Moved by the recent seizure of local cats and dogs, students in two Westwood Volunteerism classes sprang into action this past week, raising $600 to support the Wood Buffalo SPCA in a matter of days.
Tasked with designing a class-wide project for a local cause, the students felt drawn to the urgent needs of the animal shelter. Despite having only about a week to prepare, the high schoolers quickly mobilized, dividing their efforts across two distinct fundraising events.
One group focused on baked goods and visual marketing, designing posters and organizing a successful bake sale. Another group capitalized on the school's recent Meet-The-Teacher night, launching an SPCA awareness campaign while offering face painting and nail art by donation.
Joanna Torguson, teacher and supervisor of the Volunteering classes, praised the students' initiative and rapid execution.
"Students were asked to create a class-wide project for a community cause and chose the timely SPCA needs. Each class took a different approach," Torguson said. "All-in-all students were able to raise $600 with just about a week's preparation and two events of fundraising. Some made posters and some organized a bake sale. Another group created an awareness campaign and organized to do nail art and face painting at Meet-The-Teacher night."
The initiative is part of Westwood's Community Services course, which covers topics in Volunteerism and Mentoring. Alongside these student-selected, class-wide projects like the SPCA fundraiser, students in the program also take on individual placements, committing their time to do hands-on volunteer work across various local organizations.
For more information
231 Hardin Street
Fort McMurray Alberta
Canada T9H 2G2
www.fmpsdschools.ca
