Funding boost stretches SHINE reach

Jeff Kerr, chair LRHF, Stephanie Munro, CEO LRHF, Glenda Kary, deputy director of education LCSD, Brent Thomas superintendent of education LPSD, Brad Lake vice chair LRHF, were all smiles last week as the SHINE program got a $132K boost from the LRHF

 

Thanks to a $132,000 donation from the Lloydminster Region Health Foundation (LRHF), Grade 8 students in the Border City will be better mentally-equipped to tackle anything that comes their way through the SHINE program.

Strong Healthy Individuals Navigating Emotions or SHINE, works with elementary schools in both the Lloydminster public and Lloydminster Catholic School Divisions to provide students with programs geared towards helping them gain positive coping strategies and resiliencies. 

SHINE partners with community organizations to provide mental health programs and activities in the community throughout the school year and summer, as well as providing information and activities online for children, parents, and families to access through their website, social media and schools’ web page.

Up until last week, SHINE was only offered to students up to Grade 7, but with this donation, the program can afford to bring another coach and cater to another grade.

“It provides an opportunity for our middle-year students to receive proactive programming just like our elementary students,” said LPSD superintendent of education Brent Thomas. 

“This is an extension of our current SHINE program and I love the fact we’re targeting our Grade 8 kids and giving them some skills and tools to navigate the things they’re dealing with on a daily basis.”

Glenda Kary, deputy director of education of the LCSD, is proud of the program’s growth since its inception and is looking forward to building on mental wellness for all students within our community.

“We have over 72 programs that are all research-based and linked to Saskatchewan curriculum. They also deliver programming in the community during the summer,” she said.

“It’s programming focussing on the positive promotion of mental wellness.”

The LRHF was able to make this donation using funds raised through its 12-hour Dodge the Stigma dodgeball fundraiser, as well as Buzz The Bobcats, a fundraiser in partnership with the local Junior hockey teams.

“Programs like these have a ripple effect and skills learned will be taken with the students in ongoing years. As we know, mental health is top of mind for so many, and if we can help to equip students with the skills needed to help navigate their emotions during such a crucial part of their overall development, it is a substantial enhancement to the well-being of our local youth,” said LRHF CEO Stephanie Munro.

Lloydminster Bobcats’ forward Jayven Leslie, who spearheaded the Buzz The Bobcats fundraiser, was also thrilled with how the money was used.

“I had the pleasure to work with so many amazing people and hear multiple stories of how they were able to overcome their struggles. It was the vulnerability shown by so many people that truly helped make a difference and show that anyone can struggle and that it’s okay to ask for help,” he said in a statement.

.Taylor Weaver Photo

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Taylor Weaver
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