HAMILTON-WENTWORTH CATHOLIC DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD
Our Lady of Hope students raise funds to spread hope in Hamilton

A group of students at Our Lady of Hope Catholic Elementary School are living up to their school's name by spreading hope within the community.

Under the project name "Rainbow Loom for Cancer," students Amelia Mullins, Clara Heslinga, Ryan Hackl and Isabella Corrado created numerous rainbow loom bracelets during their nutrition breaks and at home, with the hopes of fundraising for cancer patients.

"This group was inspired to donate their proceeds to the McMaster Children's Hospital after their class participated in the Spring, Hope and Happiness Art Exhibit," said Principal Jim Vandenbosch.

The exhibit was set up by Blessed Sacrament Catholic Elementary School Teacher Tersigni Wishart, in memory of her son, Jack, after he lost his battle with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Wishart had once described the hospital as the family's second home.

"As part of this class project, the students were asked to create inspirational works of art to be showcased in the McMaster Children's Cancer ward, as well as to be featured on the online Spring, Hope and Happiness Art Exhibit.

In addition to supplying artwork for the cause, the four students were able to raise $235.80 to the Wish Heart Fund at McMaster Hospital.

"They hope that this money will help young cancer patients in our community," said Vandenbosch.

With no shortage of love to spare, students Mia Turnbull and Adelynn Hind joined together to raise funds for St. Joseph's hospital, where Turnbull's mother works.

Together, they also created and sold rainbow loom bracelets to classmates, staff, friends and family members, raising a total of $57.50 to be donated to the St. Joseph's Healthcare.

"Our Lady of Hope is very proud of both groups who offered to lend a helping hand to others," said Vandenbosch. "May our students continue to be inspired, help others, and share their hope with the world."

To learn more about the Wish Hart Fund, please visit: http://events.hamiltonhealth.ca/site/TR?fr ..