Swift Students Break Rules for a Cause

Students at Dr. Thomas A. Swift Elementary demonstrated meaningful compassion and peer support during a school-wide, student-led “Break the Rules Day” fundraiser in support of Canuck Place Children’s Hospice.

The event was organized by Division 2, a Grade 5 class, in honour of their classmate Emmett. Emmett and his family have made many memories at Canuck Place and continue to benefit from their care and programs. For the past five years, Emmett has been raising money for Canuck Place as part of the Orange Hippo Campaign, which has raised more than $21,000 so far.

The school community showed up for Emmett during this fundraiser - adding $1,649.80 to the Orange Hippo Campaign in just one day! Students were invited to “break” up to five fun rules: wearing a hat, wearing PJs, bringing a stuffy to school, bringing an extra treat, or changing their name for the day. Each rule cost $1 to break, or $5 to break all five.

While the day was filled with laughter, cozy outfits, and favourite stuffies, it also showed how students can come together to support a classmate and their family. Their compassion helped turn a fun activity into meaningful support for others, reminding us that beyond the curriculum, we continue to teach and learn from our students about empathy, community, and care.