Former intern delivers sneakers to entire Montreal-area high school for back-to-school
After working as an intern at James Lyng High School, Julian Grau-Brown wanted to do something special for the students there.
As someone who wants to become an educator, he said everyone deserves to start the school year off on the right foot.
So, he bought 155 pairs of new shoes.
It took a rental van to deliver all the boxes to the school in South-West Montreal, and a whole team of volunteers helped unload so many colourful new kicks.
Now studying at McGill University, Grau-Brown remembers his time at this high school.
"I was here as a behaviour technician so I came here and helped the kids out and guided them with classes and helped them whenever they needed my help," he said.
He enjoyed the experience and wanted to offer the students a gift for the back-to-school season.
"Every year I wanted to start school off with a brand new pair of kicks, of fresh shoes and I know that’s not available to everyone so I said, 'if I can check that box for a family or a whole school, why not do it?'" he said.
Grau-Brown started a gofundme page and raised more than $3,200.
Not as much as the $5,000 he wanted, but still enough to buy shoes for every student in the school – without any corporate sponsorship help.
He then got everyone’s shoe size, bought some great new shoes and delivered them to James Lyng High School.
Principal Lino Buttino couldn't believe it.
“He got the shoes! I said 'holy mackeral, wow ok,'" said Buttino.
Buttino added that "Julian is exceptional in being a man of his word and he came through!"
The local Desjardins Bank also kicked in homework supplies for a big giveaway.
Grade 11 student Nyzaya McLean-Gordon said, “We're all really grateful and appreciate it a lot.”
“Not a lot of people have the opportunity to get these shoes, this is great,” said student Guandique Richards, holding his new Nikes aloft.
Vice-Principal Andrea Dillon added that the school wants to set the students up for success.
"All the students need to start the year on the same level," she said. "We're giving them equal opportunity to have what they need for their lessons."
The lesson today was that one person can make a big impact.
Laughing, Julian said he feels like a kid too.
"I’m giving them out to the youth but I'm still a youth so I have a connection with these kids," he said.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Doctors ask Liberal government to reconsider capital gains tax change
The Canadian Medical Association is asking the federal government to reconsider its proposed changes to capital gains taxation, arguing it will affect doctors' retirement savings.
Keeping these exotic pets is 'cruel' and 'dangerous,' Canadian animal advocates say
Canadian pet owners are finding companionship beyond dogs and cats. Tigers, alligators, scorpions and tarantulas are among some of the exotic pets they are keeping in private homes, which pose risks to public safety and animal welfare, advocates say.
Demonstrators kicked out of Ontario legislature for disruption after failed keffiyeh vote
A group of demonstrators were kicked out of the legislature after a second NDP motion calling for unanimous consent to reverse a ban on the keffiyeh failed to pass.
BREAKING Man wanted in connection with deadly shooting in Toronto tops list of most wanted fugitives in Canada
A 35-year-old man wanted in connection with the murder of Toronto resident 29-year-old Sharmar Powell-Flowers nine months ago has topped the list of the BOLO program’s 25 most wanted fugitives across Canada, police announced Tuesday.
Prince William and wife Kate thank public for birthday messages for son Louis
Prince William and his wife Kate thanked the public for their messages which had been sent to mark the sixth birthday of their youngest son Louis on Tuesday.
She was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father. Then life dealt her a blow
Anne Marie Cavner was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father, but then life dealt her a blow. From an unexpected loss to a host of new relationships, a DNA test changed her life, and she doesn't regret a thing.
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Fire engulfs old Edmonton municipal airport hangar
A historical hangar at the former Edmonton municipal airport beside the NAIT main campus was on fire Monday night.
Soft skills, preparation can help new graduates land jobs, experts say
As new graduates enter the workforce over the next few weeks, they are likely to face challenges getting their foot in the door and must be prepared to effectively communicate what they bring to the company.