PATRICIA JESSOME

Spruce Avenue Jr. High School put a donation to good use for its students.

Recently, the Public Service Alliance of Canada’s (PSAC) Northern Alberta Women’s Committee donated $2,400 to the school to support students in reaching their academic goals.

“Each year we choose a school based on needs and contribute to that school,” said Charmaine Nelson, chair of the women’s committee. “We reach out to our union components and request contributions and they have been very generous,” Nelson said. She explained the committee seeks worthwhile causes in the community where they can make an impact and help those in need. “It is very meaningful to our committee to be able to give back to the community.”

Travis Dingle, curriculum coordinator with Spruce Avenue School, held a presentation for the committee in December where five students spoke on the importance of the funding and what it means to the school.

“The donation is a beautiful example of how our community supports one another. The funds from the program were used to purchase essential supplies and ensure that every student at Spruce Avenue was given the opportunity to be successful,” Dingle said. “The money was used for basic supplies like pens, pencils, and paper but also for supplies that can enrich the learning environment in specific subject areas. The school, staff, and students were all extremely grateful for the generous donation.”

Patty is a proud federal government worker, mother, union activist and women’s rights advocate. She enjoys sitting on her Victorian era veranda and taking in the vibrancy of her Avenue neighbourhood.  

Image header: Patty Jessome (back left) and Charmaine Nelson (back right) pose with Spruce Avenue School students, who received a $2,400 donation for school supplies. | Travis Dingle