Students at Avery Outreach were rolling up their sleeves to cook a fresh plate of kindness for the Lloydminster Men’s Shelter. Keeping up with the theme of kindness throughout the month of Feburary, many Lloydminster schools are paying it forward.

In the school’s second year cooking for the shelter, Grade 12 student,  Clarice Wright believes it’s important for the students to give back to the community.

The students prepared chicken alfredo and a chocolate lasagna for the Men’s shelter on February 14th. (Tre Lopushinsky/106.1 The Goat)

“First, it creates bonds[amongst the students] and strengthens our relationship and [it’s imporant] to see us working together.”

The school received a grant through Beyond Borders Circle of Change in January, which focuses on anti-bullying programming and training in Lloydminster schools. Avery Outreach decided with the funds from the Kindness Wins grant that they would serve meals to those in need at the Lloydminster Men’s Shelter.

Counsellor Rhonda Schwenk believes learning citizenship early on is a valuable piece to who the students are as individuals.

“The idea of paying it forward and being community-minded is pretty huge for our crew here, with staff and students.”

“I think they get to see a different side of staff in the kitchen area, plus it brings out different skills and qualities with each individual student where we come together and work together as a team,” says Schwenk.

The Lloydminster Men’s Shelter Executive Director Valerie Lazicki says individuals that use the services the shelter provides get a deeper glimpse into what the community is made of.

“I think these kids are a great example of a caring community. Especially, since they reached out to us last year and then again this year. They’re great kids and they really care about their community.”