Mom needs help to maintain scholarships

Janelle Haughton
Janelle Haughton

She lost her only child to aplastic anemia, a bone marrow disease that was hardly known some 18 years ago.
During those years, Geraldine Haughton has tried to keep her daughter Janelle’s memory alive by providing two students at David and Mary Thomson Collegiate Institute with scholarship funds.
But trying to keep that commitment has been an uphill task and now she is asking for help.
She started hosting an annual scholarship fundraising event to provide $1,000 each to two students who have excelled despite difficulties in life. Haughton told The Camera that 36 students have benefitted from the Janelle Haughton Scholarship.
The students are selected by the school’s administration. The scholarship funds, she said, are administered by Toronto District School Board (TDSB) on behalf of David & Mary Thomson Collegiate Institute in the form of awards to two graduating students each year.
Haughton said support for the fundraising event in the form of a dinner and dance has been dwindling to the point where she is now struggling to find ways to raise funds for the scholarships.
She is appealing for donations, adding that she has been brainstorming with a number of people to find ways of raising the money. Tax receipts are offered by TDSB for amounts over $25, she said.
Haughton, who works as a travel agent, said she is exhausted with trying to fundraise each April and has contemplated giving up on the event, which is scheduled for April 16.
“Although this event helps to keep my daughter’s memory alive, this is not only about her. We’re helping to keep kids in school and furthering their education. At the event, we’ve always invited the most recent recipients of the award to be there as our guests.”
She said some scholarship recipients that have become professionals in their respective careers.
“The audience can see where the funds go as well as hear some of the struggles that these students go through. We also get representation from the school at the event but at the end of the day after clearing expenses, most times we do not break even.”
Haughton said Janelle was a very bright and vibrant 18-year-old whose young life was suddenly taken in May 1997 by the disease. “In recognition of Janelle’s zest for life and respect for education as well as to keep her memory alive, the Janelle Haughton Scholarship Fund was established,” she said.
If you can help, contact Haughton at ghaughton7@sympatico.ca or call 416-281-9111.