A group of students at Garden Valley Colligate (GVC) in  Winkelr has become more involved in their community. Around 15 students have been regularly participating in the Youth In Philanthropy (YIP) program, giving both their time and energy in volunteerism and fundraising for non-profits.

this was the second year there has been a YIP program at GVC since the construction of Northlands Parkway Colligate, it gives students an opportunity to give back.

Being a part of a group which has put community involvement first was one reason why Dianna Fast decided to join."I just really enjoy being part of a group that I know is helping in some way in the community. This way we also get to choose the organizations we feel are helping the most."

Thursday $3,400 was given to six non-profit organizations in the area.Guidance Counsellor, and YIP Staff Advisor Amy Warms, says it has been a great experience working with this group of students who have shown great initiative in the program.

"What I really loved was the ideas that came from them, the initiatives that they took on."

She says there were many times when her and Co-Staff Advisor Susana Hawryshko wanted to slow down for a bit, but the kids wanted to continue pushing ideas forward.

"Another part that I would say was amazing to be a part of was just the conversation who we would give money to."

YIP has a grant program where non-profits are able to apply, and the students get to choose where the money they raised goes.

$500 was given to the Winkler Family Resource Centre for music supplies, $500 to Southwood Elementary for its Green Spaces Project, $500 to Central Station Community Centre for picnic tables, $500 to the 'Carry On Reading' program at Salem Home, and $500 to Winkler Bergthaler Church to help one of its members purchase a new cushion for their wheelchair. $1,000 was given to Mood Disorder Association of Manitoba for a youth support group planned to open in Winkler. 

Warms explains this was very important to the group, because it will aid teens who are dealing with depression and anxiety, as it helps them or their peers.

Marilyn Hart of the Green Spaces Committee says the committee feels honoured and humbled to see the students give their time to aid all these non-profit projects.