Students enrolled in PECI”s venture enrichment program have participated in their first Community Involvement Project (CIP) this year, rising upwards of $1,000 for the Hasting’s and Prince Edward Learning Foundation’s  Student Emergency Fund.

Executive Director with the HPELF Maribeth deSnoo was at PECI on Tuesday to accept $904 from the students for the the emergency fund. 

“It makes such a huge difference when students show intiaivte like this,” deSnoo told the Gazette.

The Executive Director explained the Student Emergency Fund is designed to assist students and families in crisis situations. 

“It’s a bandaid fund to provide temporary relief until longer term supports, if needed, can be sourced, said deSnoo, adding that a majority of requests are for food at home, clothing and hygiene products. In total, over 350 requests were made to the HPELF last year and just over $40,000 was dispersed.

Students raised funds thank to generous support from Andrew and Emily’s No Frills grocery store in Picton.

PECI Panthers spent Saturday approaching No Frills customers to assist bagging groceries and offered carry out service to some customer’s vehicles for an optional donation in support of the HPELF all while being great ambassadors of the local secondary school.

Class spokesperson Alice Graham said the class was impressed the operations of the HPELF, how it helps students in the Hastings and Prince Edward District School Board and the dedication of its staff and Board of Directors.

“It was a lot of fun to bag groceries and see everyone in our community,” Graham said. “It’s not that much time for the students who really need it and are impacted greatly by the work done by the Learning Foundation.”

PECI’s Venture Enrichment program is structured around building global competencies and the initial CIP allowed students to build and develop skills as collaborators and communicators while being inclusive, caring citizens.