The Seniors Drop In Centre was packed with over 200 people for the Chamber of Commerce Spring Gala May 2.
The event, along with the Career Tailgate Party at the local high school earlier that day, raised a grand total of about $15,500. This was much more than Chamber of Commerce director Mark Myrehaug originally anticipated.
“I had a really optimistic view between $5-7,000, and we more than doubled it,” said Myrehaug. “I was dreaming of $15,000, but I never thought we would hit it. I just can’t believe how generous Barrhead is.”
The money will go towards helping high school students with the costs of project supplies in the Career and Technology Studies program.
“There are stories of youth that don’t take the trades because of that insecurity they can’t afford it, that doubt. It is fairly costly to do these projects,” said Myrehaug. “I’m just so excited for the youth. This is a lot of money.”
In addition to the success of the fundraiser, Myrehaug is also pleased about the way the money was raised: with the hard work of students and their teachers.
“What I’m really thrilled about, more than anything, is the youth did it and are doing it,” he said. “Hats off to the kids and the teachers. They earned this.”
The audience had the opportunity to hear the story of one Barrhead high school student who found his passion in construction.
Barrhead Composite High School student Jeremy Hoeksema first discovered his love of the trades when his home was being renovated about five years ago. His interest has only grown from there.
In Grade 7, Hoeksema entered into the Trades and Technology class and worked his way up. By the time he was in Grade 10, the avid student was requesting permission to enter into the building construction class only offered to Grade 11 and 12 students.
“That year we built a garage,” he said. “My teacher asked if I wanted to go to Skills, and I said yes.”
At the competition he came eighth at regionals. The following year he helped build a deck and received gold at regionals, and fourth at provincials.
This year is looking promising for Hoeksema as well.
“This year we built another deck, and we had to build a picnic table, he said. “I got fourth at regionals this year, so I’m off to provincials again.”
Hoeksema has also begun his apprenticeship, and couldn’t be happier.
“Every morning I just love to go to work, then come to school after,” he said. “I love how we have that possibility in our schools.”
After a mouthwatering buffet dinner, auctioneer Charlie Parsons kicked off the fundraising auction.
A large number of items up for bid were results of the hard work of high school students, including campfire grills, a large welded firewood holder, over a dozen handmade wooden toolboxes, and oil changes to be done by automotive students.
The bids came pouring in and Barrhead’s generosity shone through as it always does.
Just one of many examples of the community’s generosity came from Barrhead Building Products.
The business supplied materials for wood constructions students to build a 10 ft. by 10 ft. shed, then won the shed in a bidding war. But it didn’t stop there.
The company then donated the shed back to be auctioned off for a second time.
“They have been so supportive in the community,” said Myrehaug,
Several other businesses deserve recognition for their contributions, which made the success of the day possible, added Myrehaug.
Barrhead Machine and Welding and Neeralta Manufacturing both donated materials for students’ welding projects. Barrhead Custom Meats supplied the meat for the beef on a bun at the Careers Tailgate Party, and the Co-op in Barrhead donated the pop and water.
“No one said no to me. When you’re asking for donations you’re never quite sure, but everyone loved the idea,” said Myrehaug. “They donated raw product. Without the businesses in the community, you can’t get those kind of returns.”
Myrehaug added this fundraiser was different than many, in the sense the students were physically creating and building a lot of the items up for auction.
“When you get kids to build stuff it’s an interesting way of making things happen,” he said. “They put the sweat and labour into it.”
Despite the numerous items up for auction originally, more is never enough when it comes to donations in the Barrhead community. As Parsons rang off bids, additional items began appearing from people in the crowd.
“There was stuff being donated while the auction was in play, right from the floor. Things that were never asked for,” said Myrehaug. “It was unbelievable. The passion took off.”
Some of these surprise donations included a hot water tank from Total Plumbing, and a riverboat tour for six from Lambert Veenstra.
In the end, the funds raised came to about $15,000.
“I live in Barrhead so I’ve seen generosity before,” said Myrehaug. “I was optimistic all along, but never $15,000 worth.”
