Celtic Newsletter Fall 2021

Afghan Refugee Fundraiser

Mrs. Vanden Eykel ’ s Catholic Social Teaching class was excited to announce a community fundraising effort to support the Afghan refugees now living here in Virginia! Students came up with the idea to help the refugees that had to resettle in a strange new location. They created the fliers and posters in our hallways and some of the content on social media promoting the fundraiser. Students addressed Faculty at the monthly meeting and requested an out - of - uniform day for all students who participated at any level. Finally, they proposed a highly sought - after Student vs Faculty Kickball game for the grade level raising the most funds.

Over the course of 5 days, Celtics more than doubled our Catholic Social Teaching class ’ goal of $2,500. On the last day, after we had already surpassed the original goal the day prior, an additional $1,800 was collected bringing our total to over $5,000 raised for the refugees here locally.

The fundraiser was run in conjunction with Commonwealth Catholic Charities and even garnered the attention of WSLS who interviewed Mrs. Vanden Eykel and Freshman, Andy Wang who said he wants the refugees to know that they are cared about. “ I hope it makes them feel more welcome in our society as they are far from their own society in Afghanistan, ” Wang said. “ They are not alone, or isolated in Roanoke. ”