Modest sums making a difference in students’ lives
Decade-old charitable group provides modest amounts for kids to reach goals
It’s not a huge sum, but for Bedford Road Collegiate student Cody Cameron, $400 could kick-start a career.
In April, the senior student travelled to Regina to complete testing for the Canadian Armed Forces’ Bold Eagle program. He’s waiting to hear if he’s been hired for a six-week summer program that combines military training with indigenous culture and teachings.
Before going, he worried about the money he would need to make the trip. Thanks to guidance counsellor Layra Farmer and community school co-ordinator Dean Brooman, Cameron learned about Help One, a local charity that provides high school students with money to pay for everything from sports fees to contact lenses.
Cameron said it meant a lot to him that Bedford Road staff helped him apply for the money.
“It’s one step closer to a goal I want,” he said.
Help One has been operating quietly in Saskatoon since 2010, mostly through word of mouth. Founded by Bruce Rempel of Rempel Brothers Construction, the charity was inspired by Care and Share Saskatoon, a similar program for elementary school students. Rempel discussed the idea with then-principal of Bedford Road Collegiate, Tom Sargeant.
“We realized there were quite a few cracks going into high school. A lot of the social programs stopped,” Rempel said.
Help One started as a pilot project at the west-side school. The organization has since been used by nearly every high school in Saskatoon.
Rempel said the requests from students have ranged from $20 to $1,000, with most in the $300$400 range. They are modest sums that can make a big difference for the kids.
In seven years, Help One has assisted more than 1,000 students. Some of the donations have covered fees for extracurricular activities, travel expenses for school trips, haircuts and winter clothes. Students have also applied for help with graduation expenses.
“There are a lot of people where for the child to graduate is a huge deal but they don’t have enough money to go to the banquet. We’ll send families to the banquets, we’ll rent tuxedos,” Rempel said. “Anything that can help build selfesteem.”
When a student had his bike, football fees and shoes stolen, Help One was able to assist him that day.
Students — with support from a teacher, coach or other sponsor — apply for money through Help One’s website. Rempel said the online application helps kids take ownership of the process and lets them tell their story without feeling embarrassed.
He said Help One couldn’t operate without help from teachers, many of whom go above and beyond for their students.
“The organization is the community. We can write a cheque and send it to somebody, but somebody still has to facilitate that. That’s where it’s powerful because there are other people on the front lines.”
Brooman said it’s a relief to know there’s a place students can go for assistance.
“They’re happy and grateful they’ve been given this opportunity, knowing there isn’t that financial stress on the family in order for them to participate in these programs,” he said. “It’s all part of belonging to the school.”
The effects of Help One extend beyond the individual donation. Brooman said he has yet to see a student who didn’t pay that kindness forward in some way.
“If this young man gets into the military I think he’s paying it forward big-time,” Brooman said of Cameron.
Rempel said people often approach him with ideas, and Help One does what it can to make them happen. The charity recently bought 100 pairs of skates for a local rink because no one was using it. The organization has also helped start healthy breakfast programs.
“He’s open to anything,” Brooman said of Rempel. “I don’t think I’ve ever been turned down by Bruce. I sometimes wonder if it doesn’t come out of his own pocket.”
Help One has no administration costs, so all money raised goes directly to the students.
The charity was self-funded by Rempel Brothers Construction for the first five years, but opened to outside donors as need grew.
The organization deals only in cash donations to keep things simple. Interested donors are asked to email the non-profit at info@ helpone.ca.
The money from Help One enabled Cameron to attend the training, but the hard work — including many hours in the gym — is still his responsibility. If he completes the Bold Eagle program, there is an opportunity to work with the armed forces while completing school. He hopes military experience will improve his chances to become a police officer.
“I like the cars,” he said with a laugh. “It would be cool to drive one of those.”