Students at Winnipeg Beach School raised $2,108 last month for the Gimli Humane Society and CancerCare Manitoba to show their appreciation for the services the two organizations provide.
Teacher Kayla Mellen said students in her grades 4 to 5 class spearheaded the fundraiser after receiving a donation of two Winnipeg Jets tickets from Prairie Docks, which supplies floating docks. The class created a Jets prize package, which was raffled off to raise the money.
“The class discussed this and decided that in some way and at some point in their lives, they’ve all been affected by the hardships of cancer, thus their support of CancerCare Manitoba in this fundraiser,” said Mellen. “The other cause that the class felt deserved some support and recognition is the local humane society in Gimli. They all agreed that sometimes the animals get forgotten in difficult times, especially in the winter season.”
The humane society and CancerCare each received $1,054.
Mellen said although it was her class that initiated the fundraiser, the entire school banded together to sell tickets for the draw.
“After a month of fundraising, the school brought in $2108. The proceeds were split evenly between the two selected causes, and both organizations were incredibly grateful,” said Mellen. “CancerCare Manitoba acknowledged the donation and certified Winnipeg Beach School as official Heros for Hope. They shared a video representing how donations can be made and how much donations mean to those battling cancer or the families affected.”
Animal control officer Cindy Salamandyk of the Gimli Humane Society went to the school to meet the students and teachers and receive the funds, which will be put towards the welfare of the animals the shelter cares for and puts up for adoption.
We are exceptionally proud of all the students and deeply grateful to be one of their selected charities, along with CancerCare Manitoba. It was a pleasure getting to meet the students and their teachers. The proceeds will be used directly to the benefit of the animals,” said Salamandyk. “Today’s children are the future generation of animal lovers and animal advocates. Let us all do our share to set a good example as the future of animal welfare depends on it.”
