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WAR YEARS-YOUNG MEN ENLIST STUDENTS TO SOLDIERS OVERNIGHT
[Welland Tribune, 25 May 1979]
Shortly after the outbreak of WW II students at Welland High became involved. In 1939 the Student Council established a special committee to sell war savings stamps and by September 1940, each form of the school had organized a Junior Red Cross or Win the War Club.
The war touched WHVS in a personal way when students enlisted in the Armed Forces. In 1942, thirty-five men had left for Britain, Ninety-year-old Frank Hesler of Welland recalls how his son Bill graduated in uniform in 1942 and was shipped overseas immediately thereafter.
Much was done by the students to show the soldiers they were not forgotten. Donations were collected to purchase supplies for soldiers’ pack boxes.
In the 1942 issue of The Student, Lee Edward wrote: “In a week and only one week we had enough money donated to pack thirty-five boxes, spending one dollar and sixty-five cents on each. Three committees were chosen from the form representatives, one group was to buy shaving soap, razor blades, pencils, note paper, envelopes, candy and gum. Another group was to buy cheese, raisins and peanuts. Boxes were supplied by the form representatives while wrapping and postage were furnished by the school.”
Two years later, in 1944, pack boxes had become a tradition at WHVS.
Throughout the war a number of well-organized charity campaigns were held at the school for the United Allies War relief Fund. A total of $1,700 was raised for the purchase of a water purifier for the Lincoln and Welland Regiment. Under the direction of Donald Franco and Mr. Frank Addario, “Talent Night” was begun as a fund-raising activity.
The students also held a variety of raffles with proceeds going to the Red Cross, The Red Cross Blanket Fund was augmented by a large assortment of knitted goods made and donated by the students.
Writing on “Pack Boxes” in The Student of 1944, staff member William Box said in part: “It was not long before letters of thanks and appreciation began to be forwarded to the school office. The boys, in their letters, wrote sincere words of gratitude for the gift of the Christmas remembrance; but above all, they expressed joy at being remembered by the school they had once attended.”
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