River Heights school serves up pancakes and cash

Charity awed by success of first breakfast fundraiser

A River Heights elementary school has made a name for itself by raising $6,850 for a charity over breakfast.

The money raised by École Robert H. Smith School’s community pancake breakfast on Feb. 8 went to the Movement Centre of Manitoba.

Margy Nelson, executive director of the Movement Centre of Manitoba, said students at Smith set a record.

“This is the first donation we have received of this magnitude by an individual school as a result of a single-day event.”

The Movement Centre helps people with cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, stroke, head injury and Parkinson’s disease to reach their full potential.

“These funds will directly impact the lives of many Manitoba children and adults with mobility disabilities,” Nelson said.

The breakfast, which was held in the school’s gymnasium, attracted more than 1,000 people.

And it made school principal Tom Rossi proud.

“I’ve done over 25 community breakfasts during my time,” he said. “And I have to say this was the most successful event I’ve been a part of ... ever.”

It all began as an idea from Grade 6 student Hannah Guttormson.

“When I heard about the Movement Centre from my parents, I wanted to do something to bring about awareness of people who live with disabilities, especially cerebral palsy,” said Hannah.

“So I approached Mr. Rossi in September and said, ‘How about a breakfast with pancakes?’ and he loved the idea.”

After months of planning, École Robert H. Smith not only served pancakes, eggs, sausages and juice, it also whipped up extras, such as massages, haircuts, live music, games for kids, door prizes and silent auctions.

The cost to get in? Just $3.

“Everyone really came together to make this happen,” said Rossi.

“But we couldn’t have done it without the support of the kids and children within the community.”

Hannah was overwhelmed by it all.

“I still can’t believe it happened. I was so worried no one would show up. But when I came to the school and saw all the people there, I knew it was going to be OK.”

Hannah said the success of the event didn’t stop there.

“After the fundraiser, I had a parent later come up to me and say she was at the event with her children. Her children were so inspired that, in lieu of presents for the upcoming birthdays, they wanted everyone to bring cash, which they could donate to the centre. One birthday raised $68 and the other $40.”

Rossi said the pancake breakfast will now be an annual fundraising event for the school.

“I just smile when I think of it. It’s the perfect example of pay-it forward.”