Brock volunteers gathered at a Thorold elementary school on Dec. 2 to create a little holiday magic for children in the local community.

Organized by the Concurrent Education Student Association (CESA), the annual Holiday Extravaganza partnered each Brock volunteer with one of the approximately 150 students at Prince of Wales S Public School for a day of festive crafts and activities.

The volunteers were joined by special guests like the Brock Badgers men’s basketball team, the Fire Department, and one very special visitor from the North Pole.

“We are so excited to have so many special guests attend our Holiday Extravaganza event and interact with the students this year. We are so thankful to have such amazing partners and know that this event would not be possible without the excitement and energy they bring to the students,” said Courtney Kelly, a third-year Concurrent Education J/I – English student and CESA’s Event Coordinator.

From wrapping and sorting gifts to organizing games and packing gift bags, the CESA team were dedicated to organizing a memorable day for everyone involved.

Students at Prince of Wales S School can need some extra support, particularly during the holiday season. CESA works with community partners and businesses to pack each child gift bags with items like socks, mittens, toothbrushes, headphones to use when working on the school’s computers, and healthy snacks.

The CESA Holiday Extravaganza organizing team setting up at the event. From left are Courtney Kelly, CESA Event Coordinator and third-year Concurrent Education J/I – English student; Caitlin Boden, CESA Event Coordinator and second-year Concurrent Education P/J student; Tayler Villamere, CESA President and third-year Concurrent Education J/I – History student; Nathalie Jackson, CESA Vice President External Affairs and third-year Concurrent Education I/S – Geography & History student; and Sara Doyle, CESA First Year Representative and first-year Concurrent Education I/S – Drama & Geography student. Top image: Brock volunteers get gift bags ready for Prince of Wales Public School students at the Holiday Extravaganza. From left are Sydney O’Neill, third-year Concurrent Education P/J student, Rachel Henderson, third-year Concurrent Education P/J student and Andrew Cseh, second-year Concurrent Education J/I – Physical Education student.

“Getting to see Holiday Extravaganza come together after months of planning makes me extremely proud as an executive,” said Nathalie Jackson, CESA’s Vice President External Affairs and a third-year Concurrent Education I/S – Geography & History student.

The highlight of the day was an appearance by Santa, who distributed gifts brought by Brock volunteers for their Prince of Wales buddies. Each volunteer purchased a $20 gift based on information from the School about the child’s interests.

“The reaction that each child has to the event and their personalized gift is heartwarming and humbling. It is a reminder of the true meaning of the holidays and the joy found in giving,” said Tayler Villamere, President of CESA and a third-year Concurrent Education J/I – History student.

“I am so honoured to be on the planning team for this wonderful event and have the opportunity to bring joy and a festive spirit to this amazing community.”