Skip to content

COVID-19: Parent groups have more difficulty raising funds for 2021 Ballenas, KSS grads

Donations sought to make important event memorable for students
25093379_web1_210512-PQN-Grad-Fundraiser-Difficulty-Grads_1
The drive-through convocations will again be held in this year for the 2021 graduates from Ballenas Kwalikum secondary schools. (PQB News file photo)

Parents are finding it more difficult to raise funds and organize events for the 2021 graduates from Ballenas and Kwalikum secondary schools.

They’ve been creative in throughout the school year with the goal of honouring the 2021 graduates. But unfortunately, the grad parent committees are finding the opportunities to be limited and difficult due to COVID-19 public health restrictions.

While things are looking a little brighter on Vancouver Island, current event regulations have made fundraising and planning for typical prom-style events challenging.

As things currently stand, the students cannot gather in groups of more than 10 people, leaving them with few options.

READ MORE: Kwalikum Secondary 2021 gras get boost from coming online auction

READ MORE: Ballenas Secondary 2020 grads stage modified ceremony in Parksville

“We’re just working within the boundaries given to us,” said Andrea Button, the DPAC chair for SD69. “We’re going with the idea that if we under-promise and over-deliver, it will be better received by the students than if we over-promise and end up disappointing them.”

Just as they did in 2020, the grad executives and parents are finding unique ways to safely make the grads’ drive-through convocations and small, socially distanced celebrations as memorable as possible.

The parents involved are now reaching out to the Parksville Qualicum Beach business communities and anyone else who is inspired to help with cash donations, decorations, and items to fill the grad goody bags.

“We just don’t want the grads to feel like they’re completely shortchanged of a day that they should remember for the rest of their lives,” Button said.

To donate, contact: andrea.button@shaw.ca

All donations will be equally distributed between the schools. If you wish to contribute to a specific high school, please indicate that in your email.

— NEWS Staff, submitted

Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter