BONNYVILLE – Duclos School will be able to buy some new instruments thanks to three Grade 4 students.
When Hudsyn Baillargeon, Haylee Laforest, and Maisy Dunlop walked into their music class earlier this year, they saw that some of the instruments were in need of being replaced.
“Miss Hebert’s instruments were getting really worn out,” noted Laforest when asked why they decided to fundraise.
The girls came together to brainstorm ways they could raise money for some new drum kits and set out to do just that. They also reached out to Duclos School’s counsellor, Janice Baillargeon, who thought it was an amazing idea.
“They took the time, researched how much they would need for those hand drums, and gave themselves a goal,” she recalled.
The original amount the girls were aiming for was $500, which would have bought one drum set for the school.
After deciding on creating homemade trinkets to sell, Hudsyn, Laforest, and Dunlop spread the word throughout the school about what they were doing and why. They told everyone the items would be available for purchase and where the funds would be going.
Soon, their fellow students got involved by donating their own homemade items to be included in the sale.
“A lot of kids started recycling items and started making stuff out of them,” noted Hudsyn.
The community didn’t disappoint when the girls set up their stand earlier this month. Not only did they sell out of every single item they had available, they surpassed their fundraising goal and raised just over $1,000 for their music department.
The three students weren’t the only ones surprised by how much they managed to raise. When the money was presented to Heather Hebert, Duclos’ music teacher, she couldn’t contain herself and even started to cry.
“I was completely surprised and overwhelmed by what these young ladies did for the music room at Duclos School,” Herbert said in a statement. “They put in a lot of time and hard work to create all of the items they sold and their achievement was huge. My heart was touched by their thoughtfulness and by all the students who supported their cause. What a tremendous parting gift these girls have given to Duclos School as they leave us for Grade 5.”
Baillargeon added, “They showed great leadership and initiative. They took it all upon themselves. They saw a need, they ran with us, and we’re so proud of them.”
All three of the girls encouraged others to organize projects like this if they see a need in their areas.
“It’s a great way to help the community,” noted Laforest.
Robynne Henry, Bonnyville Nouvelle
