Friends of St. Michael's raises funds for a variety of events

Kelly Cooley and Lorraine Bruder
T. Lucas photo

Toni Lucas and Chris Davis, Pincher Creek Voice

The Friends of St. Michael's (FSM)  is an active group of interested citizens that raises funds to help support cultural and athletic programs within the school.  "Where government support isn't as good, or doesn't support something at all, we like to step in and say we are going to show you as a community that we help," explained FSM Chair Lorraine Bruder.   She also cautioned that FSM receives more requests for money than their fundraising  can handle in the course of a year.


FSM Major fundraising initiatives throughout the year include:

• Drive One for Your School - coming up this Saturday, September 21, Ranchland parking lot from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm
• Orange and citrus sale in February
• Cash Calendar Raffle tickets 

Click here or on the above graphic for more information about the upcoming Drive One 4UR School event

Taking requests from teachers and coaches,  the organization considers what effort has been put in beyond the request for their help.  "When we take a request for funding, we always encourage them to do their own fund raising as well," said FSM Vice President Kelly Cooley.  "It's easier to say yes if we know that they have done some fund raising on their own initiative.  We are here to support, but we don't want anyone to think that we are the one and only funding for events."  Recognized for the support that they do with the athletics programs, FSM would also like everyone to know that they do more.

"Our Athletic Director Tyler Speelman has been doing a lot of his own fundraising," said Bruder.  The FSM has helped St. Michael's athletic program in the past with uniforms.

The group also helps with cultural items, field trips, and equipment. "If we can help out when the budget isn't there for something, and they have done their own fundraising, and we can help, then you have enough kit to have a half decent option,"  said Cooley.  A few examples of that would be books for the French Immersion class, band instruments and sound equipment for the Rock Band, and new stoves for the Foods program.   "Their stoves were basically falling apart.  We helped, and we know that they're well used."  Talking about the variety of assistance the group does Cooley said,  "It broadens the offerings that St. Michael's can give as options for it's students."

A contribution that is used for both athletic and cultural outings are two buses.  The cost of the vehicles, fuel and maintenance has been split between FSM and the school division.  Another contribution that is upcoming that is for the benefit of all students is additional support for the existing breakfast program.

"I like the concept of positive peer pressure," said Cooley about involving the students in the projects and fundraising.   A good example of that is the Drive One for Your School event that is happening on Saturday September 21 from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm.  That one event that can potentially raise $3,000 for the group, as it can raise up to $6,000 to be split between St. Michael's and Matthew Halton.  Cooley explained that just a few of the ways that the students could help include spreading the word, helping with logistics, and being near at hand.

"We really wanted everyone to know when we ask you to buy fruit, or raffle tickets, or to Drive One for the School, it's for athletics, and the other activities at the school.  We want to support all the activities.  We're a good conduit for it,"  said Cooley.

Both Cooley and Bruder agreed that they would like to see more members from the families of the elementary students joining the FSM and becoming involved with the fundraising and decision making process.