The goal of any community is to raise young people who are community-minded, work hard and take satisfaction from pitching in to help out where they can. It's safe to say that this year's 2025 graduating class of Chemainus Secondary School is made up of just such people.
Local residents have undoubtedly seen grads selling raffle tickets and taking orders for poinsettias and cheese trays at a range of community events throughout the year. A core group of the high school students and parents have been volunteering their time and putting in some serious effort to make their grad celebrations all they can be.
Olivia Laidlaw is a Chemainus Secondary student who will graduate this year and has been a dedicated fundraiser for her class's graduation.
"We're raising money for our prom, which is hosted at the Chemainus Theatre this year, and dry grad," Laidlaw said. "We're trying to raise some money so we can play some fun games and win some fun prizes."
Laidlaw has been front and centre on the fundraising team, flashing a smile and chatting up attendees at various events, no matter the weather. She and her fellow graduates are grateful for the funds raised so far.
"Everyone around here has been very supportive of the grad class," she said.
With a long way to go to meet their fundraising targets, they are actively seeking continued community support. If you'd like to help the 2025 grads, you can buy raffle tickets from any member of the grad class or by calling the school at 250-246-4711. Raffle tickets are $2 per ticket for a chance to win a first prize of $350 or a second prize of $150.
"It's a Christmas draw so you have a little extra cash for Christmas," explained Laidlaw.
Grads will also be selling baked goods at the Merry and Bright Bazaar on Sunday, Dec. 1 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Crofton Elementary School, 8017 York St.
Grads and parents will be running a concession, selling snacks and drinks during public skate nights, at Fuller Lake Arena on Sunday, Dec. 8 from 3:15 to 5 p.m., Friday, Dec. 20 from 6:45 to 8 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 29 from 3:15 to 5 p.m..
If you'd like to make a donation via e-transfer, you can do so using chemgrad2025@gmail.com.
With the community’s continued generosity and the grads’ unwavering dedication, members of the 2025 Chemainus Secondary graduating class are well on their way to an epic celebration that will wrap up their high school journey in style and set the stage for the exciting adventures awaiting them post-graduation.
