Mother Teresa Early Childhood Education Centre’s 4th Annual Kindness Donut Project was a huge success, breaking records and spreading joy throughout the community.
The school partnered with Sobeys in Lloydminster to create special kindness-themed donuts. Over the three-week campaign, the school raised more than $14,000 through donut sales. Nine organizations will benefit from the funds this year.
Michelle Rusteika, co-owner of Sobeys West, said, “We are very happy with the campaign and would say it was a resounding success!”
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Mother Teresa students had another hands-on experience as over 60 students visited Sobeys to decorate and packaged their own donuts.
The school had initially set a goal of 10,000 donuts but had to get extra supplies to meet demand.
“When planning for this year’s campaign, our target was 10,000 donuts,” said Rusteika. “That only got us through to the middle of week three! Thankfully Sobeys West and Special D Baking out of Edmonton came through and topped us up to get us through the rest of the campaign!”
The Lloydminster Rescue Squad accepted a cheque for over $2,100. They were one of four organizations to receive that amount. Chief Norm Namur said they were grateful for the community’s involvement.
“It’s always so fun to do the events prior to this. We come down and read with the children, and it’s just a great time to read to the children in different books and different classes.”
As part of the ceremony and to add some excitement for the kids, a competition was held between winners, media members, teachers and other community partners. They each had to eat a donut, off a string, with no hands. Everyone would agree, insanity reigned.
For Lloydminster Catholic School Division director of education, Nigel McCarthy, it’s about more than the money.
“It’s really about the teaching and learning that can be done by engaging our local community members and local organizations and having children feel like they have agency in choosing where their gifts are bestowed,” said McCarthy.
Rusteika added, “We are so proud of Mrs. Kindopp and the staff and students at Mother Teresa school. They had a vision for helping their community and saw it through to fruition.”
As the community enjoyed the delicious treats, smiles and kindness spread everywhere.
“Kindness was sprinkled everywhere;” said Rusteika. “Businesses, sports teams, schools, senior homes, families, and individuals. There were so many photos shared of donuts being delivered and smiles being shared—there really is joy in a donut!”
Mother Teresa is already looking forward to their 5th annual project in 2026. With new ideas brewing, the community can expect even more joy and kindness in the years to come.
“Until then, donut forget to share kindness with the world!” reminds Rusteika.
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