The Catholic Graduate Expectations call for us to care for be thoughtful, respectful, and caring members of our families and citizens and discerning believers who embrace lifelong learning.
Students at four Niagara Catholic high schools put their faith into action this spring, participating in the Youth and Philanthropy Initiative (YPI) this spring. Notre Dame College School, Lakeshore Catholic High School, Saint Paul Catholic High School, and Saint Francis Catholic Secondary School are three of 95 schools across Canada participating in the program, designed to promote “the transformative power of youth-led giving.”
Think of it as a Dragon’s Den style of program, where students choose and research a charity or organization that supports the community, and pitches to judges why it is worthy of a donation through the YPI. The winning pitch receives $5,000 from the Youth and Philanthropy Initiative for the organization.
In all, they raised $20,000 for organizations that support our communities.
Saint Paul hosted its first ever Youth Philanthropy Initiative (YPI) Competition in May.
Following weeks of thoughtful research, meaningful interviews, collaborative teamwork, and heartfelt dedication, eight groups of Grade 10 student finalists took to the stage to passionately advocate for local charities making a difference within the Niagara Region. Each presentation reflected the students’ compassion, creativity, and strong commitment to social justice and community well-being.
While every pitch was worthy, in the end, the team of Ansh Cyriac, Teagan Clark, and Ashley Chanaga received their grant for Jumpstart, a charity that helps remove financial barriers so children can participate in organized sports. Their powerful, well-researched, and heartfelt presentation impressed the judges, and will directly benefit young people in our community through enhanced access to physical activity and play.
At Saint Francis, this year’s YPI grant recipient is Baby's Breath Canada, a national charity based out of St. Catharines supporting families affected by Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). The pitch for Baby’s Breath Canada was made by Precious Agbona and Tahlia Mark.
Lakeshore Catholic students Eleanor Schroeder & Natalie Valstar’s winning YPI presentation was for Birchway Niagara, which supports people living with domestic abuse and their families.
And Notre Dame College School’s team of Krystian Kantorski, Ella Buckley and Madison Hounslow’s presentation supported Gillian’s Place, another organization that helps women and children in crisis.
Congratulations to every student who participated in this program!