UW Oxford grateful for United in Sport high school fundraisers

College Avenue Secondary School held a Thursday Knights Under the Lights football game, raising $600 for United Way Oxford. (Megan Porter Photo)

Emily Stewart, Echo Correspondent

During the fall season, Woodstock high school students and staff showed off their school spirit while supporting the community.

College Avenue Secondary School (CASS) and Woodstock Collegiate Institute (WCI) held United in Sport events in the fall, raising funds for United Way Oxford’s programs. CASS held their Thursday Knights Under the Lights Football game on Oct. 10 at Cowan Sportsplex, which was decorated with lots of red as donations were collected at the gates. A charity barbeque and hot drinks and treats from the local Starbucks also raised money for the United Way and totalled $600.

WCI held their United in Sport Day on Sept. 19 with lots of activities all day long. Athletic director Eric Molinaro said the event began with a pep rally featuring all the sports teams and then a series of ‘minute-to-win-it’ games run by the Student Athletic Council. The students attended three buy-ins for Thames Valley Regional Athletics (TVRA) games featuring WCI’s senior girls’ basketball team, senior boys’ volleyball team, and junior boys’ volleyball team. WCI then held its 30th annual backyard bash, an outdoor dance to close off United in Sport, which raised $2,500 – matching the 2023 numbers. Huron Park Secondary School also participated.

Working with students in Oxford County through United in Sport according to Megan Porter, resource development coordinator. “Is a unique opportunity to engage with younger folks and to share the vital programs we are supporting. Seeing them engage with their school community, being active and learning more about the urgent needs of our neighbours and how they can make a difference is such an impactful experience.”

About one in five people living in Oxford County are impacted by a United Way Oxford program. The organization provided funding for 13 organizations and 43 programs. Porter is grateful for the support of local high school communities.

“Thank you to the students, their families, the school staff who are supporting and guiding their efforts. “We are so grateful for the difference they are making and the support for their community and the work United Way is doing in Oxford County.”

More information about United Way Oxford’s programs and services can be found online by visiting www.unitedwayoxford.ca.