Students at École Parkside School are once again hitting the streets with coupon folders in hand, raising money to support music, visual arts, and other initiatives not covered by the regular school budget.
The annual fundraiser, organized by the school’s parent advisory council (PAC), officially kicks off the week of March 2 and will run for three weeks.
Coupon folders sell for $20 and include deals at numerous local businesses. Buyers will also have the opportunity to win a 2026 seasonal family swim pass.
Grade 8 students Emma Friesen, Serena Janz, Venice Velasco, and Jace Abrams are among those participating in the campaign.
“We sell coupon folders for $20 to anyone, and then all the money is for things we need at school like band instruments,” Friesen explained. “Last year was sports jerseys.”
This year, funds will focus primarily on the music and visual arts programs. Some money has already been used to purchase new library chairs and a yearbook camera, and remaining funds may also support sports equipment or outdoor learning projects.
Janz, who plays clarinet and helps with lighting and sound for drama productions, said the fundraiser will make a meaningful difference.
“I’m pretty sure the drama wants a new sound system, and the band wants some new instruments,” she said.
Velasco, who plays both flute and alto saxophone, said some instruments are in need of repair or replacement.
“Some instruments are a little bit broken, and I think they need an upgrade,” she said.
Abrams, a trumpet player, added that additional percussion equipment has also been discussed.
Instruments and equipment can be costly, particularly for families new to band programs.
Justina Unger, who leads the coupon folder initiative for the PAC, said rental fees for instruments can exceed $200 per year, often requiring trips to Winkler or Winnipeg. “
If we can have some equipment and instruments in-house, the accessibility part is a little bit easier,” she said. “Students still have to rent from the school, but it removes some of the barriers.”
Needs for the school are identified through collaboration between staff and the PAC. Teachers submit wish lists and quotes, and the PAC determines where funds can have the greatest impact.
“We realize that not everybody is into sports, not everybody is into band, not everybody is into the visual arts,” Unger said. “We want to make sure that we’re not just targeting one group.”
Last year’s fundraiser focused on athletics with the purchase of new jerseys. This year’s shift reflects a desire to support students involved in creative programming.
Unger said participation in band or drama builds more than artistic skill.
“This impacts them more than just being part of a band program or drama,” she said. “This is building character.”
She shared that she has seen confidence grow significantly in students who have stepped outside their comfort zones through performances and concerts.
Each student signs up to sell will receive an initial package of five folders. Once those are sold, students receive a small incentive (a bag of chips) and are entered into a weekly draw for a $50 Chamber Bucks prize. Students may then sign out additional packages if supplies remain.
While students will primarily sell directly to family and friends, community members may also contact the school office to purchase a folder while supplies last.
Unger acknowledged that response from the business community was slightly lower this year compared to previous campaigns, but said that the folder still provides strong value for the buyers while supporting a good cause.
“We’re investing in our kids,” she said. “We’re investing in dreams.”
Residents interested in purchasing a coupon folder can connect with any École Parkside student or call the school for more information at 1-204-324-8206.
