First Nations students from Glenbow School are fundraising for the Iyahrhe Nakoda Food Bank Society this holiday season, by promoting the sales of their Warrior Paint greeting cards.
Warrior Paint: Painting to Fight Hunger is an initiative launched by the Grade 1-5 students in Glenbow’s Roots to Wings program. The project features the artwork of the children — colourful, collaborative paintings that incorporate images of their ancestors.
One hundred per cent of proceeds from card sales will go to the food bank.
With six cards in each set, the cost is $15.
“By purchasing these cards, you’re supporting student artwork, First Nations artists and the Nakoda food bank,” said Sherri Rinkel Mackay, a teacher who oversees the Roots and Wings program.
“Not only will buyers be getting a gift for themselves or their loved ones, but their money becomes a gift of love for those who use the food bank.”
Since the Warrior Paint project began, the students have raised about $3,000 for the Nakoda food bank.
“Our work is important because it is raising money for the Morley food bank,” said Jacy Mann, a Grade 5 student. “The Morley food bank gives food to kids and families who don’t have much food.
“It’s really important at Christmas time because it is nice for people not to worry about what food they will have to eat. Christmas is a time for giving and that’s just what the Morley food bank does, it gives food to families that need food. I feel happy and proud that selling our cards helps with all of that.”
In May, the initiative won a National Student Innovation Award in the “Impact on the Community” category.
Mackay said she hopes to present the Iyahrhe Nakoda Food Bank Society with a cheque before the students depart for their holiday break.
The cards will be available for purchase at the Cochrane Music Society’s Christmas Concert, which will benefit the Activettes Food Bank. The concert is set to run Dec. 10 at the Cochrane Alliance Church.
The cards can also be found at Sobeys Cochrane, Town and Country Auto Parts, Trailblazers, Bentleys Books and Glenbow School.
