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Schools embrace fundraising with creative flair

Greater Victoria school's take part in campaign to raise funds for United Way

When students were asked to choose the winner of Esquimalt High’s chili taste-test competition Nov. 3, staff and administrators good-naturedly knew they stood little chance against the leadership students.

“Guess who won?” asked vice-principal Ralph Walker, who came up with the idea of the leadership students, administrators and staff cooking chili-dog sliders.

It marked the kickoff to the Greater Victoria school district’s campaign in support of United Way charities.

But, more important than coming out the victor of the friendly competition, the teams sold $366 worth of chili dogs in a half-hour, Walker said.

Several more schools throughout the district also held unique fundraisers the same day, including Colquitz middle school, which staged a flash mob. A carnival lunch was held at the district office, and Monterey middle school sold freezies.

Participating schools wanted to try a fresh approach to generating funds, in addition to the usual staff payroll deductions and student donations generated each year.

“We believe it’s a wonderful cause, and United Way does great work in the community,” Walker said. “We wanted to appeal to people on a different level this year – create a bit of enthusiasm, create some rivalry.”