What happens when little voters at Mother Teresa Early Childhood Education Centre are being woo’d by non-profits? Plenty of fun displays.
The school’s annual Kindness Donut Project is officially underway, and local non-profits are hoping to see a piece of the pie this year.
Nine organizations recently set up booths during the campaign’s community fair hoping to educate students about their missions. Kids explored displays before voting on which non-profit they wanted to receive funds.
Michelle Rusteika, who owns Sobeys with her husband, Kevin, said she was proud to support the event.
“We love local and to be able to work with kids that are working together,” she said. “Here you have an entire school of kids that are decision-making and collaborating.”
She added the event helps children learn teamwork and problem-solving skills.
“They figure out a way to negotiate their way through it and come out at the end with something they’ve put together as a team,” she said.
The donut fundraiser began when teacher Paige Kindopp approached Rusteika with an idea after reading The Jelly Donut Difference.
“She messaged after Christmas the next year and was like, ‘I have an idea,’” Rusteika said. “We got together and hashed through it, and it has turned into this.”
Meanwhile, Kindopp said the event builds connections.
“This event is all about connecting the community and the students,” she said. “All of the organizations we have here are child friendly. We never know if one of our families might utilize one of these local organizations as well.”
This year, the goal is to sell $12,000 worth of donuts, with half of the proceeds supporting local organizations.
“We have donated over $14,700 over the past three years,” Kindopp said. “We would like to hit that $20,000 mark by this fourth year.”
Brenda Berscht, United Way vice-president, said the event helps people learn more about what her organization does.
“A lot of people are not really sure what we do,” she said. “So, just the information is great, but also to have the awareness of what we actually do in the community.”
“United Way supports people of all ages,” said Berscht. “We go everywhere from kids with our Tools for School all the way up to seniors with our taxi vouchers and everybody in between.”
Additionally, Jacqueline Weed, executive director at Big Brothers Big Sisters Lloydminster, said her organization focuses on building strong relationships.
“We try to form those life-changing relationships, so seeing kids in their own environment is great for us,” she said.
She hopes the students take away one key lesson from her group’s display.
“I think they realize the value of friendship, no matter what your age is,” she said.
The event continues to grow each year, with students gaining a deeper understanding of the impact they can have on their community. Voters will choose the winning organization soon.
Read More: Get ready, the donuts are coming – Meridian Source