Their enthusiasm was infectious. Within a few days, these students raised $576, with several donations of musical instruments, but it didn’t just stop there. Since their initial presentation, they have pledged many other types of assistance. One particular student said, please don’t bring gifts to my birthday party; make a donation. She was able to raise $120.
The kindergarten kids proved that they are not too young, as well, to provide an additional $30 with their fundraising. They collected many things, such as winter clothes, mitts, gloves and toques for the shelter. Further, they continue to raise money for craft programs. They continue to have a weekly fresh bread drive that gets dropped off at the shelter once a week. Finally, these individuals continue to collect dry goods and canned goods for the Food Bank.
If you have been keeping tabs, which I know you have, you will now realize that they’ve raised over $700, along with collected musical instruments, new clothes, weekly bread drives, and they donate to the food shelter. The result of these young people is profound and has had an enormous positive effect, including on myself.
To bring this to a close, this all started with one student’s determination to do something, to lead a life-altering project strengthening partnership with six amazing students. They work together with their school and their community. In Rehtaeh Parsons words, everyone deserves dignity. The work of these fine students is bringing some dignity back.
To close this off, later today I will recognize the hard work that these individuals have done, and I will be asking for the attention of this House to recognize them individually. The work of the homelessness continues. Thank you to all of these fine students for reminding us how important it is and how young people can make change in their community. Thank you one and all.