Local Charities realise $30,000 from local students

Widdifield students along with their teachers Margaret McDiarmid and Bruce Downey take a moment for a picture with Craig Kielburger. Photo supplied.

Near North District School Board
News Release

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On Thursday, May 25, 2007, secondary students from the Near North Volunteer Now program and Youth Philanthropy Initiative, attended a gala at the Toronto Centre of the Arts, where their accomplishments we celebrated. More than 120 schools from across Canada were represented, seven of which were Near North District secondary schools.

Not only were students recognized for their volunteer efforts, but they brought home $30,000 for local charities. The Youth Philanthropy Initiative provides high school students with an opportunity to award $5,000 grants to local social service groups for which they research and advocate. Several charities within the Near North District will be receiving $5,000 each: The Almaguin Breakfast Program, the Aids Committee of North Bay and Area, Mattawa and Area Food Bank, the West Nipissing Food Bank, Harvest Share Community Food and the Transition House.

Teachers Margaret McDiarmid, Kim Shultz, Bruce Downey, Mark Robertson, Judy Dupuis, Shelley Schell and Lynn Rider accompanied by Near North Chair Alan Bottomley and Trustee Randy Sheppard, joined the student Volunteer Ambassadors at the event, where they received certificates in appreciation for all the work they have done in their own communities as well as on a global scale.

More information on the Youth Philanthropy Initiative can be found at http://www.toskanfoundation.org/ypi.html.

Students returned from their experience very inspired to continue their good works. Congratulations to our student Volunteer Ambassadors for their excellent community spirit!

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