GNS Round Square December Initiatives

For the month of December, Round Square is focusing on raising awareness for poverty. Three initiatives that aim to support those in need are the Winter Hygiene Drive, the Winter Market and Cluemanatti. 

The Winter Hygiene Drive is in support of Our Place, a non-profit organization that helps those in Greater Victoria dealing with homelessness, mental health issues, substance dependency and poverty by providing meals, housing units, hot showers, healthcare and clothing. 

The initiative will accept new and unopened donations from December 4 to 8. Suggested donations include shampoo and conditioner, deodorant, towels, face cloths, soaps, hairbrushes and combs, cotton swabs, dental floss and feminine hygiene products. 

Contributions can be dropped off in the Lower Gudewill hallway, in the box that corresponds with your grade or in the box that is for teachers and staff. The grade that meets the minimum of 45 items and collects the most will win free cookies! 

GNS’ Middle School and Junior School (Beach Campus) Round Squares are also collecting donations for a similar initiative. 

Middle School Round Square is running a Winter Clothing Drive from December 1 to 7, also in support of Our Place. They will accept new or gently used winter clothing such as winter hats, scarfs, mittens, winter coats, snow pants and more. Every homeform has been provided with bins to collect donations, and the homeform with the most items wins a casual day. Check out this slide deck created by MS students for more information. 

The Junior School Round Square has organized WIN Wednesday for December 6 and are inviting students to bring in gently used children’s clothing and games or puzzles

The Winter Market, the second Senior School Round Square event, will be held on December 6 in the Gudewill Learning Commons, between 12:20 and 1:05, and will feature a silent auction, bake sales and treats, crafts and hot chocolate! The silent auction will feature 8-10 items that were generously donated by Starbucks, Timeless Toys, Canadian Tires, Oak Bay Flower Shop, and many others. All proceeds will go towards the Alliance to End Homelessness, an organization that aims to end homelessness in the Capital Region. 

The third initiative is Cluemanatti, a group-friendly scavenger hunt that will take place over the course of the week of December 4. The first 50 participants will be awarded a tasty prize. Clues will be given out every morning, so make sure to read the Senior School Announcements! 

Please support Round Square’s initiatives to raise awareness for poverty by learning and donating to support those in need!