Money normally earmarked for graduation celebrations is being donated this year to Richmond Hospital.
With graduation events cancelled due to COVID-19, the MacNeill Secondary Class of 2020 decided to make a $2,000 donation to their local hospital instead.
Students raised the money by holding the school’s annual Grad Fashion Show in November 2019.
In years past, the money raised was used to purchase park benches or to support end-of-year grad activities, but since there won't be such opportunities this year, MacNeill students wanted to do something different for the local community, according to food and nutrition teacher Lauren Valiquette, who helped to organize the fashion show.
"I am proud and inspired that they decided to donate this money. I think it shows students' maturity, humbleness and willingness to give," said Valiquette.
Graduating students held a poll to figure out what would be the best way to use the funds and giving back to the local hospital received the most votes, added Valiquette.
Most of the students were born at Richmond Hospital and they were taken care of by doctors there when they got sick, something that motivates them to give back during this difficult time, she added.
"Our students also know the current pandemic crisis that we are facing right now. They want to keep the money local and support anyone who has the coronavirus in Richmond," said Valiquette.
