Squirrely Pay It Forward

submitted by Stef Gervasi, CAPDA, & the Grade 5 Classes at Beacon Hill

It was a squirrely day at Beacon Hill on April 13th as the school came together for a cause. CAPDA Stef Gervasi began the tradition of a “Pay It Forward” fundraiser, and this year marked Beacon Hill’s 3rd annual event.

Each year, Grade 5 students—who are preparing to join the Kindness Committee in Grade 6—are given the opportunity to choose a cause they care about and work on the project from January through April.

It’s no secret that Beacon Hill’s beloved principal, Natalie Maurice, is a strong advocate for the furry little creatures. In a world where people often ‘shoo’ squirrels away, Ms. Maurice has inspired students to see the green space around their school as a shared home and to treat living creatures with respect.

After hearing news reports about hundreds of orphaned squirrels in need of care and rehabilitation, the Beacon Hill community knew it was time to help out. With increasing development projects and trees being cut down, many animals are losing their natural habitats.

The students organized a school-wide bingo event along with raffle prizes, raising almost $500 for Secours Écureuils, a local non-profit organization dedicated to helping injured and orphaned squirrels.

The event even featured a special guest appearance from “Mr. Squirrel” (also known as Mr. Jeff), who brought smiles and excitement as he walked around the hallways.

While some may see them as “just squirrels,” the students and staff at Beacon Hill see something more, a reminder that paying it forward doesn’t have to be only celebrated in April—it’s something we can practice every day.

A big thank you goes out to Mme. LaFrance and Ms. Policarpio for allowing some class time to help make this project a success.