DECA Students Raise $9000 for Wounded Warriors Canada
Over the next three days, Toronto will be buzzing with competition as 25 CDS students (plus CDS graduate Lily Chen ‘25 returning in the role of one of only six DECA Provincial Officers in Ontario) join 6,500 others at DECA Provincials, vying for a spot at the DECA Internationals in Orlando this April. DECA prepares emerging high school leaders and entrepreneurs in marketing, finance, hospitality and management around the globe.
Their journey to Provincials wasn’t just about business acumen—it was also about making a difference. Since August, Grade 11 students Ava Longo, Mariella Tsiolis and Sienna Dell’Elce have worked tirelessly to plan and execute four successful fundraisers: a Haunted House in Vaughan, both an outside school charity raffle and CDS dress-down day, and the sale of crocheted poppies handmade by a local business for Remembrance Day. Every dollar raised was donated to Wounded Warriors.
These highly-motivated students look forward to presenting their Community Giving Project this weekend, which raised an impressive $9,626.76 for Wounded Warriors Canada. Wounded Warriors is a national mental health service provider dedicated to supporting Canada’s trauma-exposed professionals, including veterans, first responders, and their families.
Mr. Steve Topham, Director of Fundraising and Events for Wounded Warriors, visited CDS this morning to accept the cheque and had this to say about our three students. "When young people take action to support those who serve our communities, it gives us all hope for tomorrow. The students at Country Day School have shown what's possible when we come together to support our Trauma Exposed Professionals and their families. On behalf of everyone at Wounded Warriors Canada, thank you for helping us ensure they never have to face their journey alone and for providing hope to all who serve.”
“We are really happy with the outcome, especially since this cause is so important,” said Ava. “This charity helps people overcome mental health challenges and the trauma they’ve experienced from serving our country and helping others.”
With their impressive fundraising efforts and dedication, we have no doubt our DECA students will make an impact this weekend. Best of luck at Provincials!
Land Acknowledgment
The Country Day School wishes to recognize and acknowledge the land on which the school operates. Our nearest Indigenous Nations are now the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and the Chippewas of Georgina Island. The Dish with One Spoon Wampum covenant is often cited as an example of the shared responsibility for caring for these lands among the Huron-Wendat, Anishinaabe and Haudenosaunee peoples who would call these their traditional territories. CDS respects the relationship with these lands and recognizes that our connection to this land can be strengthened by our continued relationship with all First Nations, by acknowledging our shared responsibility to respect and care for the land and waters for future generations.
School Information
Junior, Middle and Senior Schools
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.
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.
