Local students put their community first, during the Notre Dame High School (NDHS) Hungry for the Homeless campaign.
The bitter winds didn't dampen the spirits of dozens of high school students on Thursday, Sept. 20, as they stood downtown reminding residents to think of others.
“This is our fourth year doing this, each year it gets bigger and better. The community steps up more and gets involved, and we also have more students coming out now. We have representatives all the way from Grade 9 to Grade 12 out here, even though it’s a Grade 10 social justice project,” described Siobhan Winterhalt, NDHS teacher.
Through the campaign, students not only remind the public to take the time to donate to the local food bank, according to Winterhalt, they even learn a thing or two themselves.
“I feel that we sometimes get very busy in our lives, be it our sports, clubs, or schoolwork. Sometimes we ultimately forget about the others around us. We know it’s very important to be reaching out to others, to be helping others, and there’s a type of satisfaction that comes with helping others and being selfless that isn’t achieved in those other activities."
For Grade 12 student Charlie Mitchell, that sentiment has rang true every year he's participated.
This was Mitchell's third and final time supporting the initiative.
He said it "feels good" to help the community.
“It’s good to do this, because not everyone has access to what we have access to, like a roof, food, and running water. It’s really nice to come out and help my community,” Mitchell noted.
Also braving the cold in support of the Bonnyville Food Bank was Grade 10 student Kaitlyn Mosher.
“I feel very honoured to be here today. It’s very important to me that everyone in the community is helped,” said Mosher.
This was her first time taking part in Hungry for the Homeless, but it likely won't be her last.
“This is my first year doing it, but I know I’m going home feeling great and satisfied with what I’m doing,” she expressed.
Both students encouraged others to consider the opportunity next year, but said it isn't only about student participation.
In order for the campaign to be a success, NDHS needs the community to do their part.
“Ultimately, right before Thanksgiving is a time for us to look at our own lives and realize that we have a lot to be thankful for and we are very blessed. We want to make sure everyone can have those same feelings of sitting with their family around a good meal, enjoying their time together,” exclaimed Winterhalt, adding that is one of the reasons they hold it so early in the school year.
Mosher feels that not everyone realizes how many local families can barely afford to put food on the table. She said this initiative puts the issue in the spotlight, while accepting food and monetary donations.
"I think bringing this awareness is really important,” Mosher expressed.
For Pauline Mawer, assistant executive director of the Bonnyville Friendship Centre, it's not only the donations coming in that warms her heart,
“I’m so proud these students, who are our future leaders, are taking the initiative to do something for their community,” she said.
Although the initiative is "heartwarming," Mawer stressed there is always a need for donations of all kinds.
“It’s busy all of the time,” she said, adding this time of year sees both an increase in donations and need.
“Last year, December was our busiest. We had 230 clients. Out of those, 17 were new,” explained Mawer.
Those stats have carried on into this year.
In April, the food bank helped 186 families, while May had around 231 take advantage of the program. June saw a dip with 147 clients, with July jumping back up to 202, followed by a slight drop in August, with 173 families getting the help that they need.
“There are just so many people still in need. I have a lot of single parents, people on disability, seniors, families, people who’ve lost their jobs and can’t find another one… They can’t make it, and we need the support,” noted Mawer.
Leading up to Christmas, the food bank sees an influx of donations.
Mawer said, Hungry for the Homeless is just one way the community shows its support.
“I’m just so proud of them… It’s so good to see young people doing something good. They are our future leaders; they need to be aware of the community they live in and the needs of the community. They need to know in themselves how they can help change their community. Hunger, homelessness, and bullying, it all connects."
