Olds student organizes successful fundraiser for “Movember” movement

“He completed this project almost entirely by himself and was happy for others to get the credit. He is humble, quiet, and kind and just a good person,” she commented.

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Johnson first raised over $275 at the school by promoting and selling $1 moustaches for students to wear.

Next, the student arranged for stylists from a salon in Olds to come to the school and shave the facial hair of five participating staff members who had agreed to be shaved if Johnson raised $500. The staff from Kelly’s Salon donated $225 in tips to Johnson to help him reach his goal.

Staff members get their facial hair shaved to support Johnson’s fundraiser. (Supplied/Chinook’s Edge School Division)

Hoppins’ Interact class falls under the umbrella of the Rotary Club and members are considered Junior Rotarians. Johnson and his classmates were challenged to develop a project that would raise funds or awareness for an organization or cause they care about.

As a part of the project, students built a plan, created advertisements within the school, worked with a cash float if they were doing an in-school fundraiser, paid for supplies and worked within a budget.

“Before being in Interact, I didn’t think I could do something like this. It helped me reach another point in my life, and now I can do more than I could before,” Johnson reflected.

Causes students have supported in the past include the children’s hospital, cancer research, the emergency women’s shelter in Olds, the food bank, You Matter, Wounded Warriors, Terry Fox Society, an animal rescue, stocking for seniors, and more.

“It’s quite rewarding as a teacher to see all the good that students can do,” said Hoppins. “I think it helps our community see how amazing the youth in our communities are, and how much students can contribute. At the same time it builds the skills, confidence and character of our students.”

This year, other students created cake pop poppies near Remembrance Day to raise money for veterans.