Carman Collegiate students are helping strengthen local connections through a new volunteer initiative called Local Youth Nurturing Kindness (LYNK).
Carman Cougar Hockey members help hang pine on the Main Street Bridge for CIM
Grade 12 students Nathan Froebe and Mackenzie Dyck formed the group this fall to inspire volunteerism and create opportunities for their peers.
“It’s about linking the gap between generations and connecting to our community,” Froebe said. “We want to help take the weight off older community members who have given their life and soul to the community and make things a little bit easier for them.”
LYNK has grown to about 20 members — some working toward their 10 volunteer hours for Independent Phys. Ed., others pursuing the 110-hour volunteer credit, and some simply looking for ways to lend a hand.
Although the program only launched in November, students have already been active around Carman and plan to help at community dinners, shovel properties, and assist with event organization at the Active Living Centre this winter. Froebe said students are willing to take on most tasks as long as they can be completed safely, though activities involving blades or motors are restricted.
“To me –– as someone who has seen the impact that it can make –– seeing students who have had that opportunity to make a difference makes me very happy, whether it is in just one person’s life or more,” he said.
He added that small communities rely on volunteerism, and he hopes LYNK will help foster that culture.
“It is my goal to create a better sense of community and to display that strength. I want people to be able to say, ‘I am from a small town and I am proud of it.’”
Dyck said the initiative gives students a firsthand look at how helping others strengthens a community.
“LYNK gives me the opportunity to make a real difference,” she said. “It’s a way for me to give back, support people in need, and show that even small actions can have a big impact in a small town.”
She hopes the group will continue connecting students with diverse service opportunities to support organizations and ease the load on community volunteers. “LYNK strives to build connections with students, volunteers, and the community to help bridge the gaps between generations.”
Teacher liaison Warren Hoffman said he is proud to see students taking ownership of the initiative.
“This is a part of the job that is unwritten,” he said. “One of the things I treasure as a teacher is seeing better community members come out of our school. It’s one thing to educate with academics, but helping kids become better community members is equally –– if not more –– satisfying.”
Hoffman hopes LYNK continues to grow as a student-led effort that builds multi-generational relationships.
“This came to me as a student initiative, and I appreciate that it has been student-driven from the beginning. I don’t want to be the driving force behind this –– I want students to see the impact they can have with a little of their time and let that feeling nurture itself.”
He said there are “endless possibilities” for the types of activities LYNK can support.
Community members seeking volunteer help are encouraged to contact Carman Collegiate at 1-204-745-2001 or reach out to Froebe at 1-204-751-0023.
