Gracee Wagner (left) and Emily Jadischke, two members of the Interact Club at Elizabeth Middle School.

Joan Janzen
for The Clarion

Kids can volunteer too, and Grade 7 students Gracee Wagner and Emily Jadischke from Elizabeth Middle School were excited to share how it’s done.

“We joined the Interact Club,” they explained. The club is affiliated with the Rotary Club, along with similar clubs in 159 countries, according to information on the Rotary website.

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An objective for club members is learning how to be diligent and dedicated, and realizing the merit of team work, which the girls have already come to realize. “Volunteering helps you get to different places in your life. You get to help out, and even if you aren’t part of a club you can still help out around your community.” Emily said.

For these local Interact club members, helping out in the community includes a community food bank drive, canteen services for school events, making Christmas cards and visiting at the Manor, preparing lights at the cemetery for Remembrance Day, helping with Santa’s Hut, and giving food hampers at Christmas time. Fundraising includes raising funds for a school in Tanzania, funds raised for anti-racism initiatives, Rock-A-Thon fundraiser for the pool facility, Teddy Bears Anonymous, Telemiracle, and the Terry Fox Fundraiser.

“But my favourite event is movie night because we get free popcorn,” Emily said, and checked with her friend for confirmation, “And Gracee agrees.”

Overall, the club is designed to have students develop a passion for community service and realize the importance of serving locally and globally. So I asked the girls what types of volunteer work they would like to do when they become adults.

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