Simon Chang Difference Makers: Leaders on Wheels come up with spicy solutions to fundraising

Watch out Heinz 57. There’s a new sauce-maker in town! Leaders on Wheels students from the Mackay Centre School have been making the news for their BBQ sauces, spice rubs and brownies, raising over $30,000 for The Montreal Children’s Hospital Foundation (MCHF) in the past 10 years. In recognition of their work, they were honoured as one of this edition’s Simon Chang Difference Makers.

The satellite class, housed at Westmount High School, has always taken on social action projects such as penny drives for humanitarian organizations, however there was often a disconnect with the cause. When Rosemarie Sondola (Rose) joined as homeroom teacher in 2014, she proposed selecting one closer to home. To her surprise, the students unanimously suggested The Montreal Children’s Hospital.

Each Leader has spent months there due to their complex disabilities, and they knew all too well how lonely and scary it can be. Sondola’s class immediately started brainstorming how they could go about helping other patients.

So why BBQ sauces, spice rubs and brownies? They are all multi-step processes, which everyone can take part in. Be it measuring, mixing or capping, there is also marketing, graphic design, script writing and directing for their online infomercials – a role for everyone.

Being part of a hands-on project is very motivating for the students, and “there is a sense of satisfaction and pride,” shared Sondola. She added that Leaders on Wheels are challenging assumptions about abilities and gaining transferable skills critical for independence, dexterity and confidence.

In the summer, the group was recognized for their work by the OSEntreprendre provincial grant competition in the Secondary Cycle 1 division, part of the government’s efforts to encourage entrepreneurial culture in schools.

Travis Hall, EMSB educational consultant in Career Development, shared, “I often use Rose’s project as a fundraising example because a lot of schools get stuck on how to do something new and creative. The reason Leaders on Wheels have been so successful is that they have kept at it.”

The group exemplifies business savviness; beyond selling at school, they regularly sell their products in front of the foundation office at The Children’s. Each visit is preceded by an excited flurry of prepping and practicing selling the products. The “secret sauce” to their success is sharing their stories with interested buyers. Rehearsing sales pitches has helped build confidence, observed Sondola.

The group was presented with the Simon Chang Difference Maker Award on October 10 at a ceremony at Westmount High, where they got to meet the award sponsor.

Chang shared business insight, igniting ideas for growing their production. “I am so impressed by all these students who come from diverse backgrounds and work so hard together, with passion and enthusiasm. There is so much heart, meaning and potential in this project. Keep up the great work, Leaders!”

Alessia Di Giorgio, director of Events at MCHF, said, “People often infantilize individuals with disabilities, but they are empowered here. The students are the ones who are in charge of making the promotional videos. Yes, the teachers fill in the gaps, but it is the students [who] take the lead.”

This past summer, the group proudly presented the MCHF with a cheque for just over $7,000 – their largest amount yet in the 10 years of the program.

Funds raised are allocated to the most urgent needs, Child Life Services and the paramedical team. The group came to the rescue when the hospital decided to switch to Smart IV pumps, an endeavour that had to be done all at once. While the government paid for the majority of the pumps, Leaders on Wheels and the Healthy Kids Fund came up with the balance, allowing for the project’s success.

“The student entrepreneurs help us realize that everyone has a way of contributing,” said Di Giorgio. Student Jordan Paquette echoed, “I’m so happy to win this award. It makes me feel proud and recognized for the hard work that we do.”

So, whether the sauce you crave is exotic Wheels of Asia, Wheels on Fire or the ever-popular Sweet Wheels, Leaders on Wheels are paving the way for easier hospital visits for young patients.

Check out the Leaders on Wheels infomercials, designed and filmed by the students on Youtube: Leaders on Wheels (LOW) Montreal @L.O.W626