Drew area resident Andrea Varallo wants to promote warm fuzzy feelings throughout Wellington County.
Varallo lives near the Drew Community Centre with her husband and four children. She went to high school in Toronto with Cathie Brown (author and creator of the Warm Fuzzies).
“When Cathie told me the concept of ‘Warm Fuzzies’, that they are to help stop bullying and assist schools in character education, I wanted to get involved,” she said.
“Being a parent, and having children in school, I understand some the problems we face today.”
Brown is a Canadian children’s author who wrote Warm Fuzzies, the story is of a young child, Shonna, who is having trouble fitting in (being bullied), and making friends.
Warm Fuzzies are 3.5-inches tall and come on a plastic keychain so children can carry them on their school back packs. The tag on each Warm Fuzzy has its name and a personal message included stating what that particular Fuzzy represents:
– Green is Freckles, who is Caring;
– Pink is Giggles, is helpful;
– blue is Sam, who represents Sportsmanship;
– Red is B-Rad, a Good Friend;
– Purple is Dolly, for sharing; and
– Yellow is Silly, and means Happy
Varallo stated that the Upper Grand District School Board approved and is very excited about, “Warm Fuzzies,” which will be part of the National Character Education Conference in November where David Suzuki is being honoured.
Locally, L&M Foodland and Acheson pharmacy, of Harriston, each sponsored a classroom at Minto-Clifford Public School in Harriston.
Ken & Sandy’s No Frills and Deryck West’s State Farm Insurance, of Mount Forest, each sponsored a class room at Victoria Cross Public School in Mt Forest.
Allan Asselin, principal of St. Mary’s Catholic School of Mount Forest, purchased Warm Fuzzies for St. Mary’s.
The schools students are excited about the “Warm Fuzzy” program.
If anyone in their community is interested in sponsoring a classroom in their area or wanting more information Varallo can be reached at warmfuzzies.andrea@live.ca.
Warm Fuzzies goal is to stop bullying, and assist in the building of character education. For more information on school programs, visit the website www.thewarmfuzzies.ca.
At present, Warm Fuzzies supports and has designed special Warm Fuzzies for the Cancer Society, the Foundation for Fallen Officers and the Sick Children’s Hospital.
For more information call Varallo at 519-338-5551.
