The St. Albert Youth Community Centre raised $10,000 at its seventh annual Mayor's Breakfast that executive director Brenda O'Neill says will be put towards summer projects.
The guest speakers were four students from Ecole Ste. Marguerite d'Youville and St. Albert Catholic High School who discussed their recent missions to help with the ongoing relief work as New Orleans recovers from the devastation of Hurricane Katrina.
"[They] were exceptional," she said. "They had a lot to say and they worked long and hard to present eloquently. They talked about how it changed them. Most of the kids have never done any public speaking so to have their debut in front of that many people — including the mayor — that's daunting."
The overall messages of community and giving were not lost on the crowd of about 180 people. While the gathering at the Alliance Church enjoyed hearing the students' stories, they were also helping the youth centre to fundraise for its successful and popular programs.
Among the summer programs the centre plans on running is a special community photography program.
"Some of these kids cannot afford cameras. I don't want that to hold up the opportunity for them to have this kind of experience."
She said the centre might buy some affordable point and click digital cameras that can take five megapixel pictures. It will also accept donated cameras as well.
You can contact the centre at 780-418-0678 or at www.saycc.ca.
New Woodlands playground gets grand opening today
It has already been enjoyed by children since it was re-opened in time for the Victoria Day long weekend but the playground at the Woodlands Water Play Park site is getting its formal unveiling today, thanks to the local service group that took charge of the project.
From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., the St. Albert Kinettes are hosting a barbecue to entice the public to come out and see the final product. While the kids are getting balloon animals from Dan the Clown, Erica Samis will be standing back to enjoy the satisfaction of seeing how the club she just joined is making the community a better place.
"This playground has got a climbing wall, some big slides, and lots of monkey bars," Samis said about the new features. "Anytime we can do something for the community and the kids, we're pleased."
