A Chilliwack mother is angry that once again alcohol was to be raffled at her daughters' school for a Christmas fundraiser.
Vanessa Skotnitsky says her daughters, aged three and nine, were sent home with letters asking for donations for a Christmas fundraiser featuring alcoholic gift baskets.
But Skotnitsky says she had already complained to Evans Elementary’s principal last year about the same practice.
“I immediately thought that it was inappropriate — sending kids to school with liquor store gift cards," said Skotnitsky.
The mother of three lost her own father to alcoholism last year, and says there's no reason for alcohol to be on school property.
Skotnitsky contacted the district superintendent but was told to take the issue up with the school's Parents Advisory Committee.
Administrators from Evans Elementary declined to comment on the issue, but Evelyn Novak, superintendent of schools for District No.33 (Chilliwack), indicated in a written statement that the practice has since been discontinued.
“When the principal was contacted in November by the parent about the concerns related to the inclusion of alcohol-related items in gift baskets for a raffle organized by the Parent Association Council, immediate action was taken,” said Novak.
“A letter went home shortly thereafter with students to inform parents and the parent community, acknowledging the validity of the concerns raised by the parent and the immediate removal of that particular gift basket from the Prize Draw.”
“Every effort is being made to ensure that our schools are alcohol and drug free.”