Royal LePage R.E. Wood Realty Children's Fun Day tradition continues in Tillsonburg
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A huge Christmas tree of donated food was created by Grade 4-6 students in Tillsonburg during the annual Royal LePage Children's Fun Day on Thursday, Dec. 8.
Students were given the choice of free swimming or skating at the Tillsonburg Community Centre, and encouraged to bring food items to be donated to the Salvation Army food hamper program. A specially framed 'tree' was set up on the stage consisting of plastic bags filled with food.
Showing the students how much they brought in, collectively, was important, said Melanie Luksys, a Royal LePage sales representative.
"I know students in Grade 7 who have asked about it, but I have to say sorry it's only up to Grade 6. Their response is... 'but can I still bring canned food for the Salvation Army to my school?' I've actually heard that the past four years. One of them said, 'but I can still bring canned food, right? Because that's what it was about. I know we had fun, but...'"
Even if the students don't get it in Grade 4, said Luksys, they've 'got it' by Grade 6.
"They get to swim or skate, but it's nice they realize why they are here."
It was the 18th Royal LePage R.E. Wood Realty Children's Fun Day, but the first for new owners Robert and Lisa Koppert.
"I saw the picture albums and I said, 'This is an awesome thing, we've got to keep doing this. It's a big coordination job for us, but it's a lot of fun and it's worth it.
"Another reason I like it, it's for the Salvation Army. They do a lot of good work in our community and who better to be in touch with the people who are less fortunate?
"So we're excited and hope to keep it going."
One day earlier, Koppert noted the Tillsonburg District Real Estate Board had a realtor luncheon at The Bridges, and donations were accepted for the Helping Hand Food Bank.
"That was nice was well," Koppert nodded.
"This is our 18th," said former owner Richard Wood, Broker of Record at Royal LePage R.E. Wood Realty, Brokerage, who was skating students.
"One of our new associates this year, David Bennett, he attended this when he was their age," said Melanie Luksys, a Royal LePage sales representative.
"Our first one," Wood nodded. "The only year we did hot dogs and hot chocolate. He remembered having a hot dog and I know we only did it the first year, then we collaborated with the teachers and parents and said, 'we've got to make this a little easier.'"
More than 500 Grade 4-6 students from St. Joseph's and Monsignor JH O'Neil Catholic Schools, Westfield, Annandale and South Ridge Public Schools, attended the Dec. 8th free morning swim or skate.' Each student received two free Timbits and a juice box in the Lions Auditorium after skating at the Kinsmen Memorial Arena or swimming in the Kinsmen Pool.
"So it's pretty much full circle," said Wood as they prepared for the second group of students.
"It's just been an exceptional event. When you see the laughter on the children's faces, the opportunity to make friends at other schools, and with The Salvation Army here, the kids see the meaning, the goodness, the fun in giving."
"They get really excited about it," nodded Luksys, "long before it even happens."
SPONSORS
"Our sponsors are there every year for us," said Wood. "It just makes the whole thing come together."
Sponsors included Royal LePage R.E. Wood Realty staff; Langs Bus Lines and drivers; Tim Hortons (Randy Salverda); Metro; Jenkins & Gilvesy Law Firm; Drew Jansen - Canadian Mortgage Authority; ScotiaBank; BMO - Bank of Montreal; TD Canada Trust; CIBC; RBC; FirstOntario Credit Union; Sheryl Williams, Mobile Specialist CIBC; and Andrea Vandevyvere, Mobile Specialist RBC.