CALEB NICKERSON
SHAWVILLE Oct. 4, 2018
On Thursday morning, grade 11 students at Pontiac High School (PHS) got quite the pleasent surprise from a member of the local business community.
Danny Lalonde, owner of Lalonde’s Towing in Charteris and a PHS alum himself, purchased yearbooks for the entire graduating class of about 64 students. He estimated the cost to be around $2,500.
He said that it isn’t the first time he’s donated locally, though he was excited to give back to his alma mater.

“Well about five years ago we made a donation to the elementary school,” he said. “We replaced all the sporting equipment, everything that they use. So this year, with our shop expanding and everything we wanted to do a nice donation back to the community.”
He said that he consulted with PHS Principal Debra Stephens and made the suggestion to ensure all the graduating students had a bit of memorabilia from their final year of high school. Lalonde even had a copy of one of the yearbooks from his graduating class (1998). He thumbed through to his photo and had a good chuckle.
“I know in my yearbook, when you have a bad day you look at it and there’s some funny things that make you smile,” he said. “I just wanted to make sure everyone would get one.”
He said that as a local entrepreneur, he felt an obligation to invest in the community that he grew up around and where he now earns a living.
“The way I look at business, you’ve got to give back to your community,” he said, noting other organizations he’s involved with, like minor hockey and the Shawville Fair. “If you like it, be a part of it.”
Stephens expressed her gratitude for Lalonde’s generosity and encouraged the students to take the time and thank him themselves.