RTO/ERO District 23 North York 'Service-to-Others' Grant, 2009

Project - Service to Others is a Provincial RTO/ERO program that provides grants to Districts for initiatives that support the concept of "Service to Others". The intent is to raise the profile of retired teachers by visibly demonstrating to active teachers and to the public-at-large that retired teachers care about their communities and about public education, and are willing to do something to help those who need assistance.

This year we applied for a grant for a project that was dear to the heart of Eileen Justesen. Eileen was the former Goodwill Convener.

We have been successful in our application, receiving a grant of $4,000 for Eileen's Project.

The award supports children and camilies with HIV and AIDS through The TERESA Group. RTO/ERO North York District 23 will support the work of The Teresa Group through highlighting this organization to the membership, recruiting volunteers and providing support for children of families with HIV and AIDS, specifically with "The Teresa Group Back to School Backpack Program".

Approximately 175 children will be given a new backpack containing the essential materials suitable to the age group for the opening of school in September 209. All of the children have been identified by The Teresa Group as being from families compromised by HIV/AIDS and in need of support.

Simone Shindler, MSW, RSW, Program Director, and Constance Nobes, Volunteer Coordinator from the Teresa Group were present as guests to receive the cheque of $4,000.

Below are photos from our Annual General Meeting at which the presentation was made. (Photos by Andrée Nottage.)

(Click on photo for larger view)