SHS Grads raise funds with recyclables

Miriam Ostermann
Times Associate Editor

 

For the third consecutive year, the Strathmore High School graduates and their parents are organizing a bottle drive to raise funds for the 2016 graduating class celebrations, establishing it as the only major fundraiser in light of recent economic hardship.
The bottle drive brought in nearly $5,000 in its first year, and over $2,000 last year. With Alberta’s economic nosedive, consideration was lent to the circumstances, contributing to the decision of determining it the only major fundraiser to support the 2016 graduates.
“We’re not going to knock on doors asking for donations this year,” said Chris Hawes, parent of a 2016 SHS graduate and organizer.
“We’ve been doing this with the cadets and it’s been successful and it helps people in the community get rid of their bottles, and it helps the grads too. They don’t have to do a lot of extra fundraising and we don’t want to take them away from their studies.”
Grade 12 students from surrounding areas attending Strathmore High School are also encouraged to consider collecting bottles and cans from neighbours in their hamlets and villages to lessen the burden on Strathmore this year.
Although the turnout of parents and students participating on the day, April 9, remains unknown, over 50 volunteers had a hand in the bottle drive in previous years. Having secured the quonset, the building will serve as a location for sorting, counting, and bagging the recyclables.
While each graduating student is already paying a $35 charge towards the 2016 grad, there will still be a funding shortfall which the bottle drive hopes to address.
“Hopefully we get the support from the community,” said Hawes. “And hopefully it works out and the future grads can do the same sort of thing next year.”
The 2016 SHS graduating class aims to raise $5,000 to ensure this year’s ceremony; any money remaining will be earmarked for next year’s graduating class.
Bottles and cans can be dropped off at the Strathmore Bottle Depot by asking them to donate the money to the Strathmore High School 2016 grads. For more information contact Chris Hawes at 403-969-1766.