Peer-to-Peer: Planting the Seeds of Positivity
Have you seen food prices recently? Anya, Kyla, Zoe and Amy have, and they wanted to do something that would address the issue while serving their local community. That’s why these four high schoolers embarked on a peer-to-peer fundraising campaign to raise money and build garden beds for a YWCA housing community.
Despite the demands of their busy lives, these committed volunteers raised $1,635 to build garden beds and gained a host of skills along the way. “We have learned about teamwork, leadership, organization and the importance of effective communication. These experiences have enhanced our ability to navigate real-world challenges,” Kyla said.
Providing fresh herbs, fruits and vegetables, the garden beds are a lasting gift that aligns with their values of combatting climate change, spreading awareness around food sustainability, while cutting down on plastic waste.
For Anya, it’s also about passing on knowledge to future generations. “We will educate our younger peers so they may be able to work on similar projects,” she said.
YWCA housing community residents have also benefited from their new garden plots. Some families are learning about organic gardening, and their community garden has become a favorite place to be in the summer. Others are trying out different vegetables that they were not familiar with, encouraging them to discover new foods.
“It was great to see kids hunting for strawberries and getting excited to pick and eat them,” a YWCA housing staff member said. She added that the children have been taking care of the gardens and gaining an appreciation for nature and where food comes from.
YWCA Peer-to-Peer Fundraising
YWCA peer-to-peer fundraising is the perfect way to turn something you already love doing into a gift for the community. The high schoolers offered some sage advice for planning your peer-to-peer fundraising. To start, “find an idea you are truly passionate and excited about as you will feel so much more motivated and excited to create something amazing,” Anya said. “Small actions can make a big difference,” Kyla added.
Warmer weather is coming to an end, but you can take a leaf from Kevin Hanley’s book, who took cold dips for 60 days to fundraise for the YWCA Ukrainian Mothers’ Support Group. Other ideas include read-a-thons, a fitness goal or in honor of a celebration like anniversaries or birthdays.
And don’t forget: kindness can stem from small seeds of action. We’re rooting for you!
To learn more or start your own fundraiser, contact donations@ywcavan.org | 604 895 5789 or visit ywcavan.org/help/fundraise-ywca.
