Students from the Garden Valley School Division joined forces to support the Winkler Christmas Cheer Board through a unique "Stuff the Sock" fundraiser this year. Seven schools — JR Walkof, Emerado, Winkler Elementary School, Pine Ridge, Parkland, Southwood, and Border Valley — participated in the initiative, raising $6796 for the Winkler and District Christmas Cheerboard.
Creativity and generosity in action
The campaign, which encouraged students to fill socks with change, saw a remarkable outpouring of generosity and creativity. Teachers and students alike shared inspiring stories of teamwork, community involvement, and the joy of giving back.
One standout story came from Emerado Centennial School, where a group of Grade 6 students took the initiative to shovel driveways to contribute to the cause.
Shoveling driveways: A unique fundraising effort
“It all started when I had the idea,” said Tanner Wiebe, a Grade 6 student in Mr. John Friesen's class. “I told my friends, and we decided to go shoveling in our neighborhood to raise money for the Cheerboard.”
Wiebe and his friends, Hudson Neufeld, Brody Robidoux, and Jayden Penner, brought their own shovels and charged $10 per driveway, setting daily goals. Together, they raised $100, contributing to their class's total of $375.
“It was hard work, but it was also enjoyable and fun,” said Robidoux. “We worked as a team because it would have been really tough to do it alone.”
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Lessons in perseverance and kindness
The effort taught the students valuable lessons about perseverance and community service. “It made me feel good knowing the money was going to a good place,” said Neufeld. “We pushed through even when it was tiring because we knew it would help families who might not have enough for Christmas presents or food.”
The success of the “Stuff the Sock” campaign highlights the power of collaboration and the importance of teaching young people the value of giving back. The funds raised have gone toward providing food hampers and holiday support to families in the Winkler area through the Christmas Cheerboard.
Through their hard work and dedication, the students of the Garden Valley School Division have made this Christmas brighter for many families — proving that even the smallest hands can make the biggest difference.
~ With files from Robyn Wiebe ~
