Queen Elizabeth Senior Public School calls on all Peel schools to join third annual S.O.A.R. campaign in support of the Stephen Lewis Foundation

Students, staff and volunteers from Queen Elizabeth Senior Public School challenge all schools in Peel to join the 2011 S.O.A.R (Students Helping Orphans in Africa with Relief) campaign to help children affected by the HIV/AIDS pandemic in Africa. Although participating schools are invited to hold a fundraising event of their choice anytime throughout the campaign between February and June, Feb. 24 has been designated as Student S.O.A.R Day, a one-day fundraising challenge. All funds collected will be donated to the Stephen Lewis Foundation.
"By taking part in the campaign, we are helping to raise global awareness and develop empathy in our students," says Kevin Dobson, principal at Queen Elizabeth. "I am amazed at how empowered students feel when they are able to make a positive impact on the lives of their peers in Africa."

All participating schools will receive a S.O.A.R. marketing kit, a letter from Stephen Lewis in recognition of their participation, as well as a Certificate of Soaring Achievement. Students can also receive volunteer hours for their involvement in this campaign.

"This will be the third year that Peel schools work together to give a voice to the millions of children who have been orphaned by AIDS," says Diane Hamilton, Peel board parent volunteer and co-founder of S.O.A.R. "To date, the Peel District School Board has raised $33,000-We had 32 schools register last year and our goal is to top that number in this year's campaign."

S.O.A.R. is grass-roots initiative that was started by the school council at Kenollie Public School. Its focus is to raise funds and awareness for the Stephen Lewis Foundation.

The Stephen Lewis Foundation supports community-based organizations that are turning the tide of HIV/AIDS in Africa by providing care and support to women, grandmothers, orphans and people living with HIV and AIDS.

Schools interested in registering for the S.O.A.R campaign can contact Queen Elizabeth Senior Public School 905-278-7287.