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Community Partners Support Active, Healthy Living at St. Anne Catholic School in Blenheim

Community Updates
(Back row, L-R): Ahmad Ghayeni, Canadian Tire Store Owner; Chris Pegg, Executive Director of the CK Community Foundation; Chris Deprez, Founder of the JoLynn Deprez Athletic Fund; Jillian Watterworth, Teacher; and Tiffany Clarke, Principal.  (Front row L-R): St. Anne students Bryden Watterworth (Grade 4); Kadence Watterworth (Grade 1); and Cole Cooper (Grade 7).

St. Anne Catholic School in Blenheim recently received a boost toward promoting active and healthy lifestyles. 

The school received a generous $2,500 donation, which was made possible through a partnership between the JoLynn Deprez Athletic Fund, the Chatham Kent Community Foundation and Canadian Tire Blenheim. Of this amount, $1,792 came from the JoLynn Deprez Athletic Fund, a Donor Advised Fund of the Chatham Kent Community Foundation.  An additional $708 was personally contributed by Chris Deprez to bring the total to $2,500.

The funding was used to provide new outdoor play and sports equipment for all of the school’s 20 classrooms, benefiting more than 400 students from FDK to Grade 8. Thanks to this partnership, the school received an impressive collection of items, including 22 soccer balls, 15 footballs, 2 rugby balls, 8 volleyballs, 8 bouncy balls, 26 sand pails and toys, 60 tennis balls, 16 Gaga Balls, 8 Velcro grip ball sets, 12 utility balls, 11 basketballs, 4 foam baseball bats, and 12 buckets of sidewalk chalk — with more to come.

The JoLynn Deprez Athletic Fund was established in memory of JoLynn Deprez, who was born and raised in Blenheim.  

“JoLynn was an active and involved athlete, who participated in a wide range of sports throughout her life,” says Grade 8 Teacher Jillian Watterworth.  “Her dedication, enthusiasm, and community spirit continue to inspire others through this fund, which supports local youth in accessing the equipment and opportunities they need to live active, healthy lives.”

“The Chatham Kent Community Foundation plays a vital role in connecting donors with community needs, supporting programs and initiatives that enhance the quality of life across the region,” says Tiffany Clarke, Principal of St. Anne Catholic School.  “By facilitating grants like this one, the Foundation helps ensure that local schools and organizations continue to grow, thrive and inspire the next generation.  We are grateful for their support.”

Canadian Tire Blenheim also played a key role in this partnership, providing generous discounts, quality products and donated items to help stretch the impact of the donation even further.

“This partnership is a shining example of how community collaboration can make a meaningful difference – helping students at St. Anne learn, play and grow in a healthy, active environment, while carrying forward the legacy of a beloved local athlete, JoLynn,” says Ms. Clarke.