Grade 5 students at St. Martin de Porres School learning about philanthropy recently made donations to Breast Cancer Canada as well as a charity to enhance the quality of life of retired police and military service dogs called Ned's Wish.
The students who participated in the Youth in Philanthropy program with Red Deer & District Community Foundation donated $1,850 to each charity.
“We have partnered with the dedicated teachers at St. Martin's since 2018, and they have been enthusiastic and creative participants in the Youth in Philanthropy program," said Erin Peden, foundation executive director, in a statement.
Through the program, the foundation provides participating schools with $500, and students research charities, craft pitches to their classmates, and collectively determine where to donate the money.
This year, with the support of The Velvet Olive, students held a public art sale where art pieces created by students were displayed and available for purchase. All proceeds went to their Youth in Philanthropy efforts. The students also held a spring market and a bake sale at their school to raise funds.
Peden said their teachers have nurtured a spirit of generosity and community service in the classroom.
"The students have embraced these lessons and put their knowledge into practice, proving that the next generation is poised to continue the important work of making the world a better place," Peden said.