Motivated by compassion for families displaced by Manitoba wildfires, Grade 11 students in Portage Collegiate Institute's (PCI) Student Leadership program swiftly organized a fundraiser, collecting $155 in just one afternoon.
As the funds went to the Canadian Red Cross, this amount was tripled by the Provincial and Federal governments, resulting in a $465 donation to support evacuees currently staying in the community.
A class discussion sparks action
The initiative sparked during a class discussion, where students felt compelled to act.
"A lot of our hearts went out to the families who are struggling and have lost their homes," explains Caitlin Lobreau, a Grade 11 PCI student. "We thought that since we're a part of the PCI leadership program, we could find a way to lend a helping hand."
The fundraising effort was spontaneous and effective. Students went classroom-to-classroom during a single class period, asking peers and teachers for spare change. "It feels very good to know that we were able to raise that much in just one period... it was very spur of the moment," says Carley Hauser, another Grade 11 participant.
She adds a personal motivation: "I had a very close family friend lose everything they had, so it makes me feel really good that we're able to help these people."
Alexis Nearing highlights the drive behind the effort: "Hearing about it online and just having talks with people that have personally been affected by this caused a motivation in not just me, but my class to help out and do what we can."
The students were deeply encouraged by their school's response. "It's just really nice to know that we are in a pretty decent community that will help other people just at any time that's needed," Hauser states.
Their teacher, Jasmin Phipps, expressed immense pride in her students' proactive response.
"It feels good to see them so motivated and engaged and wanting to help," Phipps says. "I'm really proud of them for working so hard and them coming up with ideas of how they can contribute to this cause."
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Direct support for evacuee children
Beyond fundraising, the leadership students are channeling their efforts into direct support. Starting Monday, June 9th, they will run daily activity programs for evacuee children staying at CanadInns Portage la Prairie during their French class periods.
"We'll go in with our leadership students and we have craft kits prepared. We'll do some games outdoors and sports activities," explains Phipps. The goal is to provide relief and normalcy. "Just help kids get their mind off stuff... just have some fun and be kids."
Ellie Moran, who also works at CanadInns, has witnessed the need firsthand. "All the kids don't really have much to do there. They're running around the hotel trying to think of things to do," Moran observes. "They'll have a little bit of structure in a room... they'll definitely enjoy it. It'll take some stress off of everyone there. It'll be nice."
The program will welcome children aged 2 to 13 and older. "We are going to go do activities with all the kids... just anything to just get them active and out of the room and just keep their mind off stuff," adds Hauser.
A call for continued community support
The PCI students hope their actions inspire others. Lobreau encourages the community: "If you're able to make your own fundraising activities for the Red Cross and also donate some money, that could really help out." Phipps also notes ongoing needs: "We've also given some things to the town hall, some items I know they're looking every day. So if any other people are interested in helping out, I know there's ways to contribute as well."
Nearing echoes the sentiment for broader community involvement: "If you are in the community of Portage la Prairie, I would strongly encourage to help out in any way you can." The leadership students' swift action and compassion demonstrate a powerful community response to those affected by the wildfires.