As a student of Westwood Collegiate and a member of the Westwood Historical Society (WHS), Megan M. spearheaded a 'Stand with Ukraine' shirt fundraising campaign with the assistance of her teacher Kelly Hiebert.
"I was born in Canada but have Ukrainian roots," said Megan M. "I have been on Ukrainian soil, and I currently have friends and loved ones there who I care about a lot. After being there in 2019, I grew closer to my culture, to my Ukrainian roots."
The student-led group at St. James-Assiniboia School Division's Westwood Collegiate is dedicated to educating the community about humanitarian issues and providing insight into the injustices in our world. The WHS met and began to discuss what they could do to bring awareness to the current crisis in Ukraine and make a difference in some way.
"After Russia declared war on Ukraine, I knew I had to do something to save the Ukraine I know and love," said Megan M. "This sparked the Stand with Ukraine shirt initiative. After talking with my contacts in Ukraine, I brought up the idea to the WHS that we raise funds for the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) for the humanitarian crisis happening in Ukraine to make the most impact."
"I feel that it is so important to help in the ways that we can even from a far distance away," said Jasper B., Westwood Collegiate student. "For many people, donations are a simple way to provide the support that can create a positive impact in Ukraine."
"This has really shown me as an educator the power that students have when you allow them to have decision-making abilities about issues that are important to them," said Kelly Hiebert, Westwood Collegiate teacher.
"Students are struggling to make sense of the news today, and they are looking for constructive ways to turn their thinking into positive action," said Kevin Dueck, Principal of Westwood Collegiate.
Shirt orders are no longer being accepted; however, people are encouraged to donate directly to a charity they wish to support, as well as the ICRC at https://www.icrc.org/en/donate/ukraine
