CRPS’ High School Students Scare Off Hunger This Halloween

Canadian Rockies Public Schools’ (CRPS) high school students are gearing up to scare off hunger this Halloween, participating in the international WE Scare Hunger campaign. Instead of seeking out candy, students from Banff Community High School (BCHS) and Canmore Collegiate High School (CCHS) will be knocking on doors in their communities, collecting non-perishable food donations for local food banks. This initiative, part of the ME to WE organization, aims to educate and empower young people while addressing the pressing issue of food insecurity in their communities.

On the evening of Oct. 31, from 6 to 8 p.m., BCHS students will fan out across residential neighbourhoods in Banff, engaging with community members to gather food donations for the Banff Food Bank. Additionally, the school will serve as a collection point for non-perishable food items from Oct. 28 - 31, allowing parents and community members to contribute even if they aren’t home during the Halloween festivities.

CCHS is also participating in this important campaign, with students heading out on Halloween night from 6 to 8 p.m. to collect food donations for the Bow Valley Food Bank. Dividing the town with Our Lady of Snow, which is also gathering donations, CCHS students will cover various neighborhoods, including Larch, Lions Park, Downtown Canmore, South Canmore, Benchlands, and the north side of Cougar Creek, including Eagle Terrace. This door-to-door effort allows students to connect with their community while making a tangible difference in the lives of those facing food insecurity.

Kristen Wiggins, a teacher at BCHS and one of the event organizers, emphasized the importance of this initiative and the strong support from the Banff community. "We want our students to understand the impact they can have in their community—a community that continuously supports them, whether through donations to fundraisers or the nearly $30,000 in local scholarships. This campaign not only raises awareness about hunger but also encourages our students to take action. By collecting food donations instead of candy, they’re learning the value of giving back," Wiggins stated.

Similarly, Amanda Timm, a teacher at CCHS, expressed her excitement about the event. "Halloween is a time for fun and celebration, but it’s also an opportunity to teach our students about compassion and responsibility. WE Scare Hunger aligns perfectly with these values. By participating, our students are making a positive contribution to the community and developing a sense of social responsibility," Timm remarked.

The WE Scare Hunger campaign is a powerful reminder that even the smallest actions can have significant consequences. As students go door-to-door this Halloween, they will not only be collecting food but also fostering a spirit of community engagement and kindness. 

Parents are encouraged to support their children in this initiative by discussing the importance of helping others and considering donating non-perishable food items themselves. The event presents a wonderful opportunity for families to engage in conversations about community service and empathy while participating in a fun Halloween tradition.