As a main pillar of St. James Catholic High School’s Leaders in Exercise and Athletics Program (LEAP), students are contributing to the community by completing a walkathon in support the Children’s Foundation of Guelph and Wellington’s Free to Grow Program.
Students will be walking 20 KM over the week to create awareness – and donations – for children in the community.
“This initiative is a great example of youth helping youth in the community. With the main focus on character development, the development of leadership skills, athletic performance and fitness, and educational and career pathways for our students, choosing to contribute to the Free to Grow Program was an easy decision for LEAP students. The Children’s Foundation is a local community driven organization that supports mental and physical wellness and opportunity for youth through a variety of initiatives.,” shared Jeff Cummings, teacher and LEAP lead at St. James.
The Free to Grow Program nurtures the physical, social, emotional, and mental well-being of children and youth by funding recreational and life-skill opportunities such as sports, arts, camps, driver's education training and leadership development. In 2020, 1531 children were supported through Free to Grow and Free to Grow at Home.
“Leadership requires service to community and finding ways to build opportunities for equitable outcomes of all students. The students in LEAP learn the value and importance of using activity to promote mental and physical health of students in the community. The leadership skills we build through service will hopefully translate into our youth becoming adults who value equity initiatives to ensure all children have opportunity,” shared Cummings.
With only seven days into the campaign, the class has almost raised 50% of their total campaign goal of $1000.
“We are extremely proud of the hard work of the students being active, and promoting this important cause on social media and in their local community. In the future, we hope to enhance and increase our service initiatives to make positive impact in our community,” said Cummings.
The campaign closes on June 26, but until then you can contribute to LEAP’s fundraiser here: https://www.gofundme.com/manage/leap-moves-for-children