Students at a Red Deer high school are raising money to support the mental wellness of youths through Grad Service Project Week.
École Secondaire Notre Dame High School students have been involved in a series of challenges to help raise funds for the Smiles Thru Lindsey Foundation this week.
Teams of six students, a team teacher and team parent worked together to complete these challenges and earn points. Prizes were awarded to the teams that earned the most points and raised the most money.
On Monday, teams had to design a banner cut into eight puzzle pieces. On Tuesday, team members were given a blank canvas and have until the end of the week to complete an art therapy challenge – these art pieces will be auctioned off at the end of March.
Then on Wednesday, each team member were tasked with completing five intentional acts of kindness and on Thursday the teams created a public service announcement on mental health support.
Friday and Saturday will feature a virtual version of an annual scavenger hunt.
Each year the graduating class from École Secondaire Notre Dame High School chooses a charity to raise funds for through their Grade Service Project. For the past 13 years, students have raised almost $700,000 for student-chosen charities.
The Smiles Thru Lindsey Foundation aims to raise awareness and help break the stigma for children, teens and young adults fighting mental health issues. Lindsey More was a Notre Dame graduate 10 years ago, who died by suicide five years ago.
“Mental health awareness has been a central focus at our school for several years,” said Notre Dame principal Rose McQuay.
“We are honoured to partner and join resources with the Smiles Thru Lindsey Foundation; this partnership will support our theme to keep talking, listening and connecting with students who struggle with mental health issues. Lindsey was a vibrant part of Notre Dame and we are pleased to be able to keep her memory and message alive through this incredible service project.”
For more information about the École Secondaire Notre Dame High School grad service project, please visit notredamehigh.ca.
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