RENFREW COUNTY DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD
Third Annual Carnival Craze Raises Vital Funds

Families across Renfrew County gathered this past Saturday, March 21st, as Fellowes High School was transformed into a high-energy carnival grounds for the 3rd Annual Carnival Craze.

The event, hosted by Smitty's Home Hardware Building Centre in partnership with the Renfrew County District School Board (RCDSB) and the Renfrew County Catholic District School Board (RCCDSB), successfully raised $12,685 for the Food for Learning and Ready to Learn programs. Families joined the event by donating at the door, directly supporting local student nutrition. These generous donations ensure that students across both school boards continue to have access to the nutritious food they need to succeed throughout the school day.

Community Impact and Highlights

The day kicked off with a dedicated Sensory-Friendly Hour, providing a quiet and inclusive environment for students and families to enjoy activities before the main event.

From 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., the energy shifted as the general public arrived to enjoy high-energy inflatables provided by Ry J's, whimsical balloon art by the popular Mr. Dimples, and classic carnival games and family-friendly activities. There were also opportunities to win exciting prizes, such as a Mobeez Family Package and Ottawa Senators Tickets.

"The community's generosity continues to be overwhelming," said Kali Carroll, Owner of Smitty's Home Hardware. "By covering 100 per cent of the event costs, we ensure that every single dollar donated by our community goes directly into the hands of the students who need it most."

Addressing a Growing Need

Representatives from both the RCDSB and RCCDSB were on-site to discuss the vital role of school nutrition programs. As local need grows, the funds raised at the Carnival Craze provide a critical safety net, ensuring no child in Renfrew County has to learn on an empty stomach.

Mark Searson, Director of Education for the RCCDSB, added, "This event is a true reflection of the deep commitment our community has to its children. When we invest in student nutrition, we are investing in the health, success, and future of Renfrew County as a whole. We deeply appreciate the support from our community, Smitty's Home Hardware, and the partnerships that make this possible."

"We are thrilled to collaborate on the 3rd annual Carnival Craze event," says Kristen Niemi, RCDSB Director of Education. "This joint initiative is essential for bolstering nutrition programs across all schools in both the RCDSB and RCCDSB, and the community's enthusiastic support is truly appreciated."

The event was a resounding success, bringing families throughout Renfrew County together for a day of celebration in support of student nutrition. Appreciation is extended to the participating vendors, whose efforts transformed Fellowes High School into an engaging carnival experience for all attendees.

About Smitty's Home Hardware Building Centre: Family-Owned Business helping the Ottawa Valley build, fix and finish.

About the Renfrew County District School Board: The Renfrew County District School Board provides public education to approximately 9,000 students across 21 elementary and 7 secondary schools in Renfrew County, Ontario.

About the Renfrew County Catholic District School Board: The RCCDSB provides inclusive Catholic education to approximately 5,000 students across 18 elementary schools and 2secondary schools in Renfrew County.