By: Sebby Garofalo
This past Friday, junior Olivia Belfonti organized a “comfy sweatpants day” fundraiser, to raise money for the Connecticut Children’s Medical Center in Hartford. The comfy sweatpants day was her modified version of CT Children’s’ “Pajama Day for Kids." Olivia’s inspiration to give back was kindled by her own relationship with the hospital. Olivia revealed, "Connecticut Children’s saved my life. Doctors at other hospitals told my parents that I would have no quality of life and that abortion was the only option. However, at Connecticut Children’s they gave my parents hope that I would live... I love to give back to them because I am here alive.” The added bonus of being comfortable at school was an extremely positive way to visibly bring students together in supporting an important cause, while also sharing in the hospital’s tradition. The fundraiser was extremely successful due to Olivia’s efforts and the donations of SP students, raising close to $1,000. This money ensures that one of the top-ranked children’s hospitals in the nation can continue to help and support children, just like Olivia and many more. Thank you Olivia for showing that charity is a universal gift with no age requirement! Caleigh Lozito, class of 2015, has used her time in quarantine to raise money for organizations that are centered in anti-racist education, as well as justice for all people. Sitting down to tie dye various clothing items to break her boredom on one particular day in quarantine, Caleigh realized that she could turn her newest DIY project into profit for multiple movements that help people respond effectively to injustice in our society. Simply saying that “Black Lives Matter” is not enough, it is time to act on it. Caleigh knew that silence was compliance and violence, and wanted to raise her voice, as well as raise funds in solidarity. Founding a clothing brand called “Solidarity Styles”, Caleigh has been able to sell tie dyed shirts, sweatshirts, and masks to benefit various organizations, her online shop stating that “all net proceeds go to various BLM organizations”. Soon after launching this online shop, her first collection of tie dyed creations sold out. It has continued to sell out with every release since. Thus far, “Solidarity Styles” has donated to Black and Brown founders, an organization providing community, education, and access to Black and Latinx entrepreneurs, and Color of Change, a national online force that helps people respond effectively to injustice in the world. It is necessary to our world that we continue to actively educate ourselves about anti-racism, and continue to listen to and amplify the voices of people who have been historically oppressed. Caleigh reflects on her years as a high school student, explaining that it was here at St.Paul where she learned the importance of equality and considering all peoples as her family. Caleigh, as well as all of us on the St. Paul Sword Team, encourage everyone to use their voices for change. You can support “Solidarity Styles” by following the instagram, @solidaritystyles_ where you can stay updated on future clothing releases and share the page with friends! |
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