Empowering Okanagan Students: Discover How They’re Driving Climate Action with Hope and Innovation

Local students are making a difference for the environment and supporting those in need. On Thursday, May 29, a special event called the CARE Expo will take place at the Vernon Curling Club, running from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. This gathering will bring together about 600 people, including high school teachers, students, mentors, judges, and exhibitors from Vernon, Lumby, and Central Okanagan.

This is the fourth CARE (Climate Action Ripple Effect) Expo, but it’s the first time students from School District 23 are joining in. Attendees can explore around 150 project displays created by students, meet 25 climate-focused exhibitors from government and businesses, and enjoy local food from food trucks. There will also be a photo gallery named the Hillview Hall of Hope and a performance by the Alexis Park choir.

One standout project is called CARE Bags, designed by George Elliot Secondary students Jayda Ross and Carter Mochinski. They filled 20 backpacks with essentials like hygiene products and food, plus sustainable items like metal water bottles. Their project aims to help those experiencing homelessness in the area, highlighting the urgent need for support as extreme weather events become more common due to climate change.

Mentors for this project include Vernon Councillor Kelly Fehr and harm reduction coordinator Maddy Watson from the Cammy LaFleur Outreach Program. They recently distributed the backpacks to outreach clients at Polson Park and other locations in Vernon.

Mochinski shared their experience, saying, “We learned so much, from budgeting to understanding how many people need help.” Ross added that there were positive mental health effects for everyone involved, including themselves. Their teacher, Marnie Birkeland, has always sought opportunities like CARE for her students. She emphasized, “By engaging with the community, students can use their skills to support others.”

Beyond the exciting projects, it’s essential to consider how youth engagement in community service can benefit society at large. Research shows that active involvement in local causes often leads to enhanced skills in leadership and problem-solving. A 2021 study found that students who engage in community service tend to have better emotional resilience and stronger social connections.

For more about the CARE Expo, you can reach out to Fresh Outlook Foundation.

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Environment|students|Vernon