Students support Catholic Social Services in hopes to make a difference in the Red Deer community

Each year, students from St. Joseph High School choose a charity they wish to support that aligns with their graduating class’ goals and values. This year, Grade 12 students have chosen to support Catholic Social Services’ St. Zita Program through their Grad Service Project. 

“Our Grad Committee chose to support an organization who strives to help address the immediate needs and systemic challenges within the Red Deer community. The St. Zita Program is a multifaceted program that seeks to assist a variety of needs, ranging from mental illness, homelessness, domestic abuse, to those negatively impacted by COVID-19. This year, more than ever, our graduating class is hoping to make a difference through their fundraising and awareness efforts,” said Event Coordinator, Ashley Visscher at St. Joseph High School.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, Catholic Social Services has helped twice as many people in the first six months of 2020 as they did in all of 2019.

“Catholic Social Services relies on generous donors to help Red Deer’s most vulnerable people. The pandemic has made life even tougher for many of our neighbours. Although COVID-19 means we are all in the same boat, we are not all in the same storm. This means that the more fortunate can offer real help to those who are vulnerable. We are honoured that St. Joseph’s Grad Committee has decided to work with Catholic Social Services. Our shared values of faith and compassion mean that it has the potential to be transformative. Ultimately, I believe this partnership will help to raise funds which will help save lives and change lives,” said Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Troy Davies, of Catholic Social Services.

Through the Grad Service Project, students have an opportunity to think creatively about their fundraising efforts, and plan proficient ways to support those in need through referral, advocacy, and financial assistance.

For more information about the St. Joseph High School grad service project, please visit stjosephhigh.ca.