Students giving by the bowlful

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This article was published 17/04/2013 (4773 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

If you’re looking for a centrepiece for your patio set this summer, the students at Collicutt School have a couple options for you to check out— and you just might land the autograph of a Winnipeg celebrity by doing so.

On Thurs., May 2, the elementary school will hold an Empty Bowls raffle to raise $1,200 for Winnipeg Harvest.

“They’re very interested in helping other people and giving to other people,” said teacher Melissa Sigvaldason, whose Grade 1 through 3 mixed class is leading the project.
“They’re very caring and considerate.”

Homelessness and philanthropy are popular topics of conversation in the classroom, Sigvaldason said, from talking about the annual Downtown Winnipeg BIZ CEO Sleepout and the Winnipeg Transit driver who made international headlines after stopping to give his shoes to a homeless man.

“I’m always telling them they need to care about each other and other people and care about where they are right now.

“Even though we don’t know them or know their story, they still have human rights. People that are hungry should be able to get food,” she said.

It’s the third time Collicutt is holding the event.

There will be around 10 themed bowls and packages up for raffle, Sigvaldason said.

The school landed support and autographs from Winnipeg Goldeyes players for a baseball themed basket, Fred Penner for a music themed basket, and are trying to line up a Winnipeg Jets package, she said.

Popular radio DJ Ace Burpee also lent his signature for the event.

According to Winnipeg Harvest, the organization can distribute $20 worth of food (about six meals, they say) for every $1 it receives.

Winnipeg Harvest serves about 64,000 Manitobans, nearly half being children. Food bank usage has risen nearly 60% since 2008, and Harvest says its goal is reduce that by half by 2020.

Executive Director David Northcott called young students the “future messengers in addressing and eliminating poverty and hunger.”

“It makes a huge difference in assisting us,” he said.

“By raising awareness, food and funds, the students… are helping us…reduce the need for food bank use by half by 2020.”

The raffle begins at 5:30 p.m. and will include performances by the school’s choirs and fiddlers. Bread and soup will also be served.

Collicutt School is located at 75 Cottingham St.

For more info, call 204-338-7937 or visit www.7oaks.org/school/collicutt.

matt.preprost@canstarnews.com

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