CDS Cares: Touching the Lives of Others

CDS Cares: Day 1
By Allison Simpson, Gr. 10
On Monday, October 2nd, the CDS Cares team visited a unique organization called Variety Village. Variety Village is an organization that helps people with disabilities get exercise and help rehabilitate people who may have gotten into an accident.

At Variety Village we got to participate in many adapted sports which helped us gain an appreciation for how people with disabilities do things and the challenges they may face. Some of these activities included wheelchair basketball, a modified version of dodgeball called Pins and Balls and an adapted version of floor hockey called Pillow Pole. Finally, by playing these adapted sports, we learned how to make activities more inclusive for all participants.

CDS Cares: Day 2
By Taryn Goldberger, Gr.10
On Tuesday October 3rd, the CDS Cares team travelled to the Rose of Sharon in Newmarket and the Aurora Food Pantry. Thanks to donations through the School's Food Drive, we were able to provide food and supplies for both amazing organizations. Rose of Sharon is an organization that assists young mothers with finishing their high school educations and learning parenting skills. The organization also provides the young mothers with diapers and other baby supplies. Our group brought in tons of supplies to restock their shelves, and helped to reorganized them to make things a lot easier on everyone. After a quick lunch, the team went on to the food pantry, where we were able to bring in many donations from the food drive that was held prior to Breakout Week. Great job CDS! The CDS Cares team helped by sorting out all the different items into their proper boxes, so that all the food can be put on the shelves for people to use. All in all, this opportunity to give back to the community was a great experience and reminded us to be thankful for things—like our access to food—that we often take for granted.

CDS CARES: Day 3
By Karsen Roy and Isabella Bousada, Gr. 10
On Wednesday, October 4th, the CDS Cares group started their day by making 50 care packages which included cream cheese bagels, fruit gummies, juice boxes, chips, Bearpaws and granola bars. The goal was to feed lunch and brighten up the day of the homeless living in Toronto. After assembling the packages, the team headed to the Eaton Centre and nearby parks to begin distribution. Within the first few packages being handed out, the CDS Cares team had already felt like they were making a big, positive difference to the lives of the less fortunate. The students all took turns handing out packages and introducing themselves to the recipients; most individuals were extremely happy to receive the bagged lunches. Two students—Karsen Roy and Isabella Bousada—approached a man to offer him a bagged lunch. The man politely declined because he was financially well. He explained, “Girls I see people like you on the streets, and I admire what you do. However I’m quite financially well and I would prefer if you would give that package to someone who needs it more.” This quote really touched Karsen and Isabella, because this man gave up a free lunch, out of pure selflessness because he knew that somebody needed it more than him. This experience taught the CDS Cares team about the importance of compassion, being grateful for what you have and finally, that even small actions can have tremendous impacts on someone else's life.

CDS Cares: Day 4
By Aleen Tumi and Sereena Siddiqui, Gr. 11
On the last day of Breakout Week, CDS Cares visited the Community & Home Assistance to Seniors (CHATS) at both their Richmond Hill and Aurora locations. Before going to the two senior centres, the team prepared a group dance and both Taryn Goldberger and Stephany Aslezova-Khanine prepared solo vocal and dance performances respectively. These three performances had a 60’s theme to provide the elderly with a nostalgic and entertaining performance. After the little show, the team played games and socialized with the seniors. The team enjoyed the stories told by the seniors and the seniors certainly loved telling them. It was evident that they enjoy reminiscing by their enthusiasm to share their stories. By the end of the day, each senior and student had left their activities with a new friend.
Back

Land Acknowledgment

CDS wishes to recognize and acknowledge the land on which the school operates. For thousands of years, these have been the traditional lands of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation. We also recognize the traditional territory of the Huron-Wendat, Anishinaabe and the Haudenosaunee peoples who also shared this land.  CDS respects the relationship with these lands and recognizes that our connection can be strengthened by our continued relationship with all First Nations, by acknowledging our shared responsibility to respect and care for these lands and waters for future generations.

School Information

13415 Dufferin Street King, Ontario L7B 1K5 
(905) 833-1220 

communications@cds.on.ca
admissions@cds.on.ca

Founded in 1972, The Country Day School is a co-educational private school offering programs in JK-12 and located on 100 acres north of Toronto in King.