THUNDER BAY -- All eight local high schools are raising money, as part of the United Way's Youth 4 Community fundraising and grant program.
In addition to fundraising, students are able to sit on the youth granting committee and work through the allocation process to determine how to give out the funds.
On Monday, they announced the $11,000 raised would be given to three local initiatives, which included the Bay-Safe harm reduction program, the Youth-First supervision program and the Dew Drop Inn.
Co-chair of the youth committee Allison Jones said being part of the entire process was a unique learning experience.
“We are fundraising through different events at our schools,” Jones said.
“All local high schools participated, raising about $3,500 for the clothing assistance program, I believe $2,500 for Bay Safe and the rest of the money will be allocated to the Dew Drop Inn, so that’s about $5,000.”
United Way director of community impact Sandra Albertson said this program provides students with an opportunity to see firsthand what issues surround youth.
“Often, you know, students are in high school and they don’t necessarily learn what’s going on in the community and this is an opportunity for them to get an idea of what some of the challenges are,” Albertson said.
Since the beginning, the United Way youth granting committee in 2010, Thunder Bay high school students have raised more than $64,000.
(TBT News)
