St. Martin de Porres students learn philanthropy

Students from St. Martin de Porres School demonstrated commitment to making a positive impact in the community through the Youth in Philanthropy program.  

The program is delivered by the Red Deer and District Community Foundation (RDDCF).  

“We have partnered with the dedicated teachers at St. Martin’s since 2018, and they have been enthusiastic and creative participants in the Youth in Philanthropy program,” Erin Peden, Executive Director of the Red Deer and District Community Foundation said. “We provide participating schools with five hundred dollars. The idea is to teach students about philanthropy and get them thinking about the needs and resources within their communities. Students research charities and craft pitches to their classmates, and in the end, they collectively determine where they would like to make an impact with their grant.”  

This year, students held a public art sale where the pieces they created were displayed at The Velvet Olive, and available for purchase, with the proceeds going towards Youth in Philanthropy efforts.  

Students also held a spring market and a bake sale at their school to raise funds.   

As a result of their hard work, the young philanthropists raised enough to donate $1,850 to Breast Cancer Canada, and $1,850 to Ned’s Wish.  

Breast Cancer Canada was pitched by a student whose family was greatly impacted by breast cancer, and his family was on hand to be a part of the cheque presentation.   

St. Martin de Porres students raised $1,850 for Breast Cancer Canada through an art sale, spring market, and bake sales. 
Photo provided by the Red Deer and District Community Foundation.

The other charity, Ned’s Wish, provides support for retired police and military dogs. Mitch Rowland, a volunteer with Ned’s Wish, brought Fire, his retired brood dog for the RCMP, to the cheque presentation.  

“What’s most inspiring is the way that these teachers, Ms. Paetz and Ms. Zazula, have nurtured a spirit of generosity and community service in their classrooms,” said Peden. “The students have embraced these lessons and put their knowledge into practice, proving that the next generation is poised to continue the important work of making the world a better place.”  

The funds raised through the program will provide resources to the selected charities, enabling them to continue their work.   

Through the program, the students learned social and fiscal responsibility and the power of collective action.