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Generous “Sweaters for Scholarships” campaign results in $12,600 for RD Polytechnic Student Scholarships

Published

2 years ago

4 minute read

Community members, Alumni Association raise money for Red Deer Polytechnic scholarships

During a creative holiday-themed campaign, community members and the Red Deer Polytechnic Alumni Association (RDPAA) raised $12,600 for student scholarships, including the Student Emergency Bursary.

The Sweaters for Scholarships initiative encouraged community members to donate to student scholarships and to share a photo of themselves with friends, family or coworkers in a festive sweater to show that they had committed their support.

“Our community is generous and at this time of year, many donors think of our students’ needs and make donations to scholarships or other areas. This year, through conversations with students and alumni who have received scholarships and bursaries, we wanted to add extra impact for students to see the faces of the donors who are so generously invested in their success,” says Richard Longtin, Vice President External Relations at Red Deer Polytechnic. “Sweaters for Scholarships provided an avenue for our donors to share their photos with us on social media so that we could show students the people who are championing them.”

This initiative resonated with the Board of Directors of the Polytechnic’s Alumni Association (RDPAA). Two current members volunteered to share their stories as part of the campaign. Lynne Madsen, RDPAA Secretary (and instructor in RDP’s Bachelor of Science, Nursing program), shared her experience of needing emergency financial support near the end of her post-secondary education. “I received $500 [from the Student Emergency Bursary] and a trip to the Students’ Association Food Bank. This support at this critical time allowed me to finish my program and graduate rather than withdraw and go back to work full-time,” she said in a blog post for the campaign. Erin Bast, the student representative on the RDPAA, shared how scholarships gave her encouragement and validation that she was on the right path. “It means the world to me to be able to continue going to school,” she said in a campaign video. “I can’t believe there are people out there donating to our scholarship fund to help students receive an education.”

The RDPAA connected with alumni on social media to emphasize that even small gifts can add up to create a big impact. “The RDP Alumni Association is proud to support Red Deer Polytechnic students with this donation to student scholarships. We all know the struggles that our community faces with the rising cost of living. As alumni, we also remember the unique financial struggles of being a student, including balancing work and other commitments with receiving an education. We hope that this donation will not only support our students but that it will remind other alumni and community members of the needs of students and inspire them to show their support as well,” says Courtney Avram, Chair of the RDPAA Board of Directors.

The Sweaters for Scholarships initiative encouraged community members to share their photos to social media on National Ugly Sweater Day, which was December 16. The fundraising campaign total of $12,600 includes all gifts made to support scholarships up until Monday, December 19. However, the campaign page remains open for donations through the end of the calendar year.

Online gifts made before midnight on December 31 are eligible for a charitable tax receipt, and campaign staff hope that this incentive will inspire other community members to consider continuing to support scholarships even though National Ugly Sweater Day has passed.

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Our sweetest success yet: Smile Cookie Campaign breaks record

Published on June 11, 2025

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Just when we thought our smiles couldn’t get any bigger – they did! And we have the Red Deer community to thank for their overwhelming support.

We are so excited to share the total from the Tim Hortons Smile Cookie Campaign this past spring…and it’s very impressive. In fact, it’s an all-time record, and we couldn’t be more grateful.

Over the long-week campaign held April 28-May 4, Red Deerians indulged in a lot of cookies – $80,773 worth! These funds will go directly to helping struggling readers become readers of potential through Reading College, a project of The Foundation for Red Deer Public Schools.

Reading College, held each July, provides students with identified reading gaps an incredible summer experience that builds their skills, confidence, and love for reading. Students leave the program with stronger reading and writing abilities, and a solid foundation for success in school and life. Now in its 14th year, 1,000 students have graduated from Reading College.

“We continue to be amazed by the generosity of our community and the partnership with Tim Hortons,” said Kristine Plastow, Board Chair for The Foundation for Red Deer Public Schools. “These dollars directly impact kids who need extra support to become confident readers. The difference this program makes is life-changing.”

Tanya Doucette, Tim Hortons Restaurant Owner in Red Deer, said it’s incredible to see what can happen when a community comes together. The simple act of purchasing a cookie by so many amazing guests, makes a huge difference for young students right here in Red Deer.

“This record-breaking year shows how much our guests care. We are so pleased to support Reading College and help give students the tools they need to thrive,” she said.

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Red Deer

Red Deer Student honoured with Chief Youth Courage Award

Published on June 10, 2025

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When you meet Brayden Chenier, a Grade 8 student at GH Dawe School, it’s clear why he’s been chosen to represent youth across Alberta. Brayden is the proud recipient of the Integrated School Support Program Provincial (ISSP) Chief Youth Courage Award, presented by the Calgary Police Youth Foundation, in recognition of his resilience, leadership and commitment to his community.

The award celebrates students who demonstrate courage and dedication to becoming a responsible and caring citizen, especially within a diverse school and community, and was presented earlier this spring at the Calgary Police Awards Gala. As part of the honour, Brayden will now serve as a youth ambassador, helping to raise awareness about child and youth crime prevention, education, and intervention programs across the province.

“It’s pretty surreal that I will be all over the province for a year,” said Brayden. “I am looking forward to helping out in the community.”

Brayden has been part of the ISSP program through GH Dawe School since 2023 and has benefited greatly from the support offered.

With the support of the mental health professional, Brayden has been able to successfully navigate a variety of challenges in his life including coming to terms with his disability and navigating a tragic loss in his life.

Born with clubfoot, Brayden has never let his physical disability stand in his way. He is an avid athlete in a number of sports including hockey, basketball, golf, track, volleyball and soccer. His goal is working towards becoming an athlete in the Paralympics.

Brayden was nominated by GH Dawe School Counsellor Amy Johansson, who described him as a compassionate, kind, hardworking, and honest person who is driven and motivated to be his very best at all that he attempts.

She added that within the GH Dawe School community, Brayden is a highly respected citizen by all students and staff. “He is highly committed to sports connected to our school, as well as sports outside of our school community. Brayden works diligently at his academics. And is so very helpful and caring, always. Brayden works to overcome a list of things that he will not allow to hold him back.”

GH Dawe School is part of Alberta’s Integrated School Support Program – a child wellness initiative aimed at improving academic performance and the overall well-being of students. The program supports schools like GH Dawe with services to meet the diverse needs of students and families.

As he takes on his role as a provincial ambassador, Brayden continues to be a role model for his peers and a reminder of the power of perseverance and community support.

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