students from across campus signed up to bring some joy to a local child.<\/p>\n

\u201cParticipating in an event like Holiday Extravaganza is a very rewarding experience where we are able to give back to the Thorold community,\u201d said Josh Lupo, a third-year Concurrent Teacher Education student and member of the CESA planning team for the event. \u201cThis is my second year helping plan this event and something I want to continue to do. It brings so much joy to me and the students at Prince of Wales.\u201d<\/p>\n

In total, about 230 Brock students volunteered to bring the event to life. Behind the scenes, 51 CESA members were on site to ensure the day went smoothly.<\/p>\n

The planning team for the event, comprised of Concurrent Teacher Education students, included first-year Hailey Plant, third-year Taylor Bogart, fourth-year Kaley Hughes and Lupo.<\/p>\n

Brock students were joined by special guests Boomer the Badger, the Thorold Fire and Emergency Services, and the Educational Research and Innovation Hub (ihub).<\/p>\n

The day was also made possible through the sponsorship and donations of local businesses and organizations\u2019 time and financial aid. Students received packages of a toothbrush, toothpaste, books, toys, coupons and other small items. This year\u2019s sponsors and donors included:<\/p>\n