Staff members and educational leaders throughout the Newfoundland and Labrador English School District (NLESD) offices were pleased to help communities impacted by the brutal force of Hurricane Fiona this past September.

Following the devastating impacts to homes, businesses and coastal communities, District staff were invited to contribute to the recovery efforts through a group donation. By the end of October, staff contributed close to $11,000. The NL Education Foundation, the charity of the District which oversees employee-contributed funds directed towards scholarships and other educational efforts, matched the staff’s contribution. This contribution helped NLESD employees donate a total of $22,000 to the Credit Union in Port aux Basque for Hurricane Fiona relief.

“Our province is no stranger to the impacts of a variety of inclement weather events, but hurricanes are particularly frightening and devastating,” noted NLESD Chief Financial Officer & Interim Chair of the Education Foundation Terry Hall. “This initiative was a result of the generosity of our staff, from our custodians, secretaries and trades people to our student assistants, finance staff, and educators. We are proud of the donation efforts of our staff to support our neighbours, friends, colleagues, students and fellow Newfoundlanders and Labradorians and are extremely pleased the Education Foundation was able to match their contribution to effectively double that impact.”

During a recent visit to St. James Elementary School in Port aux Basques, NLESD Assistant Superintendent of School Systems Dan O’Brien joined St. James Regional High Principal Robert Parsons and Channel-Port aux Basques Deputy Mayor Mark Andrews to announce the donation to the community fund.

The complete release can be found at the link provided below.