Niagara Catholic Celebrates 27 Years of Empowering Change

Backwards days, creative hair days, and jersey days are more than just a chance for students to express themselves—they’re a powerful tradition of giving at the Niagara Catholic District School Board.

Each February, schools across the board participate in Kids Helping Kids, a week of themed activities where students donate to join in the fun. These joyful events build school spirit while reinforcing values of compassion, community, and generosity. Funds raised are shared between Niagara Children’s Centre and the Niagara Foundation for Catholic Education, recognizing the vital roles both organizations play in supporting local children and families.

“I learned very quickly about the strong connection between Niagara Catholic and Niagara Children’s Centre,” said Camillo Cipriano, Director of Education at Niagara Catholic.

Since launching in 1998, the Kids Helping Kids campaign has raised nearly $893,000 in support of Niagara Children’s Centre. In that time, students and staff stood proudly behind children with physical, developmental, and communicative delays or disabilities—many of whom are their peers.

Even when the campaign was paused during the pandemic, the spirit of giving remained. Since returning, it has reclaimed its place as a beloved annual tradition.

Beyond fundraising, Kids Helping Kids fosters empathy and awareness of the challenges some children face, helping to build a culture of inclusion throughout Niagara Catholic schools.

“[It] creates greater empathy, understanding, and awareness among our students and fosters a culture of inclusivity in our schools,” added Cipriano.

The Centre also contributes to Niagara Catholic’s Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC), helping ensure that the voices and needs of children with disabilities are reflected in educational planning.

“We are very grateful for the role Niagara Children’s Centre plays in the lives of our students and all the children it serves in Niagara,” said Gino Pizzoferrato, Family of Schools Superintendent of Education. “We’re proud to repay that contribution each year through Kids Helping Kids.”

We thank the Niagara Catholic District School Board for 27 years of remarkable support. Through Kids Helping Kids, they’ve inspired a generation of students to become compassionate changemakers—and helped Niagara children be their best.