JoyRide, New Canaan Country 'Spin' for ELM Project

From New Canaan Country School: New Canaan Country School volunteers pedaled side-by-side Saturday, April 1, “spinning” at JoyRide of Darien in support of the ELM Project. The event was part of the third annual Kyle A. Markes Day of Service which drew a total of over 400 Country School students, their families and teachers in a wide range of activities which benefited 14 non-profit organizations located throughout Fairfield county. The day itself was in honor of a sixth-grade student who passed away in 2013, but whose commitment to community service became an inspiration for all at the Pre-K through grade 9 school.

“I think it is important to do this,” said Country School seventh-grader Caroline Blouin of Darien. Mary Duffy, also of Darien and a classmate at the Pre-K through grade 9 school, added, “We have a responsibility to help.”

“It has been moving to see Kyle’s graduating classmates develop an on-going commitment to service.” said Director of Community Development Lynn Sullivan whose office organized the event along with the school’s Parents’ Association. “The Class of 2017 may be moving on, but Kyle’s legacy remains.”

The mission of the ELM Project is to enhance the lives of youth living with the challenges of HIV / AIDS and sickle cell disease by providing an enriching summer camp experience, year-round skill building, as well as a supported transition to adulthood. Campers age 8-16 enjoy one of two seven-day sessions at a beautiful site in Warwick, NY. The program is free of charge and transportation is provided to the camp site. The goal of fundraising rides is to raise $1,700 to send one child to camp. For more information, about the ELM Project, please visit Joyride Darien.

New Canaan Country School is a co-ed, independent, day school which serves students from all over Fairfield and Westchester counties, providing transportation to its 75-acre campus in New Canaan. For more information about the Pre-K through grade 9 school, please visit www.countryschool.net.

Photo courtesy of New Canaan Country School