The school community council (SCC) at Bienfait Weldon School decided this year to give $200 to every classroom to go towards a charity or non-profit organization of their choice.
The decision was made after the school had a very successful fall fundraiser. The school decided to give half of the proceeds back to the community and those in need.
The six classrooms individually chose three charities. Those in grades 5-8 choose the Angel Tree program, which is offered by the Community Hamper Association. They also raised money as part of their leadership group, run by teacher Chanda Henry. They spent more than $1,200 on toys on Dec. 14.
Other students decided to support the Estevan Humane Society. Students from three different classrooms went shopping, filled up four carts and spent $500.
The other organization to benefit was the St. Joseph’s Hospital Foundation. Executive director Becky Cassidy dropped by the school recently to accept a cheque for $300 from the Grade 1/2 and the Grade 2/3 classes.
One of the classrooms at the school split their money between the humane society and the foundation.
Amanda Pukas, the president of the SCC, said the students were very excited about getting involved with the decision-making process of where the money would go. Those who were selected to go shopping had their names drawn from of a bowl. They recognize the importance of giving back to the community, and knowing that others may not be as fortunate as they are at this time of the year.
