COVID-19 didn't hold back the W.C. Miller Collegiate Youth in Philanthropy (YiP) group from hitting its $1,000 fundraising goal this spring.

Members of the Altona high school committee were able to hold two successful main fundraisers - a canteen during the school's annual drama production in December and a movie night in March - before health restrictions took effect. Then classes were cancelled mid-March and the committee found a way to accept, review and select grant applications all during a learn-from-home environment, according to Chris Sumner, president of the Altona Community Foundation (ACF).

Matched by ACF, the YiP group was able to disburse $2,000 back into 5 local organizations.

"We are so tremendously proud of the W.C. Miller Collegiate Youth in Philanthropy group," said Sumner, adding this success is a sign of the character of the individuals on the YiP organization and comes back to why members of ACF feel strongly about having young people involved in giving back to the community at a young age. "So they can learn the importance, face the challenges that we sometimes face but still get through it, and find a way to support back."

Nicole Schellenberg serves as president of the YiP group and said being involved has taught her a lot about the community it supports.

"Because you have to think about all the different factors that play into the decision of choosing the grants - where it will go, who it will support, how far out that support will go in the community," she explained. "Because we're a student council we focused on wanting to support students, but with that, it also branches out to parents, families, friends, and just the community itself."

A common theme within this was supporting the organizations with resources to help new opportunities that are being established, and improve and update those existing opportunities in the community.

This year YiP is donating to five organizations:

- $400 will be going to the Altona Curling Club to replace their worn-out curling broom heads with better fabric to provide longer-lasting equipment for the junior curlers to use.

- $500 towards the Altona Girls Minor Softball Association to purchase equipment and lesson plans to help establish the new age group and teach them effectively.

- $300 to the Altona Panthers Special Olympics Club for matching track and field uniforms for their athletes.

- $400 towards the Kiddie Sunshine Centre for new learning and activity materials to provide and adapt to the increased program age.

- $400 to YFC (The Station) Altona to purchase equipment for the BBQ trailer to ensure safety to volunteers alike, and ensure their ability to serve the community and provide valuable skills to their youth volunteers.