A group of Garibaldi Secondary students donated $6,000 to help children and youth who have experienced or witnessed physical, emotional, or sexual abuse.
Rebels For A Cause, as the Garibaldi student group is called, met with representatives from Community Services, the umbrella organization of Alisa’s Wish Child and Youth Advocacy Centre, to present the cheque and learn about the centre’s role.
Alisa’s Wish provides centralized, child and youth friendly, wrap-around services to those 18-years and younger, who are victims of abuse or a witness to it, along with their non-offending family members.
Heather Walker, manager of fund development for Community Services, who received the cheque along with Alisa’s Wish advocate Jodi Mason, and prevention and support worker Carrie Fedyk, said the money is very much needed and will go towards better supports for older children and teenagers.
Walker noted there is an underutilized space at the centre which they are transforming into a dedicated Wellness Room. The room will have a calm and welcoming environment in order to promote emotional regulation, relaxation, and healing.
The room, she said, was specifically designed in response to feedback from older youth, who expressed that their current waiting area felt more suitable for younger children.
“The goal is to reduce trauma symptoms and behaviours by providing youth with a safe, soothing environment before and after their forensic interviews,” explained Walker, noting the new room will include tactile sensory items, relaxation supports, visual elements, audio aids, and empowering and inclusive décor.
“This new room will ensure that all youth, regardless of age, feel respected and comfortable during their time at Alisa’s Wish,” added Walker,
Money from the donation will also go towards purchasing snacks and comfort items for children who visit Alisa’s Wish, like the handmade quilts donated by a local quilters’ guild, or weighted stuffed animals, which victims receive to take home with them at the end of their visit.
Weighted stuffed animals have become increasingly popular and impactful, explained Walker, as they offer a tangible sense of comfort and grounding that helps children feel safe after a stressful or emotional experience.
She noted each weighted stuffy costs approximately $30. But, due to tight operating budgets and rising costs for snacks and supplies, the organization is currently unable to replenish their supply.
“This simple gesture often has a profound emotional impact, helping children and youth leave Alisa’s Wish with a sense of security and care that supports their ongoing healing journey,” she said.
Grade 12 students Leo Popov and Suryani Igoy, who presented the cheque on behalf of the approximate 50 students from Grade 9-12 who are in the club, noted that it was interesting hearing in detail about the role of Alisa’s Wish in the community.
Igoy felt that although $6,000 is a lot of money, it seemed like a small contribution after hearing all the work that is done at the centre.
Rebels For A Cause has three goals, explained Popov – to help make a difference in the school, the local community, and globally.
This year their focus is friendship within the school community, making a more welcoming environment for all students, where they feel involved and included.
For the community, Igoy explained, the group is trying to tackle food insecurity and they are raising money and collecting non-perishable food items for local food banks.
Globally the group is raising money through different initiatives to help international refugees and will be donating to the United Nations Relief and Work Agency Fund.
A Drink Tea fundraiser has already brought in $1,200 for the cause.
Teacher Carlos Silva noted Rebels For A Cause has actually raised between $13,000 to $15,000 over the last three years, money that has gone to different charities, including the donation to Alisa’s Wish.
“Most charities, a lot of times it’s unfortunate that they don’t receive a lot of government support and so, that just makes it more meaningful for us when we can help a charity like that,” he said.
Every dollar helps, added Walker, noting that the centre relies on donations and grant writing.
“We are very grateful for the leadership students at Garibaldi Secondary for all their time and fundraising efforts over the past three years. Their support will help reduce the trauma for the children and youth who need Alisa’s Wish,” she said.
For more information about Alisa’s Wish Child and Youth Advocacy Centre or to donate go to: https://www.comservice.bc.ca/.