Public to get hands dirty at holiday workshop
Gift and trimming ideas raise funds for popular school option
Budding Calgary crafters looking for an afternoon escape and some inspiration for handmade Christmas gift or trimming ideas can get their fix while also helping to raise funds for a popular school option.
The Forest Lawn High School Horticulture class is hosting its annual Christmas Decorating Day Dec. 8 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., with funds raised from the event going back into the program.
“People come to make gifts for their neighbours, and wreaths for their homes,” says Helen Colbourne, Grade 10 learning leader at the school.
Student volunteers offer informal hands-on lessons and creative inspiration or tips, while attendees and take away their creations at a fraction of store prices — from $5 to $200 depending quantity of supplies used.
Close to 100 amateur elves are expected to show up to fashion supplies into thoughtful gifts and fresh arrangements.
Fresh-baked pies and Christmas treats made by the studentrun bake shop will also be for sale, as will hand-crafted gifts such as solid wood chairs made by the woodworking students.
The funds raised from the event over the eight years have helped grow the horticulture program beyond Grade 10 and into grades 11 and 12.
“It will be a lot of fun,” says Gurpreet, 15, who plans to volunteer, and is a student of Grade 10 horticulture teacher Ron Lee.
The classroom is offered as an opportunity for academic students to work shoulder-to shoulder with kids with learning disabilities, and where everyone is gets their hands dirty.
“It is challenging in its own way,” says 15-year-old student Cayley. “You are taking care of something living — its life is in your hands.”
Programs such as the horticulture class are crucial to a students’ positive school experience, says Colbourne. It allows students to bond with peers, as well as study something practical.
“The school has a rough reputation, but the kids are fantastic and do a ton of volunteer work,” says Colbourne, who has taught at Forest Lawn for 14 years.
“The event helps build a positive attitude from students because the classroom study becomes authentic and real. If they have a connection to the real world, they put more effort into it, and pride in their work.”