Students at Emerado Centennial School in Winkler had a big impact on the community through their support of a worthwhile cause.
Students last week presented the Winkler and District Christmas Cheer Board with a donation of $3,712 towards their annual hamper campaign for families in need.
“We’re really lucky in our school community for all of the work that was done … there was lots of work that happened,” said principal Jacqui Kusnick.
She noted how the students took charge of it all and spearheaded the fundraising efforts, which were boosted by a $500 donation from the Winkler Community Foundation.
“One of our Grade 6 students raised $90 all on his own,” she said. “The grade sixes did a special fundraiser in the school to raise money.”
She shared that there were a lot of exciting events the kids hosted, such as a bracelet fundraiser.
“That is thanks to this group here who organized all of the activities,” Kusnick said in addressing the students.
“When you come together and you put your mind to something, you’re dedicated to something that’s philanthropic … it’s giving of ourselves to support people who may not have what we have, giving our time and our effort.
“The work that you guys did is going to make a difference in our community.”
Student Grace Xia shared that it all started from a simple idea that came up in their art class.
“That’s amazing … it started with an idea in the art room and it grew so big … we’re just helping the community.”
Fellow student Jenessa Brungardt noted how so many students wanted to do their part to help out.
“Each class grabbed money from their piggy banks or their stockings, and they brought it.”
Cheerboard rep Tricia Gerbrandt heralded the commitment of the students to help out.
“Just to hear how excited and passionate these kids are … we’re just building future leaders, little philanthropists who have so much passion, and it’s so cool to see.
“They make a huge difference, and you can see that,” Gerbrandt said. “Their passion overflowed into all of the other grades … it was just an incredible snowball.”
