James Caicco, United Way Campaign Chair (middle) accepts $5,000 donation from St. Mary's College Heaven Cent Committee
James Caicco, United Way Campaign Chair (middle) accepts $5,000 donation from St. Mary’s College Heaven Cent Committee

Supplied by the Huron Superior Catholic District School Board…
Sault Ste. Marie:  The Heaven Cent Campaign at St. Mary’s College has answered a call to the community from United Way to support its major fundraising campaign.
With the final count of the three week Advent campaign reaching a staggering $19,000 the student organizers saw a media story referring to a shortfall in the annual United Way campaign and felt they could help more people in need in Sault Ste. Marie.
After distributing $10,000 dollars just before Christmas to a number of local charities the students have decided to donate $5,000 to United Way.
“It is what we are called to do as SMC Knights.  It’s who we are and what we live by as a school community,” said Grade 12 student Miranda DiGasparro.
“We are so proud and cannot say enough about the way our students have embraced the importance of helping those in need.  They came together, focused on the campaign and made it a resounding success,” said St. Mary’s College Vice-Principal, Christopher Czop.
“This means a lot.  It’s a challenging year for fundraising in Sault Ste. Marie.  This certainly wasn’t expected but it is greatly appreciated.  We’re expecting a shortfall in attaining our target but this donation will move us closer to our goal and make a significant impact with the people our campaign supports,” said United Way Fundraising Chair, James Caicco.
Other funds from the Heaven Cent Campaign that weren’t allocated before Christmas will be distributed to the SMC Lunch Program, the Special Education Bowling Tournament, and the Elks Lodge in support of their van that transports cancer patients to Sudbury for treatment.  In addition the Soup Kitchen Community Centre and St. Vincent Place will receive donations above what they previously received.
Heaven Cent and its predecessor, Pennies From Heaven, has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for over twenty-five years to assist local charities, non-profit organizations and individuals in need.