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A weekend of games, prizes and family fun at Fellowes High School is making a tangible difference for students across Renfrew County.
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The event, organized by Smitty’s Home Hardware Building Centre in partnership with both school boards, drew families from across the region for a day that combined entertainment with community support.
Mr. Dimples does some fancy balloon tying to craft a flower for a young carnival goer at the 2026 Carnival Craze fundraiser held last month at Fellowes High School in Pembroke. RCCDSB
Activities began with a sensory-friendly hour, offering a quieter and more inclusive environment for students and families before the larger crowds arrived. By late morning, the school had taken on the atmosphere of a full carnival, with inflatables, games and entertainment filling the gym and surrounding spaces.
Families were admitted through donations at the door, with organizers noting that all proceeds will directly support student nutrition.
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“The community’s generosity continues to be overwhelming,” said Kali Carroll, owner of Smitty’s Home Hardware. “By covering 100 per cent of the event costs, we ensure that every single dollar donated by our community goes directly into the hands of the students who need it most.”
Representatives from both school boards were on hand to highlight the growing demand for nutrition programs and the importance of community support in meeting that need.
Volunteers gather for a group photo at the Carnival Craze held at Fellowes High School last month to support student nutrition programs in Renfrew County for both school boards. RCCDSB
Mark Searson, director of education for the RCCDSB, added, “This event is a true reflection of the deep commitment our community has to its children. When we invest in student nutrition, we are investing in the health, success, and future of Renfrew County as a whole. We deeply appreciate the support from our community, Smitty’s Home Hardware, and the partnerships that make this possible.”
Kristen Niemi, director of education for the RCDSB, said the collaboration continues to play a key role in sustaining programs across the region.
“We are thrilled to collaborate on the 3rd annual Carnival Craze event,” says Niemi. “This joint initiative is essential for bolstering nutrition programs across all schools in both the RCDSB and RCCDSB, and the community’s enthusiastic support is truly appreciated.”
Organizers say the event continues to grow each year, both in participation and impact, as more families and community partners get involved.
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