St. Martin de Porres School - Youth in Philanthropy Project

With guidance and support from the Red Deer and District Community Foundation and their Youth in Philanthropy Project, St. Martin de Porres School Grade 5 classes learned about what it means to be a philanthropist.

They learned that giving your time, money and/or things is a wonderful way to help others. The Youth in Philanthropy Program through the Red Deer and District Community Foundation donates $500 to a charity of the childrens' choice. After "pitching" their ideas for local charities and voting on their favourites, students chose to support three local charities: Saving Grace Animal Society, Canadian Cancer Society and the Central Alberta Child Advocacy Centre.

"Through this Youth in Philanthropy project, our Grade 5 students learned the impact sharing your time, money and God-given talents can make in your community. We are so very proud of our students for modelling servant leadership and becoming agents of change," said Principal Dorice de Champlain at St. Martin de Porres School.

With the help of Red Deer Tourism and the Red Deer Chamber of Commerce, students were able to raise $1,798 for each charity for a total of $5,395.

"Our Grade 5 students have worked incredibly hard to make a positive impact and bring awareness to local charities that are found in our community. I was astonished when I saw the final total we were able to donate. I couldn't be more proud of the young philanthropists we have at our school," said Teacher Kelsey Paetz at St. Martin de Porres School.

"The Youth in Philanthropy project has drastically impacted the way our Grade 5 students view the current needs in society. They have grown into selfless, mindful young philanthropists who are not only aware of these needs but who actively seek out ways to help. I am beyond proud of them and thrilled they have these valuable life skills to carry with them through life," said Teacher Lana Kostenuk at St. Martin de Porres School.

"The potential of our students to have such a positive impact on society and the greater good of our community is so powerful. The entire world has been under duress for so many months. The fact that, during such trying times, our students were able to raise such an enormous amount of money to help others, is simply overwhelming. I'm so proud of them," said Teacher Linda Zazula at St. Martin de Porres School.