A total of 577 Sudbury high school students participated in this year's ChangeTheWorld provincial Youth Volunteer Challenge, contributing a total of 4,519 hours of volunteer work.
Lockerby Composite School won the challenge in Sudbury, with 2,850 hours over the six weeks, said a press release from Volunteer Sudbury.
Hosted by the Ontario Ministry of Citizenship, Immigration and International Trade and the Ontario Volunteer Centre Network, students across the province were challenged to complete volunteer hours from April 10 to May 23.
"The ChangeTheWorld - Ontario Youth Volunteer Challenge is a wonderful way for Ontario's youth to get involved and experience the rewards of giving back,” said Michael Chan, Minister of Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and International Trade, in a press release.
“I am delighted that through ChangeTheWorld, young people have the opportunity to develop their skills, hone their talents, and discover their passions. By becoming active and engaged in their community, Ontario's youth continue to make a real difference in our province."
Volunteer Canada reports that youth have the highest volunteer rate in the country at 66 per cent, giving 110 hours a year. Sudbury seems to be no exception to this with youth achieving incredible things.
More than $90,000 has been raised for cancer by students at Marymount, Lockerby and St. Charles through student-led events that brought together schools and community for a cause which affects so many.
The Sudbury Rocks Running Race saw 94 high school volunteers. Spring is a busy time for many non-profits as they host annual fundraising and awareness events, many of these events rely heavily on high school students as volunteers to make them successful.
“Each year so many youth volunteer in our community, through ChangeTheWorld we had an opportunity to honour this great work,” said Pamela Patry, president of Volunteer Sudbury.
“It should not be forgotten the countless hours youth give to so many organizations, every day. From coaching a sports team, to helping a neighbour, every bit of volunteering counts. We thank the youth in our community for truly changing the world. Congratulations to all who volunteer.”
