WHS students unite for charity and competition
The Woodstock High School (WHS) dragon boat team raised five times their initial goal in eight weeks for the Sanctuary House and Lions Sick Children’s Foundation this spring and summer.
The money was divided 60 per cent towards the Lions’ Sick Children’s Foundation in Moncton, and 40 per cent towards the Sanctuary House in Woodstock, contributing to the new playground structure being built for the children using the facility.
In July, some of the team members presented the cheque to the Sanctuary House Executive Director and Sloane Rees.
“I am so thankful to contribute to the community and staff by raising over $9,000 for our two charities, the Lions Sick Children Foundation and The Sanctuary House,” said Maxx Robillard, a member of the WHS dragon boat team.
The team has a total of 80 members, most of whom are in Grade 12; however, there is still a strong presence from Grades 9 to 11.
The team first got together in March to brainstorm ways to raise money. The percentage of funds going to the LSCF was predetermined, but the group had to decide on a local charity to support.
“The students in groups all pitched different local charities, and Sanctuary House was one of those that was pitched, and the students voted, and it was the charity that they chose to support,” said Lisa Porter, the WHS dragon boat coach.
Between April and the end of May, the students went through intense and ongoing fundraising to meet their deadline. They hosted bake sales, car washes, movie screenings, raffle basket ticket sales, a barbecue at Sobeys, lemonade and popsicle sales during lunch, and door-to-door appeals to local businesses and community members.
“It just seemed cuckoo, but the students embraced the challenge. It all combined together to exceed our total,” said Porter.
On May 30 and 31, the team competed at the Greater Moncton Dragonboat Festival, placing fourth in the High School category, with Lola-Mae Foster being mentioned as one of the best-dressed drummers.
“It really was a team effort and I think as we raced it was one of the things that we focused on that day was I mean obviously it’s about going fast in the boats and wanting to win but we were, as cliche as it sounds, we were all winners already because we had done something really significant for some incredible charities,” said Porter.
The high schools competing raised over $192,000 together, making it the highest-raising race since 2006.
Porter says she is grateful for the members of the community “who were so generous in their support” in helping the students with their fundraising.
