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Santa Claus came early to St. John Bosco Catholic Elementary School in Maple on November 15th. The school was chosen as the official launch site for the City of Vaughan’s annual Toy Drive, in support of the CP24 CHUM Christmas Wish.
Vaughan Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua’s office contacted Principal Vera Zucchi on behalf of the toy drive, to let her know that St. John Bosco was selected as the launch site. Mayor Bevilacqua handpicked the school because of its well-earned reputation as one of the top contributors to past toy drives.
“Naturally, we were honoured,” said Mrs. Zucchi about the mayor’s choice to launch the toy drive at her school. "Our school is well-known for its charitable giving and the way we have banded together in the past to collect toys for those in need.”
The school's Social Justice Club, led by Mrs. Eleanor Aresta and Laura Fantauzzi, rose to the occasion and helped to plan the event. Within days of notifying the community, the school foyer began to fill with toys.
“It was an absolutely wonderful event to host and one which will stay with our students for a long time,” said Mrs. Zucchi. “They loved seeing the media come to our school, and to quote one of our students, it was, "The best day ever at St. John Bosco.”
Because some parents could not attend the launch due to daytime commitments, they were delighted that they could watch the event on TV from their workplaces and homes.
“As we enter the holiday season, I hope everyone will consider donating a toy to this worthwhile cause,” said Mrs. Zucchi.