And the winning charity is...

B Block Thursday April 4th marked the YPI Finals for chosen students from Planning 10 classes. A total of 4 groups presented to the judges, last years YPI winners, Mrs. Burrs and principal Mme. Gaudreault, to win $5 000 for their charities. Each group included (in their presentation) the inspiration starting the organization, a story of a person helped and what the money would go towards.

First to present was Kathleen Dubé, Danica Strilesky and Louise Butterfield from Mr. McDowell's class. After discovering the increase in suicide in the past few years, they decided to represent the Josh Platzer Suicide Awareness and Prevention organization. It all started due to Josh Platzer, a fifteen year old who hung himself outside his friend's house. Through this project, one of the presenters, Louise Butterfield, found out that her uncle also commited suicide, thus making it much more personal. The organization plans on using this money for advertising, mainly bracelets, posters and a new video.

Next to present was a group from Mrs. Jacobs class. Hugh Taylor, Brianna Grayson, Hannah Carrothers and Emily Carkner represented the Youth Co Aids Society who aims to reduce the amount of people with HIV and HEPC. It is the only 100% youth-run organization in Canada sponsored primarily by the governement, Telus, TD Bank and RBC Bank. With the $5 000 grant, the organization plans on expanding their Aboriginal and woman's program.

Then another group from Mrs. Jacobs class presented the Josh Platzer Suicide Awareness and Prevention organization. Kassia Hula, Lora Ciglic, Ali Gracan and Sydney Wahlberg also chose this organization because of the increase in suicide. This organization was founded in 2000 by Judy Platzer, Josh's mother. It has no actual funding so the grant would be greatly appreciated and used for advertising and professional speakers. Presenters also created an inspiring slideshow with statistics about suicide.

Last to present was Jack McDonald, James Dunlop and Connor, the third group from Mrs. Jacobs class. They represented Food on the Corner, an organization that provides food to anyone in need every Saturday on Main St and Hastings Ave. It was started by Hermann Glokl, a man from Germany who was on the streets since age 6. His life changed when people started feeding him and now he's giving back by doing the same. At first, it started with only his wife and him, but now the organization has expanded to 140 volunteers and 60 foodmakers. Safeway and Thrifty's help them too by donating food. The grant would be used to replace their thirty year old truck that they use to transport the food from one place to another.

The grant was presented to the the only group from Mr. McDowell's class who represented the  Josh Platzer Suicide Awareness and Prevention organization. They recieved $5 000 to go towards new bracelets, posters, a new video and professional speakers.

Aamenah Meghjee