The Saskatchewan Heavy Construction Association
(SHCA) is not shy when it comes to giving back to
the community.
Perhaps what might be greater than its most recent monetary
donation is the fact this gesture is sure to greatly impact the life of
a young student.
SHCA president Shantel Lipp and board chairman Allan Barilla
visited Mother Teresa Middle School in Regina in late February and
presented staff at the school with a cheque for more than $17,000.
Mother Teresa Middle School is a learning centre like no other in
Canada. It is home to 126 highly motivated and economically disad-vantaged
students in grades six through eight, many of whom live in
inner city neighbourhoods.
As a non-profit, independent school, Mother Teresa receives
a lesser percentage of government funding than what public or
Catholic schools normally do. This is despite the fact that the costs
associated with the extras are calculated at almost three times as
much to do what they do for the students.
Why?
Because students here receive two meals (breakfast, lunch and
two snacks) per day and are transported to and from school because
these are basic needs that aren’t met at home. A laundry service also
is available, and students are given free eye exams, hearing testing
and are driven to doctor appointments.
The after-school enrichment program sees experts in specific
fields visit to explore students’ passions like sports, arts and vari-ous
trades.
All of that comes at a price, however, which is why the SHCA
donation is greatly appreciated.
“We are completely blown away by this donation from the
Saskatchewan Heavy Construction Association and we’re so
thankful for it,” said Lindsey Longstaff, director of development at
Mother Teresa.
For SHCA, a program like the one at Mother Teresa is one they’re
proud to support.
“We want to be able to provide a seamless learning experience for
our students because so much of what they have experienced pri-or
to coming to us hasn’t been seamless,” said Longstaff . “So, when
we’re supported this way by the community, that means we can con-tinue
to offer those important programs and enlightening experi-ences
like our after-school programs.”
LENM / 123RF STOCK PHOTO
Building
Blocks
Providing a future to
underprivileged youth
By Craig Slater, Martin Charlton Communications
22 Think BIG | Quarter 2 2018 | saskheavy.ca
/saskheavy.ca