For Grade 12 student Jyanne Alimano, learning goes far beyond the classroom. As a student at the Seven Oaks School Division Met School, she is encouraged to explore her interests through hands-on experiences rather than traditional desk, pen and paper learning. Through this freedom, Jyanne was able to turn a personal passion into action and enhancement for her community.
“The MET School focuses more on individual learning,” Jyanne explains. “We do projects and internships in the community, getting experience to help us figure out what we want to do in the future.”
This approach led Jyanne to create a fundraiser in support of the Children’s Rehabilitation Foundation (CRF) as part of her senior thesis project, a major initiative every Grade 12 student completes.
After considering her options, Jyanne landed on hosting a bake sale fundraiser stemming from her family values.
“My mom always talked about helping each other and building a community,” she says. “I grew up hearing that, so it made me want to do the same and support people however I can.”
Her experiences volunteering in the community and listening to others’ stories have also shaped her interests. Although she once considered journalism, Jyanne ultimately chose marketing. She still wanted her work to have a meaningful impact though.
“I realized that even if I wasn’t sharing stories, I could still help people,” explained Jyanne. “When I learned about CRF and the work they do, I thought it was a really good organization doing really good work that I wanted to help.”
After reaching out and discussing ideas with the CRF team, the plans for her bake sale solidified.
“I actually liked the bake sale because it brought me closer to my community at the MET School,” she says. “It reminded me it’s nice to rely on a supportive community rather than trying to do everything on your own.”
Through her fundraiser, Jyanne raised over $200 with the intent to help make life a little easier for children and families.
“With the economy we live in right now, it can be hard for families to stay financially stable,” she says. “Even if the money I raised helps just one child, that would be enough for me. I just want to know that someone’s life is a little more comfortable because of it.”
Looking back on the experience, Jyanne hopes other young people won’t be afraid to step forward and act if they care about a cause.
“When I first started, I was nervous,” she admits. “It seemed so big and important, and I wondered if I could really do it.”
Her advice?
“Just do it. Don’t put too much pressure on yourself. At first, I thought I had to raise thousands of dollars, but even $10 or $50 can make a difference. If you have the passion to help, taking action, no matter how small, is better than doing nothing.”
Through her initiative, Jyanne has demonstrated even a school project can become something much bigger: a way to bring people together and create meaningful change in the community.
Are you inspired by Jyanne’s story? Visit our Events with Impact webpage to start your fundraiser today.