Graduating students at W.C. Miller Collegiate received a financial boost towards their Safe Grad celebrations from the Altona Elks last week.
The $2,288 donation was raised through the sale of Elks Cash Calendars, which were sold by the school’s Safe Grad Committee during November and December.
Under the arrangement, students earned $10 from each $20 calendar sold, allowing them to fundraise for their own event while also helping the broader community initiatives aimed at helping children.
Rachel Smith, treasurer and fundraising chair for the Safe Grad committee, said the partnership came together even before planning the graduation celebration had begun.
“The Elks reached out to the school before we had our committee organized,” she said. “It meant we were able to start fundraising right away, which was fantastic.”
Smith said the response from students was strong enough that additional calendars had to be ordered partway through the campaign.
“The kids really worked hard,” she said. “Once we saw how successful it was, it made sense to keep going.”
Funds raised through the campaign will be pooled with other Safe Grad fundraising and used to cover the cost of the graduation banquet and post-banquet activities. The goal, Smith explained, is to ensure that all graduating students can attend without financial barriers.
“We try to make sure that every grad has a free ticket to the banquet,” she said. “They also receive tickets for escorts, whether that’s siblings, parents, or partners.”
The banquet will be held at the Pioneer Centre followed by the Safe Grad event at Prairie Homestead, where students will enjoy supervised activities including sports, games, and dancing.
Representatives from the Altona Elks said the calendar partnership reflected the organization’s focus on youth-centred initiatives and community support, particularly when young people are directly involved in fundraising efforts.
“This was a great example of kids helping kids,” said member Guy Mullen. “They were raising money for their Safe Grad, but at the same time supporting programs that help children in the community.”
Smith said the Safe Grad committee is grateful for both the financial contribution and the opportunity it gave students to take ownership of their fundraising.
“The support from the Elks and the community has been incredible,” she said. “We’re very thankful, and we hope everyone enjoys their calendars. And good luck!”
