Students want to share some cheer with homeless
Rutland Senior Secondary students will be spreading Christmas cheer to people in need downtown Kelowna on Tuesday. “As a grad council, we’re going downtown and handing out some warm clothing, some warm food and beverages and some care packages to the homeless community,” said Grade 12 student Courtney Wright.
“We really wanted to do something that benefits a group of people that don’t always have the best experience during the holiday season, that are sometimes forgotten because of all the crazy holiday shopping.”
Students from several departments have been busy preparing for the event, Hope for the Holidays.
“It’s really amazing to see the whole school coming together to create this amazing event,” said Wright.
Textiles classes sewed hundreds of reusable bags, which will be handed out to homeless people containing granola bars, juice boxes and toiletries.
Several local businesses have donated items for the students to hand out, said Wright.
“It’s been crazy how many people are supporting our event.”
Culinary students are also making soup, along with baked goods to hand out to people in need.
Leadership students have been collecting clothing donations to hand out downtown, including winter jackets, boots and gloves.
Extra clothing will be donated to the Kelowna women’s shelter.
Last year, students gave out food and clothing to about 150 people, and Wright is hoping even more come by this year.
“We’re more than excited to serve and bless whoever we can this holiday season,” she said. “We really just want to go down and spread the holiday cheer.”