A group of Grade 7 students is making a difference for mental health patients at the local hospital thanks to a grant from Beyond Borders Circle of Change (BBCOC).
Students created “We Care” kits filled with snacks, hygiene products and activities.
“We have about 140 students from Father Gorman, St. Mary’s and St. Thomas,” said Jaunita Schwebius, a Grade 7 teacher at Father Gorman Community School. “Today is the accumulation of a lot of work.”
The students packed the kits as part of a kindness project funded by BBCOC. The organization encourages schools to apply for grants that support community initiatives.
“Every year, the creativity is there,” said Sarah McMaster from BBCOC. “Every application reaches so many different individuals.”
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The “We Care” kits aim to support people experiencing mental health crises. Patients often wait long hours in hospitals and these kits provide comfort while they receive care.
In a previous year, 20 kits were handed out in less than three months at the Lloydminster Hospital.
“If you’re having a mental health struggle and go to the hospital, sometimes you wait for a long time,” said Schwebius. “These kits are our way of helping.”
Each kit contains a mix of sweet and salty snacks, drinks, positive affirmations and personal hygiene products. Additionally, some also include small activities like colouring pages.
“There are 20 stations or more,” said Schwebius. “Anything from a toothbrush and toothpaste to lip balm and deodorant.”
Students assembled the kits in an assembly-line setup. Meanwhile, once complete, representatives from the local health region collected them for distribution at the hospital.
“As a Catholic school division, what better way to show love than to our most vulnerable people in the community?” asked Schwebius.
Beyond Borders funds similar projects across the region. Meanwhile, they also run training sessions and other initiatives to promote kindness and community support.
For these students, the project is about more than just packing bags. It’s about learning the power of kindness and giving back.
“These kids are making a difference,” said Schwebius. “And that’s awesome.”
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