Dance – A – Donation Fundraiser

Dear St. Mary Families,

St. Mary School will be holding its annual fundraiser through our Halloween Dance-a-Donation.  This school-based fundraiser will support Technology, Literacy, and Numeracy needs in our school.  All proceeds from this fundraising event will benefit our students in many ways.

This is our ONE major school-wide fundraiser and is a “Tax Deductible Donation” fundraiser.  The major benefits of this type of fundraiser are:

• 100% of the proceeds stay in the school
• Tax receipts are available for individual donations of $25 or more; cheques must be made out to York Catholic District School Board
• Hassle-Free: It’s simple! Each family just writes a cheque. Our children will not canvass family, friends or neighbours for donations.

Fundraising Target: Our goal is to raise $20,000. If each family donates $50, we will reach our goal.

How do you contribute? The community is strongly encouraged to utilize the York Catholic District School Board’s on-line payment system for donations to the school at www.canadahelps.org.  This is a safe and secure method to donate to the school through an on-line payment method and receive a tax receipt immediately. York Catholic District School Board Aurora is the charity name; select St. Mary School from the “Apply your donation to a specific fund set up by this charity” drop down list. To identify this donation for a particular student, indicate the student’s name in the “send a message for this charity” or the “in honour” section below.

Information Regarding the Fundraising Campaign 

Why is the cheque payable to “York Catholic District School Board” instead of St. Mary CES? In order for donations to be eligible for a tax receipt, the cheque has to be issued to a charity account, which the YCDSB has set up for St. Mary. All the donations deposited to this charity account will be used to fund programs and purchases for St. Mary students only.

Do I have to donate the suggested amount? The $50 per family is a suggested donation amount that will enable us to meet our goal. If you are not able to donate this amount, we encourage you to give what you can. A tax receipt will be issued for any donation of $25 and over.

How will my child{ren) benefit from my donation? Our overall intention is to enhance the education of our children by making it a more meaningful and enjoyable experience. We hope to fund the following initiatives this school year:

• Continue to support 21Century Learning Initiatives by completing our goal of purchasing a chromebook for every student in Grade 3-8 and iPads for students in Grades K-2 and replacing expired devices. Purchase technology for classrooms ie. Brightlinks boards, etc..
• Basketball Nets for Primary Yard and Outdoor Recess Equipment
• Athletic Equipment
• Bullying Prevention and Intervention Presentations/Programs
• Equity and Inclusivity Presentation
• STREAM (Science, Technology, Religion, Engineering, Math) Equipment/Manipulatives
• Tent with Mustangs logo on it to bring to sporting events
• Sunbrella for Junior Yard

Fundraising begins this week and ends on Tuesday, October 31, 2023

As a fundraising culminating event and a thank you to students for participating in our fundraising initiative, all classes will participate in a Halloween Dance.  This will take place on Tuesday, October 31, 2023. 

All donations in increments of $25 will receive a ballot that will give students the opportunity to be entered into our prize draws.  Draws will take place during a virtual assembly on November 6^th. 

 Prizes will include:                                        

We hope we can count on your support!