G.W. Graham students to take part in annual volunteer and fundraiser initiative May 20

CHILLIWACK — Hundreds of Chilliwack high school students are gearing up to help their community for this year’s Take Action Day.

Teachers at G.W. Graham (GWG) Secondary kick-started the initiative in 2007 to encourage a service mindset in their students.

“Every GWG student is encouraged to sign up that day,” said Jenny Cho, a teacher at GWG who is helping to plan the event. “Half of our students will go off campus to volunteer. In the spirit of volunteering, no marks are assigned to the day.”

This year, the school will be running a carwash and bottle drive to raise money for the Chilliwack General Hospital.

A number of students are also set to volunteer their time for animal welfare, environmental cleanup, mentoring younger students and more.

“This year, I’ll be teaching drama games to grade 5 students,” said grade 11 student Avery McLeod. “Drama games are a great way to build confidence and boost self-esteem for anyone, but I think it’ll be particularly beneficial to these kids as they transition into middle school.”

Residents are invited to bring their bottles to the school from now to 1 p.m. on Wednesday, May 20, at 45955 Thomas Road, or donate directly to the event.