The final for this year’s Grade 10 Youth and Philanthropy Initiative (YPI) was held on Wednesday.
For the past few months, Grade 10 students have been working in groups to learn about social issues that are prevalent in our local community, and engaging with charities who support people who are affected. All groups presented in class, hoping to win a $5,000 grant for their charity and the programs they provide. The two finalist groups presented on behalf of their chosen charity in front of an audience of their Grade 10 peers, Grade 9 students and staff.
The first group, Alicia, Eliza, Anthea, Lillian and Cecie, presented on behalf of Mamas for Mamas, a charitable organization that supports mothers and caregivers by providing a safe and comfortable space where they can come for poverty relief support. This includes access to their free store where they provide clothing, shoes, baby furniture and essentials such as formula and diapers. They also have an in-house mental health team where counselling is available at no cost.
The second group to make the final was Chloe, Ciara, Alice and Giorgia, who chose the Food Stash Foundation as their organization. The charity runs multiple programs in the Vancouver area including food box delivery services, a rescued food market and community fridges. They work with community partners to pick up surplus food and redistribute to those in need.
This year’s judging panel included the students from last year’s winning team, Grade 11s Clara, Vincent and Susan, Ms. Trish Richards from SJS’s Advancement team, SJS parent Ms. Christine Hooge and Ms. Ferguson.
Both teams pitched well for their chosen causes but the judging panel decided to award the $5,000 grant to the Food Stash Foundation. Well done to the winning group, we look forward to hearing what that money does to help this important cause.
