Fonthill News

The Early Act Club at A.K. Wigg Elementary School in Fonthill has the privilege of being the first chartered Early Act Club in Canada.  Although the club has had its ups and down over the first few years of its existence, 2015 is proving to be the best year yet as the club takes on projects for its community. As every parent knows, youngsters are often wanting to help but simply do not know how. Sponsored by the Rotary Club of Fonthill, the Early Act club is all about helping others in the community. 

 

“I had been wrestling with the idea of giving back to the community and leaving a good social imprint,” organizer and Grade 8 teacher Tim Droppert said.  He continued, “I thought no better place than using a public school to do that.”  Droppert says that many elementary aged students are at the stage where they are learning about compassion, but often are left without outlets to use it. The club operates on the ideas of courage and community, which led to the partnership with Pelham Cares.

 

The students first chance to give back came on March 12 when the school hosted the first-ever Wigg Winter Classic — a ball hockey tournament in which all proceeds will head back into the community through Pelham Cares Youth Sponsorship Program.  “It was amazing the response from the students once word got out.  Every meeting we had, more students would come out and it really built some steam.”, indicated Droppert.

 

After the one-day tournament, more than $900 had been raised, which will go to help subsidize organized sports activities for less fortunate youth in the community.

Droppert also had the club participate in other activities as well, including the Coldest Night of the Year in support of homelessness.  He plans to host two major events each year, with several small fundraisers throughout the year.

 

In other news, the Rotary Club of Fonthill recently welcomed a new member who is already familiar with Rotary’s objectives. John Julien joined the club as a transfer from the Niagara-on-the-Lake club, as a result of his family’s relocation to Fonthill. Andrew Larmand, left, Membership Chair, provides John with his certificate of membership.