Staff, students and volunteers from Port Credit Secondary School challenge all schools in the Peel District School Board to join S.O.A.R. (Students Helping Orphans in Africa with Relief) to help children affected by the HIV/AIDS pandemic in Africa. Schools are invited to register and take part in any aspect of the campaign-One Ribbon, One Day for World Aids Day on Dec. 1, 2011, Students S.O.A.R. Day on Feb. 23, 2012, or create their own activity. All funds raised will go to the Stephen Lewis Foundation.

"As educators, we strive for our students to develop empathy, leadership skills and global mindsets," says Wendy Lautamus, principal at Port Credit. "Supporting the work of the Stephen Lewis Foundation through S.O.A.R. is a meaningful way for students to make a difference."

Schools that run a One Ribbon, One Day event are encouraged to raise awareness and funds by selling red ribbons. Schools that participate in Student S.O.A.R. Day are encouraged to conduct a fundraising event of their choice. Participating schools will receive promotional and educational posters, red ribbons and pins in order to facilitate fundraising for their events, as well as a letter from Stephen Lewis in recognition of their participation. Students can also receive volunteer hours for participating in the campaign.

"S.O.A.R. is an annual campaign. We want students in Peel to have a chance to make an impact on the lives of their peers in other countries," says Diane Hamilton, Peel board parent volunteer and co-founder of S.O.A.R. "We added One Ribbon, One Day this year to highlight how one person and one dollar can make a difference for orphans affected by the HIV/AIDs pandemic in Africa."

S.O.A.R. has raised $50,000 since 2008. S.O.A.R. is an initiative started by Peel board parent volunteers. Its focus is to raise funds and awareness for the Stephen Lewis Foundation-100 per cent of funds raised are provided to the foundation.

The Stephen Lewis Foundation supports grassroots 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 Wendy Lautamus, principal, Port Credit Secondary School at 905-278-3382 ext.401.