A Family Tradition of Giving: The Hale Family Brings Christmas Joy to St. Mary CES and St. Dominic CES
Dec. 19, 2025
For the past four years, the Christmas season at St. Mary Catholic Elementary School in Lindsay has been marked by a growing tradition of generosity — one rooted in family, faith, and a deep commitment to community.
What began in the 2022–2023 school year as a small Christmas lunch for a single JK/SK classroom has grown into a full-school celebration.
This year, all 117 students at St. Mary CES were to be treated to a festive Christmas luncheon, fully purchased and organized by the Hale family – however, with the inclement weather day and subsequent bus cancellations on Dec. 19, attendance was down – so the lunch was spread out to two schools – St. Mary CES and St. Dominic CES.
As St. Mary CES Principal Laura Carson shared, “Year after year, the Hales demonstrate an unwavering commitment to the students and families of St. Mary’s School, Lindsay. They are consistent, significant donors to our school fundraisers, and they lovingly organize and fund our entire, beautiful annual Christmas luncheon for the whole school community.”
The luncheon is just one part of the Hale family’s ongoing involvement at St. Mary CES. Since 2022, the family has consistently supported school initiatives, including exceeding the school’s annual Terry Fox Run fundraising goal every year — growing from $500 to $1,000 — with Mark Hale and his daughter Aurora proudly participating as runners.
“I’m passionate about giving as it’s a value I want to teach my children, something that has been lost in today’s ways. Although I work hard, I’ve been blessed in life, not fighting to survive and again I think it’s important to give back,” Mark said.
Beyond fundraising, the Hale family has invested directly in student well-being. Over the past year, they donated outdoor ball hockey equipment for senior students, additional play equipment for junior grades, and regularly supported Parent Council initiatives. Most notably, they have met — and exceeded — the school’s Christmas gift drive goals each year, ensuring students in need receive gifts during the holiday season.
“It’s also something I intend to continue for many years after my children pass through the school and will continue it in the honour of my parents Ken & Maureen Hale,” Mark said.
“In a community where many families face financial challenges, the support of The Hale Family is truly transformative. Their contributions are essential to the success of our fundraising efforts and, crucially, ensure that every single student has the opportunity to share in the joy of a spectacular Christmas luncheon,” Carson noted.
Mark is clear that these contributions are never about individual recognition. Every donation is made in the name of the entire Hale family — including Mark’s children, who help organize, plan, and contribute behind the scenes. His adult son Dylan, a St. Mary CES alumnus and Mark’s business partner, has also supported recent initiatives.
The Hale family’s connection to St. Mary CES spans generations. Mark’s son Dylan attended the school in 2005, his daughter Rylle in 2013, and today his daughter Aurora is in Grade 3, while his grandson Mathew is in SK. Their roots in the Kawartha Lakes community stretch back to the early 1950s, grounding their generosity in a deep sense of belonging.
As Carson summarized, “Thank you, Hale Family, for embodying the true meaning of Christmas. Your kindness elevates our entire school, and your dedication to giving provides a celebration for all.”
For the St. Mary CES community, the Hale family’s tradition of giving is a powerful reminder that the true spirit of Christmas — and of Catholic education — is found in love, gratitude, and service to others.