This week, Richland Academy students and staff participated in various fund- and awareness-raising activities in support of Free The Children’s ‘Five Days for Freedom’ campaign. The purpose of this initiative is to inspire students to take action and raise awareness about the obstacles of freedom that many face each day – exploitation, poverty, thirst and disease.

During the week, students illuminated the obstacles of freedom with daily announcements, brought in non-perishable food items to donate to the Richmond Hill Community Food Bank, and wore band-aids in visible spots on their body or backpack to help raise awareness and stand in solidarity with those lacking basic health.

Students also contributed coins to a Classroom Coin Drive in support of a young York Region cancer patient, Julia M. of Markham, in need of financial assistance for her specialized treatment. Julia, who was the recipient of a heart transplant at eight months, is in need of medical attention after being diagnosed with a rare form of cancer that only affects transplant patients. Money raised will help cover the cost of procedures that will provide Julia with the T-cell infusion treatment only available at the Sloan-Kettering Cancer Centre in New York or in Europe. To learn more about Julia, or to follow her journey, visit: helpjulia.blogspot.ca.

We are proud of all of our students who are helping to make a difference in this world, both locally and globally.