Community Donation Changes the Game for Cayuga Secondary School

Thursday, Dec. 19, 2024
CSS Students stand with Haldimand resident Frank Rao, who donated $10,869 to Cayuga Secondary's football sports fund
Above: Cayuga Secondary School students and CSS vice-principal Colin Miller receive a donation from Haldimand resident Frank Rao for $10,869. Frank's generous donation will help CSS to relaunch its football program in 2025.

 

The spring of 2025 will bring April showers, May flowers and a junior football team to Cayuga Secondary School. 

Thanks to a generous donation from Haldimand County resident Frank Rao, the Cayuga Warriors will kick off a new era with 25 new helmets and funding for future seasons. 

Rao brings a unique connection to Grand Erie, namely in Cayuga, where his son served for 10 years as a volunteer firefighter. He was prompted to make a $10,869 donation after learning about the tight-knit community's struggle to relaunch its football program, which last had a team in 2015.

A former athlete, Frank saw the donation as an opportunity to share the sense of belonging and pride he found playing football at Cathedral High School in Hamilton, McMaster University and later Mohawk College. Frank currently serves as the president of Innovative Traffic Solutions, where safety is top of mind, making new helmets the clear first step. 

"I believe in improving safety for everyone when I can. I hope my contribution helps future athletes play their best, knowing they have the safest equipment possible," expressed Frank.

Vice-Principal Colin Miller looks forward to welcoming Frank and his family to future games, noting the ripple effect of his generous donation. Miller stated, "We started this journey in May with a community meeting hosted in Cayuga Secondary's Learning Commons. Since that first meeting, the community support for our team has been overwhelming. The wraparound support for this program has shown students that big dreams can come true."

Grade 9 student Lincoln Forster also expressed excitement, adding, "Every student should have the chance to join the team if they want to, and Frank has made that possible."

Grand Erie's community members play a key role in making it a strong place to learn, lead and inspire. By inspiring curiosity and facilitating opportunities to grow, every student has a place to belong. 

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