Holy Name community raised plenty to fight autism in spring
By Bill Rea

Kim Parcells and Kristy McCague stand near some of the donated prizes that were to be raffled off as part of the Toonies for Autism campaign.

The community of Holy Name Catholic School in King City spent a week in the spring raising funds in their Toonies for Autism drive.

And the amount raised was well in excess of the $1,800 mark

The effort was spearheaded by two education assistants at the school, Kim Parcells and Kristy McCague.

McCague said this was the second year the school has run such a campaign, and Parcells was quick to add things have gone a lot better this time. They raised about $850 last year.

The events started on the Monday with the showing of a video from the Autism Society of Ontario. The Tuesday saw the sale of hot dogs at the school, and the Wednesday it was ice cream sandwiches. All those food items were donated from the community, they added. the Thursday saw showing of a couple of movies, with students buying tickets and popcorn. They saw Flushed Away and Pursuit of Happiness. The Friday featured a silent auction for staff, while students bought pieces of a jigsaw puzzle (the symbol for autism) in lieu of raffle tickets for a host of donated prizes that were available.

Principal Beverley Coles said there was "tremendous outpouring from the community in terms of donating."

"It really brought us together as a community," she added.

McCague said the effort was inspired by the fact there are several autistic children in the school community.

"It's near and dear to our hearts," Parcells added.