YPI and CCC

Alex, Alana, Ramona, Carol, and Gabby from Colonel Macleod school, with Eating Disorders Program Lead, Jennifer Eld (white shirt) during their tour of CCC.

Thank goodness for google.  A google search introduced us to some amazing students this February. Students from Colonel Macleod, a local junior high school featured Calgary Counselling Centre’s eating disorder program in their school project and gave us a chance at some funding.

The grade 9 students at Colonel Macleod were involved in the Youth and Philanthropy Initiative(YPI). Youth were asked to choose a local grass roots community program and acquire research on the program, including a site tour. Their presentation could have impact to the charity: the group with the most compelling presentation (as chosen by their classmates) would win a $5,000 grant for the charity.

The students found us through a google search for “eating disorders + Calgary”. They were terrific representatives for us and went all the way to the finals, narrowly placing third to Meals on Wheels and Woods Homes.

“We are so excited to have had this opportunity to share and show our program to young students” says Jennifer Eld. “Many young women in junior and senior high, around the age of these students, are struggling with body image issues, dieting, and self-esteem, some of which can develop into eating disorders. This has been a great opportunity for CCC to reach out and connect with youth on a different level”.

YPI is about teaching students the fundamentals of philanthropy.  Students receive an education in philanthropy; a charity receives support and the community gains awareness of important social issues.

Back to top