Raising money through art

Shannon LeClair

Times Reporter

 

After the tragic death of Jonathon Herrmann many Strathmore residents are trying to get over the shock, and others have begun to fight to re-open the youth centre. 

One Strathmore youth decided to do his part by auctioning off an abstract painting he had done previously to raise funds for the centre. 

Twelve-year-old Jacob Klauck overheard his mom Lori discussing a mural spray-painted at the skate park during Herrmann’s memorial, and the youth centre being closed. Jacob decided he wanted to help out, and had the idea of auctioning off one of his paintings. 

“I just thought it was sad how a boy died, and he was good friend of my brother. I just felt like I wanted to do something,” said Jacob.

“It was all his idea, I was pretty proud of him. His older brother plays football and played with Jon so there was a bit of a connection that way as well, we knew Jon,” said Lori.

“It’s just a sad unfortunate thing that happened, and I think that this town has learned a lot from it.

“I think that families are now talking about drugs a little more openly, and what can happen. A lot of lives can be saved just from this life lesson that happened right here in our own town.”   

Lori posted a photo of the painting on Facebook and auctioned it off to raise funds to help re-open the youth centre. The auction ran until June 10, and Jacob was able to raise $100 through the auction. It was the first time Jacob has ever raised money through his art, and said it is something he would like to do again to help if needed.