LAC LA BICHE - It was a late Christmas gift worth waiting for.
Last week the Lakeland Out of the Elements Shelter Society received a much-needed donation of $750 from last month's Cruisin' For Christmas fundraiser put on by J. A Williams High School. The proceeds are going to go a long way to support basic necessities at the shelter which has had a challenging time supporting vulnerable clients over the year, said Kimberly Spence, the shelter's coordinator.
“The support means so much to us you have no idea, it’s been difficult. We are so grateful for everything that we received from the fundraiser. The funds will be used for our clothing needs, toiletries and food even, that’s what we are planning,” she said with a sigh of relief.
The ‘Crusin for Christmas’ food and fundraising event, that was held on December 16 at Britton’s Your Independent Grocer in Lac La Biche, was able to raise $750 in cash donations from shoppers and more than 144 pre-packaged boxes of food to support the homeless shelter, Hope Haven Women’s Shelter and the Portage College Foodbank.
The annual event led by JAWS students drew a collaborative effort from the local RCMP, Lac La Biche County peace officers and community members who gathered to stuff as much food and box donations into police cruisers for local agencies in need over the holidays.
Considering the event and how important it is to support your community, Your Independent Grocer operator and owner Bill Britton says it's vital local businesses and residents utilize their resources to do what they can for others throughout the year.
“The definition of the word ‘community’ is everybody coming together and helping each other out. One way we can is we have a vehicle with the grocery store to be able to help provide some food and clothing, and I think every store has that opportunity whether it’s to give back to the food bank or to a shelter—it makes sense.”
Students taking the lead
Creating opportunities to give back to the community has allowed the youth from JAWS’s career and life management class and Interact Club to contribute to causes in the area that are important to them, said teacher Wade Coutney whose workplace practicum class also fundraised $100 and donated food items last December.
“You see it in the kid's eyes, they know they’re doing something that they feel is important, especially with the tough times during COVID,” he said.
Donations at the shelter have been severely impacted because of COVID as people try to be more cautious and staff do their best with the items available, but seeing the students at JAWS show a keen interest in supporting vulnerable people raises awareness, said Spence.
“It’s slowed down around COVID. In the past, I noticed we have received more donations and I think people are just being really careful right now…with the students, I think they get to see firsthand the homelessness in the community and hopefully it teaches them more about different walks of life.”
Over the last four years, the ‘Crusin for Christmas’ fundraiser has been running, student participation has not only increased, but many of them have gotten comfortable with creating ideas and using the valuable skills they learn at school to lead the fundraiser, said Britton.
“It’s been nice to see the students evolve, I remember the first year they were kind of hesitant and weren’t socially invested in the project. Year two came around and the kids were excited to get to the store and talk to the customers, hand out flyers for what they needed… It’s really nice to see the kids growing in the program and I think J.A Williams High School does a fantastic job with this.”
As the school's students continue to brainstorm ideas on how to support the community in whatever way they can, JAWS Principal Samear Abougouche is happy the student's initiatives are not only supporting vulnerable people but that they get to create a relationship with the community.
“Every little bit helps; it’s helping the shelter but it also builds a connection with our students in the community… it’s good to see everybody pitching in, young and old, our students get to see that in the community and it’s rewarding for everyone.”
How to help
The shelter is always in need of supplies throughout the year, from clothing to monetary donations, said Spence.
“We always need men's clothing such as jogging pants, warming clothing in the colder months, socks underwear and women’s clothing.”
Upcoming fundraiser
Your Independent Grocer will be holding a chill fundraiser to support the Waskaysoo Community Food Bank in February, said Britton.
“Basically, you can buy a pre-loaded kit with all the ingredients to make a chili and drops it off to the food bank, than the food bank will run a chili day as well,” around Family Day on February 21."
Including a buy a chili bowl; donate a bowl, and a hot soup sale where the purchases will be matched by the store and donated to the food bank in the near future, he said.
