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The impact of community outreach on local students

They say that if you want to cheer yourself up, you should do something kind for someone else.

As a matter of fact, studies have shown that our brains are wired to reward us for acting selflessly and showing kindness to others. Practicing random acts of kindness, for example, can provide energy, improve mental and physical health, release ‘happiness’ neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin, and increase the release of oxytocin (otherwise known as the ‘love hormone’).

For many, however, helping others is more than just a quick dopamine fix. When taught from a young age, the importance of community service is engrained as a perpetuating value, or a part of their lifestyle — something the world can always use more of.

<who>Photo Credit: Contributed</who>Toonies for Turkeys, Gospel Mission

It’s not uncommon for schools to organize various fundraisers and initiatives, but how can we effectively teach the true value of giving to students? We spoke to Susanne Raye, Junior School Principal at Aberdeen Hall Preparatory School, to learn more about why and how they incorporate community service into their programs.

“Aberdeen Hall believes that it is important to discuss supporting and building community locally and globally at an early age,” said Raye. “The younger the student is when the discussion begins about giving, the more it becomes a matter of practice and habit that continues long after they leave school.”

Starting from a young age is just one piece of the puzzle. According to Raye, it’s important to choose causes that matter to the students and to ensure that they grasp the significance of the initiatives. In turn, the students reap the longer-lasting benefits of giving back to the community.

<who>Photo Credit: Contributed</who>Halloween for Hunger, Food Bank

“We believe that when students are given meaningful opportunities to perform acts of kindness they experience increased well-being,” said Raye. “Giving opportunities are considered carefully to ensure the reason for giving can be understood by the students.”

Ariel Katz, a 2018 graduate of Aberdeen Hall, is a perfect example of the positive impact of community outreach on students. In 2013, she even started her own charity with her twin brother, Eliah, called 95 Blankets.

“It all started one day because I was driving downtown with my mom and my brothers, and I saw a line of people outside the homeless shelter, and they were waiting to go in,” said Katz. “I was intrigued what they were there for, what they were doing, and my mom thought that was super interesting. She took me for a tour of the shelter, and I got to see all the beds. They had 95 of them, so that’s where the name 95 Blankets for 95 Beds came.”

<who>Photo Credit: Contribted</who>95 Blankets for 95 Beds

Their goal was to collect 95 Blankets, one for each bed, but the initiative has grown each year and now toiletries, winter clothing, garments and jackets are also collected. At the young age of 13, Katz was already able to identify a need in the community and come up with a solution. She took action and implemented her idea, sustained it and even grew it in the years that followed.

It’s an impressive accomplishment, and those in need in the community are a little warmer because of it — but they’re not the only ones who’ve benefited. Katz now hopes to pursue a career in Human Rights Law to continue helping others, and her actions had a positive impact on younger students who took an interest in the initiative.

<who>Photo Credit: Contributed</who>Ariel Katz Left, Blanket Donations Right

“Everyone wanted to help — I had people from the younger grades who I’ve never talked to come up to me and ask questions, which was awesome,” said Katz.

Other upcoming initiatives that Aberdeen Hall supports, and that you can support too, include the S.H.A.R.E. Toy & Clothing Drive, Pink Shirt Day, UBCO Nurses International Exchange, Spread the Net, Jump Rope for Heart and more.


Aberdeen Hall is a non-profit, co-educational and non-denominational independent university prep school offering classes from Preschool to Grade 12. Aberdeen Hall fosters academic excellence in a progressive school environment which is safe and caring. Our school in Kelowna offers a wide range of extra-curricular activities and supports a strong sense of community. For more information, visit www.aberdeenhall.com.

NowMedia sponsored content is written and posted in partnership with participating businesses. While NowMedia retains editorial control of sponsored content, the content is created in collaboration with the sponsor.



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