Youth in Philanthrophy (YIP) participants form St. Martin de Porres School were prepared to present a total of $2,075 to local charities. However, Red Deer and District Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Red Deer were prepared to sweeten the deal by adding an additional; $3,320 from Team Canada’s virtual online art auction held in December of 2020.

“When we heard about this program, we knew we wanted to contribute,” Rene Rondeau, Executive Director of Tourism Red Deer said. “We did the same type of auction last fall when we teamed up with the Red Deer Chamber of Commerce to put on a Bob Ross Painting evening for Team Canada.”

Team Canada’s art auction raised over $10,000 for local charities. The team completed the Bob Ross inspired paintings while in quarantine after some members of the team became infected with COVID-19.

Photo courtesy of Tourism Red Deer. File photo.

“We supported YIP because this program is all about creating a ripple effect in our community,” Rondeau said. “Not only do the students learn about working together for a common goal, but they also experience the tough decision-making process on what charity will benefit in the end.”

In total, the Youth in Philanthropy students distributed $5,395 as follows:

  • $1,798.00 for the Canadian Cancer Society
  • $1,798.00 for the Central Albertan Child Advocacy Centre
  • $1,798.00 for Saving Grace Animal Society

The YIP students gain education in the value of philanthropy through grant-making and developing relationships with individuals throughout the charitable and volunteer sector.

“Each year we provide participating schools with $500 for students to create small grants for registered charities,” Erin Peden, Executive Director of the Red Deer & District Community Foundation said. “The concept is to teach students the importance of understanding the social needs within their communities while determining how and where they would like to create impact with their grant.”