Gimli High School students aren’t just running — they’re fighting for the future of the planet.
On May 9, the Student Voices group will host a five-kilometre fundraiser in support of Coral Gardeners, an international organization dedicated to restoring coral reefs and battling the effects of climate change.
Grade 12 students Ava Michaluk and Vira Balaban are spearheading the fundraiser on behalf of student voices.
Scan here to sign up for the walk
“In recent years, we’ve seen how environmental damage has hurt our own community,” said Balaban. “We want to stand up for coastal communities around the world who are facing even bigger challenges.”
Student Voices, a student-led group focused on community action, supports multiple causes throughout the year, including the Gimli Humane Society, the Thirst Project and Siloam Mission. Each year, members choose one major campaign to rally behind. This year, they are combining physical activity, awareness and fundraising to advocate for a healthier planet.
The 5K run will start at 11 a.m. at Gimli High School, taking participants past Dr. George Johnson Middle School and along the Gimli boardwalk before returning to GHS. Students from Sigurbjorg Stefansson Early School, DGJMS and the wider community are invited to take part. There is a 2.5K option available from SSES.
Michaluk said organizing an event of this size has been a new and exciting experience, offering opportunities to learn about planning, communication and teamwork by working alongside school staff and the Town of Gimli.
Running, she added, ties in perfectly with the message of resilience.
“Running is a way to show strength and determination — two things we need if we want to protect the environment,” said Michaluk. “We will not only be raising awareness about the environment but also showing how awesome running is.”
Student Voices hopes the event will inspire younger students to realize they, too, can be changemakers.
“It shows some of our younger community members that they can make a big change, even from our little town,” said Balaban.
The group chose to support Coral Gardeners because of its focus on environmental restoration. Since 2017, the organization has planted more than 100,000 corals across sites in French Polynesia, Thailand and Fiji, helping to rebuild critical ecosystems affected by warming oceans.
Coral Gardeners’ mission to rebuild and revive underwater ecosystems closely mirrors concerns at home, Michaluk and Balaban said. Watching the health of Lake Winnipeg decline over the years pushed them to think globally about other communities whose livelihoods depend on thriving waters.
Koreen Ngo, human ecology teacher and Student Voices staff advisor at GHS, said she is proud of the leadership students are demonstrating.
“It’s fulfilling to see students rallying around a shared goal, and I’m hopeful that our hard work will inspire others to get involved, while also providing valuable leadership experiences,” said Ngo.
Student Voices emphasizes kindness, service and leadership, Ngo said, aiming to create a ripple effect of positive action within the community.
“These experiences help develop essential leadership skills that will serve our members well beyond high school,” she said.
Everyone is welcome to join the 5K fundraiser. Participants can register by scanning the QR code on event posters around town. Student Voices asks for a $3 cash entry fee the morning of the event, but donations of any amount will be accepted. All proceeds will go directly to Coral Gardeners.
