Education, Grasslands

Maidstone, Sask. students earn Wetland Hero designation

High school students recognized after movie night fundraiser raises donations and awareness for conservation in the community

March 12, 2020

Grade 11 students from Maidstone High School in Maidstone, Sask. receive their Wetland Hero certificates on March 3, 2020. From left to right; Cash Boggust, Kane Staughton, Chantz Legaarden, Trey Nelson, Emma White and Max Prygunov.

Grade 11 students from Maidstone High School in Saskatchewan turned their homework into a generous donation for DUC.

As part of a brand-new financial literacy course being offered across Saskatchewan, Maidstone High School teacher Sam Dawson tasked a small class of students to develop and deliver individual proposals to their fellow classmates. The proposals had to focus on fundraising and submitting a donation to a group or organization.

“A main requirement of their decision was that the group or organization must benefit their local area,” said Dawson.

Dawson’s student Chantz Legaarden was given a chance to shine. Or at least the opportunity to raise awareness for something he cares about: wetlands.

“[Chantz] proposed the idea of donating to DUC because he knows the benefits that proper migratory bird conservation can bring to the area,” said Dawson. “As an avid hunter, he appreciates the fact that there will be sustainable numbers for years to come because of conservation thanks to DUC.”

Legaarden’s proposal won the rest of the class over and the students went forward with planning a movie night fundraiser with the support of donations from local businesses, as well as DUC.

Local youth and families from the community attended, as their Christmas-themed movie night turned into a great success.

The event was completely advertised, organized, prepared, set up and run by the small group of dedicated students working together to make a difference. The event raised upwards of $650 for DUC.

“We were very happy with the turnout,” said Dawson. “Everyone went home smiling after giving back to the community.”

Do You Know a Wetland Hero?

Help DUC recognize young people, ages 25 and under, who help conserve wetlands. Their projects can be big or small, as long as they contribute to conservation, innovation, raising awareness or advocacy. Exceptional projects may qualify for a small financial award to help move their efforts forward.

Learn more

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Maidstone, Sask. students earn Wetland Hero designation

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Do You Know a Wetland Hero?

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