THUNDER BAY — Westgate drama students knew that PRO Kids supports underprivileged children in sports, theatre and community involvement so that’s where they decided to donate their funds.
The production, Freaky Friday, which was performed last month, raised $5,000 which went directly to PRO Kids. On Friday, Westgate students presented PRO Kids with the cheque.
“We're very proud as Tigers to have been able to raise that amount and give back to our community that does so much for our students here. I think it's an outstanding amount that will help so many kids do things that they love outside of the school setting,” said Leah Nadin, drama teacher at Westgate.
Melanie Tibishkogijig, board member with PRO Kids, said they were surprised by the amount and very glad to see the support.
“A lot of people don't really realize that PRO Kids isn't just for sports. It is with the arts, and so this really means a lot, getting the word out there that PRO Kids does support the arts and anyone that wants to do any kind of programming in the arts or any kind of activities, that we can assist with that.
“I think it's really cool that it's students supporting local kids back, right. It's a nice full circle moment for us,” said Amanda Prien, PRO Kids coordinator
Prien said PRO Kids is currently taking spring and summer applications for getting’s kids into programming.
There are “lots of soccer programs coming up, and we'll start taking fall applications in the beginning of summer, and that's when a lot of the next sets of drama classes will start up,” she said.
Eryn Genno, Grade 11 student and Savannah in the musical, said she was shocked when she heard the big number.
“Next year we're having a musical . . . hopefully I'm able to participate in it and help raise money for another charity,” she said.
“A lot of our programs are listed in the key. Go on the key, see what interests you, and a lot of our partners are listed on there and the applications. Look and see what is available and get more and more youth involved,” Tibishkogijig said.
