A Grade 12 Lambrick High School student has embarked on an ambitious campaign to raise money and awareness for the Wear2Start Society as part of her graduating year Capstone project.
Capstone projects are in-depth inquiries by graduating students with a final project, presentation or performance.
Lauren Roworth, 17, initially approached the Wear2Start Society with an offer to host a clothing drive. She was told the volume of clothing donations in general is adequate, but they could use help in securing new and gently used leggings, which are in high demand.
She was also told that the society could do with monetary donations, as its fundraising efforts had been heavily affected by the pandemic.
That’s all she needed to hear.
Roworth launched a fundraising campaign called Leg Up 4 Women with a goal of raising $5,000, more than what the society has seen from any one individual.
She received approval from her school to register a GoFundMe campaign for Wear2Start and set up Facebook and Instagram accounts to help her collect new and gently used leggings for clients and financial contributions to Wear2Start.
“I wanted to do something to help women, because I feel they carry a bigger burden in life,” said Roworth. “Creating the campaign has made me feel like I am part of the community. It has awakened a passion in me, one that I hope will continue in the future.”
In three weeks, she raised just over $1,600 and secured a separate $1,000 contribution from financial adviser, author and TV talk show host Sybil Verch.
“Wear2Start is thrilled and honoured to have such an organized, enthusiastic and compassionate supporter as high school student Lauren Roworth working to raise awareness and funds for our organization,” said Angela Mangiacasale, society president.
Wear2Start is a non-profit organization that helps women in need overcome barriers to success by providing a professional wardrobe suitable for re-entry into the workforce. They also help co-ordinate complementary services such as haircuts, makeup, dry cleaning and clothing alterations.
The Leg Up 4 Women campaign on GoFundMe runs until March 7, 2022.
For more information and to donate, go to wear2start.com.
Holiday reading for James Bay children
Students at James Bay Community School will receive two books appropriate to their grade level before the winter break, thanks to a local initiative by South Harbour Partners.
Local publishers Heritage House Publishing and Rocky Mountain Books will donate 387 books toward the initiative.
Heritage House Publishing will be donating a total of 193 copies of nine books, including Painted Fences and Scallywag of the Salish Sea by James Bay author Sara Cassidy.
Rocky Mountain Books will be donating 194 books, split between Takaya’s Journey, for the older grades, and Good Morning Takaya, a picture book for younger students. Both books were written by Cheryl Alexander and the story of Tayaka, the lone wolf of Discovery Island, will likely be familiar to local families.
South Harbour Partners is a group of James Bay residents who co-ordinate fundraising and donations to the school. Started by strata members at Harbourside condo in James Bay, the group has grown to include seven strata properties in the neighbourhood: Dallas Place, 188 Douglas, Shoal Point, Polo Pacific, Laurel Point, Pier One and Harbourside. Representatives from each building co-ordinate the campaign, raise funds, collect donations and distribute supplies.
“The opportunity to bring literacy and conservation together through a neighbourhood initiative like this is very exciting,” said Don Gorman, publisher of Rocky Mountain Books.
“After 20 years of having our home in James Bay, I continue to be inspired by the dedication of our local educators and their passion for nurturing literacy in our community,” said Rodger Touchie, the publisher of Heritage House, who lives in James Bay with his partner, Pat.
Teachers will also receive classroom copies of all the books to review and provide support for parents and guardians reading them at home.
In addition to the books, every student will be sent home with treat bags containing goodies such as hot chocolate, chips and candy, plus toothpaste and toothbrushes.
Some families will also receive a $50 Thrifty Foods card.
Volunteers will be preparing the treat bags and gift packages on Dec. 16, for distribution when students are dismissed for the holidays the following day.
Young people invited to join marine program
A globally focused conservation organization on a mission to protect and restore the world’s oceans has announced a new project-based competition and mentorship program for teens and young adults, ages 13 to 30.
Ocean Wise, a Vancouver-based ocean conservation non-profit, has just launched the Ocean Wise Innovator Lab, a three-month program that runs from February to April 2022. The program challenges participants to develop an innovation that improves marine health, especially one that addresses the problem of plastics in the ocean.
Participation includes three one-hour virtual educational sessions on relevant ocean health topics. Participants can ask the program’s mentors questions via email and attend optional virtual open office hours. The length of time spent developing an innovation will be determined by each participant or team. Participants will have access to funding and educational resources.
At the end of the program, participants will submit their innovations, with the best one receiving a $2,500 prize.
The program is open to individuals or teams of up to four from youth-led organizations. Applications close at the end of January.
For more information, go to ocean.org/innovatorlab.
Concerts will benefit community kitchen
The Shelbourne Community Kitchen is hosting two benefit concerts by the Bob Watts Trio and vocalist Edie DaPonte in the Sanctuary of the Lutheran Church of the Cross, Dec. 19.
The Bob Watts Trio is known for their ability to interpret many musical styles, from jazz to gospel. Edie DaPonte is equally at home with several musical genres in multiple languages. Together, they’ll perform jazz standards and holiday favourites.
Proceeds from the event will benefit the Shelbourne Community Kitchen and its activities as it resumes full operation in its new location in the lower floor of the Lutheran Church of the Cross. This larger space allows people to prepare and share healthy meals together, access nutritious food and work together to grow food, build gardening skills and connect with other community resources.
Seating is limited to 100 people per performance in keeping with provincial health guidelines. Those attending are required to show proof of vaccine and photo identification.
Kitchen goodies and celebration cards will be available for purchase by donation.
Tickets are $20 online with a limited number available at the door for cash-only purchase. There are two concerts, at 2:30 and 7 p.m. Sun., Dec. 19. An anonymous benefactor has agreed to match the ticket sales from both concerts as a further donation to the kitchen. For more information, or to buy tickets, go to shelbournecommunitykitchen.ca or 250-590-0980.
Maritime Museum of sa国际传媒 hosts workshops
Learn how to make a nautical holiday wreath or sea glass ornaments for your home at the Maritime Museum of sa国际传媒 holiday workshops on Thursday and Saturday.
“Holiday workshops are the highlight of the season. Participants make such beautiful pieces,” said Laura Robin, schools and public program manager at the museum.
All supplies are provided and the ticket price includes admission to the museum (valid for 24 hours).
The glass ornaments workshop is $22.99 (plus GST) and runs 2 to 3:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 16. The wreath workshop costs $41.99 (plus GST) and runs 2 to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 18. at the museum, 744 Douglas St. Workshops are limited to 10 participants. For more information, or to register, go to mmbc.bc.ca, call 250-385-4222 or [email protected].
