The holiday season kicked off in festive fashion this past Saturday as the annual Santa Claus Parade, hosted by the Lions Club of Kitchener, brought cheer to attendees along Weber Street. This cherished community tradition marked its 20th year, and the Waterloo Catholic District School Board (WCDSB) was thrilled to play a special role in this year's celebration.
For the second year in a row, St. Mary's High School students joined the parade, proudly showcasing their dedication to spreading kindness and joy. Sixty members of the St. Mary's Random Acts of Kindness Club enthusiastically participated, handing out candy canes and sharing smiles with the crowd. Now an annual tradition for the club, their involvement exemplifies the WCDSB's values of compassion and service while spreading holiday cheer to the community.
The parade, televised for the region to enjoy, highlighted the spirit of giving and community. One student shared that participating in the parade was a wonderful opportunity to spread joy and cheer to people and families while spending quality time with friends from school.
In addition to spreading holiday cheer, the parade served as a hub for giving back. Non-perishable food items were collected for The Food Bank of Waterloo Region, and local firefighters gathered toys for the Knights of Columbus' Toy Drive, ensuring that the spirit of the season reached those in need.
Thousands of spectators lined the streets to take in the vibrant displays, which included dozens of floats, marching bands, and hundreds of Christmas-themed costumes.
We are incredibly proud of the St. Mary's Random Acts of Kindness Club for representing the WCDSB in such a meaningful way. Their participation not only brightened the holiday season but also highlighted the values of kindness and community service that lie at the heart of Catholic education.
We can't wait to see what they do next!