Communities across Queens and Lunenburg counties are working to give the 2022 North Queens Community School grads a safe send off.<\/p>\n
A group of parent volunteers has been hosting several fundraisers over the past weeks to provide students with a safe grad. They launched an online auction at the beginning of the month posting items donated by businesses and residents alike.<\/p>\n
Over 60 parcels are up for grabs, ranging from collectables and clothing to gift certificates for services.<\/p>\n
Marie Gernon, the parent spearheading the latest effort, is confident given the support so far, the group will reach their $9,000 goal.<\/p>\n
\u201cFor me, that\u2019s one of the highlights is just seeing the community come together and supporting,\u201d said Gernon. \u201cIt doesn\u2019t matter if it\u2019s my community or Bridgewater or Liverpool, everybody\u2019s coming together.\u201d<\/p>\n
The money is being used to support safe-grad, a drug and alcohol free, all-night outing for the graduates.<\/p>\n
The students decided after receiving their diplomas they wanted to head into Halifax and spend the night at the Putting Edge, Playdome and Get Air.<\/p>\n
Money raised will cover those fees plus the cost of a bus and driver to bring the grads back and forth to the city before they return to the school for an early morning breakfast together.<\/p>\n
Gernon says because of COVID-19, it\u2019s been two years since there\u2019s been a safe grad and it\u2019s important to acknowledge the difficult situation the students have come through.<\/p>\n
\u201cLet the kids know that hey, you guys have done an amazing job and this is, as parents and community, this is our way of saying good job, here\u2019s something that you guys want to do,\u201d said Gernon.<\/p>\n