Lots to celebrate

Posted Dec 29, 2011 By Ray Yurkowski

EMC News - Brighton - East Northumberland Secondary School (ENSS) sure knows how to throw a party. And, last week, they had plenty to celebrate.

At their annual Christmas assembly, complete with entertainment and one of the wackiest fashion shows ever presented, the school was recognized as one of the largest supporters of the Adopt-A-Child program. ENSS this year adopted 75 children.

"The student support from that school is legendary," says Adopt-A-Child co-ordinator Lisa Triemstra.

The program has been running for more than two decades in the Quinte area. Started in 1987 by Quinte Broadcasting, the recipients are often single or no-income familiessingle parents or grandparentsand all children aged 13 and under are eligible.

"We run in conjunction with the Salvation Army, Kinsmen Toy Drive and the Fire Department Coats for Kids program," said Triemstra. "Essentially the children on our list receive the entire package. We provide indoor clothing, such as pants, tops, pyjamas, socks and underwear, the Kinsmen provide toys for the kids, the Salvation Army provides a food basket, and the coats for kids program offers winter clothing for the children."

Every year the program helps more than 1,300 kids in the community, mostly through radio listeners adopting children and purchasing the clothing they need, or by donating and letting a team of shoppers purchase and wrap the presents.

"We receive support from individuals, local businesses, church and sports groups, and schools," explained Triemstra. "ENSS has been one of our greatest sponsors consistently over the years through fund raising in their classes. It is absolutely incredible to see and their support is crucial."

The other big news was the announcement of the results of the school's fund-raising effort at the annual Terry Fox Run in support of cancer research. This year, the event raised $33,854enough for the school to mark a milestone and pass the $800,000 mark throughout the years they've been involved.