The Project: Youth at Britannia Elementary in British Columbia needed to raise funds to cover the expenses of their grade seven exchange trip between their class and a class of youth from Ontario. (This was no small feat as the funds raised had to cover plane fares, accommodation, food and transportation).
The Challenge: How? (The funds required were daunting).
The Process: The class spent the school year engaged in several fundraising strategies with their teacher Mr. B. They held a BBQ at the school. They sold freezies. In partnership with Fairmont Hotels they trained and served in all capacities (as waiters, greeters, chefs and as event coordinators) for a fancy fundraising dinner at the Waterfront Hotel …AND (drum roll please)…they applied the skills they acquired in the LEAD program to sell the artwork they created!
It was LEAD in action as youth took artistic photos of their community that spoke to them as metaphors. They printed them, wrote about them, framed them and sold them for $10 a piece. (They made great gifts, so admittedly, I purchased 18).
The Outcome: A successful exchange with an elementary school in Parry Sound, Ontario in May and June! Youth gained confidence in their abilities, embraced entrepreneurship, learned about how they could run their own businesses based on their own ideas, created opportunities for themselves AND paid off a good chunk of the cost of travel. They drove this whole project forward!
In addition, one youth was scouted by a local art college, and youth were astounded when the new community centre ordered several large prints to display in their new facility. The photography program, spearheaded by LEAD artist David Lyle, was successful on so many levels that we have already been asked to repeat it again next year at Britannia. There is also a call to repeat the same or similar version of the program in provinces across Canada.
As part of the youthLEADarts national team, I am exceedingly proud.
As always, LEAD programs run based on the generous donations of sponsors and businesses. If you are interested in supporting LEAD programs across Canada, join our on-line fundraiser on July 22nd at 7 PM Eastern by sending an e-mail to info@youthleadarts.com