As the CUPlex travels the path from dream to reality, there has been many a headline lauding the latest big donation.
But this month, Holy Family School is challenging all the schools in the Battlefords to prove that small change can create big change.
Near the end of last year, Holy Family Grade 7 student Kaylee Doke asked if her school would be doing anything to raise money for the CUPlex. Vice-principal Val Yockey was wondering the same thing and decided a spare change drive, where coins would be collected from students and staff at the beginning of each day, would be a great idea.
"I know the fundraising committee has been working hard to get to the $10 million mark, so I wanted to help them," said Yockey, adding the CUPlex is an important venture because, "today's students will benefit by a lifetime of use at the multiplex facility."
Yockey added the fundraiser would further promote the Light of Christ Catholic School Division's theme for the 2010/11 school year, which is stewardship, adding Holy Family school donates over $6,000 to charity every year.
"This fundraiser provides our students with another opportunity to understand how as children, they can still make a difference in other people's lives," said Yockey.
In the spirit of friendly competition, Yockey challenged the other schools in the Battlefords to join Holy Family in the effort.
For a little extra motivation, the school that manages to raise the most money per student will receive a pool party and tickets to a North Stars game, generously donated by the City of North Battleford and the North Stars, respectively.
So far, 脡cole Monseigneur Blaise Morand, Bready Elementary School and Battleford Central School have taken up the challenge.
Theo Masich, EMBM principal, said they'll be trying to win, but "what's more important is that we support the project." He added the CUPlex will offer more possibilities for the community and enrich the arts scene.
Lynn Brisebois, vice-principal of Bready School, echoed that statement, saying, "It's really important for our community that we can offer more activities for kids."
John Paul II Collegiate principal Carlo Hansen said the school would not be participating in the challenge as they had already committed to another fundraising activity for the month of January, Toonies for Tuition.
"It supports Catholic schools in provinces of Canada where there are no Catholic school systems," he explained.
