MONTMARTRE, Sask. —Montmartre School’s students are testing the theory that giving is better than receiving.
The Grade 6/7 class has joined the rural community to participate in Project Happy Christmas, which provides local families with grocery hampers, Christmas gifts and a turkey dinner.
Last year, Wendy Weichel’s Grade 7 class was part of the project for the first time, raising more than 200 kilograms of food.
“There really are people out there who don’t have enough,” said Grade 6 student Emily Sebastian.
As part of the project, the class mounted posters and placed food donation boxes in the community and planned to collect food at the school’s annual Christmas concert.
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“I hope the families know that the community is there to help when they’re in need,” said Grade 7 student Trinity Agecoutay.
The adopt-a-family program, which has been in operation for 10 years in Montmartre, has helped more than 20 families. In 2015, five families with a total of 13 kids were identified to receive gifts and food hampers. This year, three families are part of the program.
Volunteer co-ordinator Crystal Dusyk said it is a tremendous help to have the class involved.
“Last year when Wendy Weichel and her class asked if they could run a food drive in conjunction with our program, I was so proud of the kids for wanting to help and felt that it was a great life lesson to learn,” said Dusyk.
Both Weichel and Dusyk delivered the food hampers and gifts directly to the five families last year.
“It makes you realize how supportive, generous and caring the community of Montmartre really is and the smiles and hugs that we get from the recipients makes it all worthwhile,” said Dusyk.
Grade 6 student Kaden Englot is thankful to be part of the project.
“I think it has changed the way I look at Christmas because now I’m more grateful for what I have.”
