The work of a group of local students to raise money for Orillia’s new shelter and community services hub has been recognized with a regional award.
The Students of Hope Ambassador Team, made up of students from Orillia schools, has received the Outstanding Youth in Philanthropy award, presented by the Telus Barrie and Simcoe County Community Board, from the Association of Fundraising Professionals’ central Ontario chapter.
The students have been working all year to meet their fundraising goal of $50,000 for the Building Hope campaign. That would mean the youth room at the new Lighthouse on Queen Street would be named after the group.
“It was really nice for us to be recognized in this way by people both within and outside our community,” said student Paige Hannan. “We’ve worked really hard.”
The COVID-19 pandemic has forced them to work even harder to reach their goal. They had plans for in-person fundraising events.
“We’re having to adapt our strategies,” Hannan said.
There are “awareness bracelets” that can be purchased through the Building Hope website.
Other fundraising opportunities are in the works but will depend on the pandemic situation. An online art and woodwork auction is being planned for May 27 to 29. Watch for updates on the Building Hope website.
Meghan Sawatsky, another student with the ambassador team, was thrilled the group won the philanthropy award but said it’s not about the accolades.
“We’re not looking for recognition, but it’s nice because we’re getting the word out there. We’re hoping for it to generate some discussion,” she said. “It’s broader than Orillia. The shelter isn’t just helping people in Orillia.”
Katie Prentice, student council adviser at Orillia Secondary School, approached Building Hope officials with the idea of getting students involved. When she visited the Lighthouse and learned more about the need for its services, she was “a little bit shocked.”
“I knew immediately, if our youth can’t access these facilities, they needed something,” she said.
Prentice is proud of the work the students have done so far.
“They’re delightful to work with. They’re so motivated and so caring. They’re concerned about the fellow citizens of our community,” she said.
She is hoping the community will help the students reach their goal. They’re about halfway there.
“I know people are really struggling right now, but it would be great if they could get behind the youth so they can continue to believe in the cause,” she said.
Lynn Thomas, Building Hope campaign manager, thanked the students for their efforts.
“They have a heart for what we’re doing. It’s been very inspirational,” she said. “With everything else students have to keep them occupied, this adds to the pressure of their school year.”
It’s important to have youth involved in a project that will support other young people who will need the Lighthouse’s services, Thomas added.
“We need that kind of enthusiasm and energy,” she said. “They’re the future of advocacy.”
In addition to Hannan and Sawatsky, the Students of Hope Ambassador Team includes Alayna Askewe, Shelby Oakes, Ava Lazary, Randy Fogarty, Alyssa Mandarino, Teagan Munro, Ethan Odlozinski, Max Odlozinski, Hunter Sisson, Chloe Bard, Rachel Jeon, Sophia Armstrong, Drew Hook and Maddie Sharpe.
