Lambton Kent - District School Board

Students Lead “Community Kindness” Campaign to Support Local Youth in Need

The spirit of compassion and leadership is alive and well at Wallaceburg District Secondary School (WDSS), where students in the school’s Leadership Course have successfully wrapped up a heartwarming initiative aimed at supporting their fellow schoolmates. Their “Community Kindness” campaign focused on collecting essential hygiene products to help students in need, and the response from the community has been nothing short of inspiring.

Understanding that access to basic hygiene items is critical for student well-being, confidence, and academic success, the Leadership students identified a growing need within their own school community. Many students face challenges in obtaining items such as soap, shampoo, toothpaste, deodorant, and feminine hygiene products. The students decided to take action—and what followed was a shining example of community collaboration.

From April 28 to May 16, clearly marked donation boxes were placed at generous local businesses and organizations throughout the community, making it easy for individuals to drop off new, unopened hygiene products. WDSS extends heartfelt thanks to the following supporters for hosting donation boxes: Black Goose Restaurant, New Vision Optical, Intrigue Hair Studio, Wallaceburg Library, Southside Fitness, McNaughton Family Dental, Bethel Church, Community Living Wallaceburg, CF Industries, Shakin’ Bait Variety (Port Lambton), and Walpole Island Health Center.

Thanks to the outpouring of generosity, a wide range of hygiene products were collected and used to restock the student pantry in the HUB at WDSS—a safe and welcoming space where students can discreetly access the supplies they need.

The campaign was further supported by community partners CF Industries and Noelle’s Gift, whose generous donations continue to help replenish the pantry with food and hygiene items year-round.

Under the guidance of course educator and WDSS Vice Principal, Lisa Kameka, the Leadership students took charge of the entire project—from identifying the need, connecting with community partners, preparing and distributing collection boxes, promoting the campaign (including a broadcast interview with CKXS 99.1 FM), to collecting and organizing donations and restocking the shelves. Their commitment to service and leadership has made a meaningful and lasting impact on the school community.

This project exemplifies what can happen when youth are empowered to lead with empathy and when a community comes together to lift one another up. We are so #LKDSBProud of our WDSS students for their vision, dedication, and the difference they’ve made, as well as the staff and community support to make this initiative an incredible success.