For the past 5 years as part of the curriculum for a Saskatchewan Polytechnic Business and Communications class, the students are challenged to choose a charity, come up with a fundraising activity and execute it.

Instructor Theresa Papp says the first half of the semester is textbook learning, and then it becomes project-based learning. Gaining experience in running a project is a skill that can be transferred to the workplace.

The 15 groups of students chose Egadz, Adele House for women and families escaping domestic violence, The Lighthouse, STR8 UP and CJWW’s Denny Carr Secret Santa as their charities this year.

The students raised about $14-thousand for their charities and over the past 5 years have raised over $58-thousand. Papp believes the students enjoy the challenge. There is always some competition over the amount of money raised from the various events. Not only is it educational, it promotes helping others. Papp calls the annual project a blend of good works and good education.