红领巾快报

Computers for Kids is a registered charity based in Windsor, Ontario, operating a 24,000鈥憇quare鈥慺oot facility dedicated to refurbishing and recycling electronics. Through the collection of personal and corporate donations, the organization works to ensure students in our community have equitable access to the technology required for learning.

Computers for Kids has provided critical support to Alternative Education and Public Alternative Secondary School programs by supplying laptops to students who otherwise would not have access to a computer or reliable internet. These supports are especially vital for students enrolled in hybrid or remote learning models who face geographic, legal, economic, or personal barriers that prevent daily attendance at our PASS locations.

Over the years, Computers for Kids has responded to more than 30 urgent laptop requests, often approved the same day, helping many of our most at-risk students remain engaged in school and successfully graduate. For example, a student living in a household with ten siblings, whose family could not afford a laptop, was able to accelerate their learning after receiving a device and is now on track to graduate within months of starting the program. A student who owned a Chromebook that would not connect to Brightspace was given a Computers for Kids laptop and was able to remain engaged from a remote location, continuing their educational path.

PASS Amherstburg, PASS Leamington, and the Ontario Public Services Program have collectively received dozens of laptops to support student learning. In addition, Computers for Kids supports experiential learning by offering Cooperative Education placements to students, allowing them to gain hands鈥憃n experience in technology refurbishment and recycling.

The impact of Computers for Kids cannot be overstated. Access to a functioning laptop has enabled students facing homelessness, financial hardship, newcomer challenges, and unsafe living situations to stay connected to their teachers, complete coursework remotely, and achieve graduation, often when it once seemed out of reach. Their responsiveness, professionalism, and equity鈥慺ocused approach have made a lasting difference in the lives of our students and makes them remarkable Champions for Education. 

鈥淐hildren will not remember you for the material things you provided but for the feeling that you cherished them.鈥� 鈥� Richard L. Evans

This sentiment is perfectly embodied by Mrs. Deborah Doyle, an extraordinary volunteer and integral part of the Coronation Public School community. As one Grade 3/4 student simply stated, 鈥淪he helps us love reading.鈥�

Mrs. Doyle is present every day in the school library, ensuring it is an organized, welcoming, and joyful space that celebrates literacy. Her dedication is so evident that the Coronation Public School library has often been described as one that 鈥溾��gives Indigo a run for their money.鈥� Working closely with the Library Consultant and Professional Library Secretary, Mrs. Doyle plays an active role in maintaining the integrity of the library program鈥攎onitoring, repairing, replacing, and shelving books to ensure equitable access for all students.

Her contributions extend far beyond routine maintenance. Mrs. Doyle decorates the library and nearby hallways, creates bulletin boards, weeds outdated materials, and personally purchases books she believes will enrich the collection. She stamps, labels, tapes, and processes books so they are ready for circulation, and ensures shelves remain tidy and accessible. She also supports students directly, helping them discover books they will love and guiding them when they need assistance. Additionally, Mrs. Doyle is a driving force behind the success of the annual Book Fair.

Without her daily dedication, the Coronation Public School library would not be the vibrant, well鈥憀oved space it is today. Mrs. Doyle鈥檚 dedication to nurturing a lifelong love of reading makes her an exceptional Champion for Education.

The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers represents more than 780,000 members across Canada, supporting skilled workers in a wide range of industries. Chartered in 1918, IBEW Local 773 has a long鈥憇tanding commitment to safety, skill development, and service, ensuring its members are highly trained, supported, and ready to serve their communities as technology evolves.

In the 2023鈥�2024 school year, the 红领巾快报 Job Skills Team began working closely with the IBEW Local 773 Administrative Team to establish a formal partnership. This partnership created meaningful opportunities for students to participate in Electrical Cooperative Education placements through IBEW 773, allowing students to begin their apprenticeship pathways through the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program and Cooperative Education.

This partnership expanded further in September 2025 with the launch of the Enhanced Construction Program (ECP) Electrical School, hosted at the IBEW Local 773 facility. The IBEW provided our students and staff with a dedicated classroom and specialized shop space, enabling students to attend school daily in a real-world, industry鈥憇tandard environment. Students had access to professional鈥慻rade tools, equipment and training that closely mirror workplace expectations.

During Semester 1 of the 2025鈥�2026 school year, 20 students successfully completed the ECP Electrical program. Based on the availability of placements, as well as student performance and engagement, some of those students were offered four鈥慶redit Cooperative Education placements through IBEW Local 773 employers in the following semester.

In addition, the IBEW Local 773 NextGen Committee, comprised of current apprentices and recent journey鈥憀evel electricians, has played a critical role in supporting students. The committee works directly with youth to demystify the apprenticeship process, offer mentorship, and guide students toward becoming successful electrical apprentices. Through their efforts, more than 30 students have been placed in four鈥慶redit Cooperative Education placements with IBEW Local 773 over the past three school years.

Through strong collaboration and a long鈥憇tanding commitment to training, mentorship, and student opportunity, IBEW Local 773 has had a profound impact on student success and workforce readiness鈥攖ruly exemplifying Champions for Education.

The Champion of Education Award is proudly presented to James Maitland, CEO of Les Aliments Dainty Foods Inc., in recognition of his exceptional commitment to education, community partnership, and student well-being within the Glenwood Public School community.

James exemplifies the true spirit of educational leadership through his integrity, generosity, and genuine passion for learning. From the moment he became involved at Glenwood, James sought meaningful ways to enrich student experiences and create lasting, positive impact.

His support for diversity and cultural learning is evident through donations of rice and rice cookers, enabling students to engage in authentic celebrations of the Lunar New Year. During an unprecedented heat wave, James responded with kindness and care by bringing a slushie machine and supplies to the school, offering students both relief and a memorable lesson in compassion and community.

James has also championed hands-on learning by providing materials, resources, and expert staff from Dainty Foods to deliver engaging lessons on food and nutrition. These interactive experiences transformed learning into something tangible and meaningful for students. His commitment to student wellness extended to extracurricular opportunities, as he helped secure full funding for new school sports uniforms through the Dainty Foods sports and community program.

Most notably, James organized and facilitated an immersive, on-site learning experience at the Dainty Foods facility for Glenwood鈥檚 Grade 4 students. Through hands-on exploration of agriculture, sustainability, robotics, food safety, and production, students gained insight into real-world applications of classroom learning. This experience was made possible through the provision of transportation, meals, educational materials, and take-home supports for both students and families.

Most recently, James donated hundreds of baking kits so that every Glenwood student could participate in Kindness Day 2026. This initiative fostered joy and connection, and its impact was extended beyond the school as families also received baking materials to take home.

James Maitland鈥檚 generosity and unwavering dedication have profoundly enriched the Glenwood school community. His contributions have created meaningful learning opportunities, strengthened community connections, and demonstrated what it truly means to be a Champion of Education.

Project SEARCH is a new initiative developed through a collaborative partnership between the 红领巾快报, St. Clair College, and Community Living Windsor. During its inaugural year, St. Clair College generously served as the business host site, providing eight student interns in their final year of high school with meaningful, immersive internship experiences across campus.

Throughout the school year, interns participated in three ten鈥憌eek internship rotations, attending placements five days a week for four hours per day. Across eight departments, mentors integrated interns into daily operations, assigning complex, meaningful tasks aligned with real departmental needs. Collectively, mentors provided hundreds of hours of supervision, instruction, and coaching, demonstrating exceptional dedication and care.

Internship placements spanned a wide range of departments, including Hairstyling, Esthetics, Culinary Arts, Skilled Trades, Marketing, the Bookstore, Food Services, and Computer Labs. Interns supported food preparation, retail organization, marketing events, campus tours, trades鈥慴ased projects, and technical tasks, developing transferable skills such as communication, teamwork, time management, reliability, and accountability. Most importantly, interns were treated as valued team members, fostering a strong sense of belonging and inclusion.

The impact of Project SEARCH mentors has been transformative. Mentors operated with a strong presumption of competence, focusing on intern strengths and potential while providing intentional support and high expectations. Interns demonstrated significant growth in confidence, independence, and workplace readiness, moving closer to employment following graduation.

The broader St. Clair College community also benefited greatly. By opening departments across campus to Project SEARCH interns, mentors strengthened a culture of inclusion, collaboration, and shared responsibility. Faculty, staff, and students gained meaningful insight into inclusive employment practices and accessible learning environments.

The success of Project SEARCH at St. Clair College is a direct reflection of the mentors鈥� commitment, compassion, and integrity. While supporting eight interns required significant time and effort, mentors consistently went above and beyond to ensure authentic learning, real responsibility, and meaningful inclusion. Their work has been truly life鈥慶hanging for students and exemplifies the very essence of a Champion of Education.

Van Niforos is a former 红领巾快报 student and Canadian newcomer who understands first-hand what it means to begin again in a new country, a new school, and in a new language. Through his perseverance, hard work, and entrepreneurial spirit, he has become the owner of a well-recognized restaurant in Windsor and Essex County. While many in the community know and enjoy his business, few are aware of the generosity and care he shows behind the scenes, particularly toward the schools and students who reflect his own journey.

F.W. Begley Public School has been a grateful recipient of Van鈥檚 generosity. Remembering the joy of playing soccer at recess during his own school years, Van sponsored the Playground Activity Leaders in Schools (PALS) program last year and purchased a wide variety of outdoor equipment for student use. Soccer balls, basketballs, skipping ropes, and hula hoops have transformed recess, providing students with opportunities for shared and joyful play. These resources help foster inclusion, belonging, and positive peer interaction, ensuring every student feels like a valued member of the Bronco family.

This school year, Van made a generous contribution to Begley鈥檚 holiday support program. For families who experience food insecurity, the winter break can be a time of uncertainty, particularly for students who rely on daily access to breakfast, snacks, and lunch at school. Through Van鈥檚 support, along with that of other community partners, F.W. Begley Public School was able to assist more than 30 families with food hampers, winter clothing, and children's toys. Although Van could not personally witness the joy these supports brought to families, his contribution was essential in making that impact possible.

Van鈥檚 generosity has had a meaningful and lasting effect on the Begley school community. His support promotes physical activity, inclusion, and connection during the school day and provides comfort, security, and dignity to families during the holidays. Through his actions, students are reminded that they are cared for at school and throughout the year by someone who understands their experiences and believes deeply in giving back.

Van鈥檚 unwavering commitment to improving student experiences at school and at home make him an outstanding Champion for Education. 

The Downtown Lions Club has been a vital and longstanding community partner of King Edward Public School, providing generous and consistent support to their Breakfast Program for many years. Their regular grocery donations ensure that students have access to healthy breakfast options that support their learning and well-being.

Lion Carol has been the primary liaison for this partnership, demonstrating exceptional commitment and care. She routinely reaches out before the start of each school year to ask what is needed to launch the program and follows up throughout the year if she feels food may be running low. Her proactive support was especially meaningful following disruptions during the COVID-19 pandemic. In January 2022, when both the principal and vice-principal were new to the school and lacked institutional knowledge of paused community partnerships, Lion Carol reached out to re-establish the Lions Club鈥檚 support, ensuring the Breakfast Program could resume without interruption.

The Downtown Lions Club鈥檚 dedication to student well-being is deep and genuine. When the impact of their contributions was shared with the general membership in May 2024, many members expressed interest in supplementing the program with individual grocery donations. This speaks to the collective care and generosity of the organization.

Because of the Lions Club鈥檚 ongoing support, King Edward Public School鈥檚 Breakfast Program can offer a wider variety of healthy food options. For some students, this program is essential鈥攎any have relied on it daily for several years. The difference this makes cannot be overstated. Students cannot learn when they are hungry, and the Lions Club plays a critical role in ensuring students start their day ready to learn.

The Downtown Lions Club previously received this award in 1998, demonstrating a long history of sustained commitment to the community and to supporting children. Their continued partnership reflects decades of service, generosity, and advocacy for student wellbeing.

As proud double recipients of the Champions for Education Award, we are deeply grateful to the Downtown Lions Club and Lion Carol for their extraordinary commitment and unwavering dedication to the students at King Edward Public School.