As every parent knows youngsters are often wanting to help but simply do not know how. That is where Pelhams A.K. Wigg and the The Early Act club come in.
The group is being re-introduced by the Rotary Club and is all about helping others in the community and is quickly growing momentum inside the classrooms. It is rapidly becoming the talk around the hallways of AK Wigg Public School.
“I had been wrestling with the idea of giving back to the community and leaving a good social imprint,” organizer Tim Droppert said. “I thought no better place then using a public school to do that.”
Droppert says at that age, many of the students are at the stage where they are learning about compassion, but often are left without outlets to use it. The club, which previously operated out of the school a number of years ago, clings to the ideas of courage and community, which led to the partnership with Pelham Cares.
Craig Fyfe, Rotarian and an AK Wigg parent, agreed. “Kids often don’t always understand how lucky they are to live where they do,” Fyfe said. “This club shows them that not everyone is as lucky -- even in their own community.”
The students first chance to give back will be on Mar. 12 when the school hosts the first-ever Wigg Winter Classic -- a ball hockey tournament which all proceeds will head back into the community through Pelham Cares Youth Sponsorship Program.
“It was amazing the response from the students once word got out,” Droppert said. “Every meeting we had, more students would come out and it really built some steam.”
Droppert hopes to get the club in other activities as well, including the Coldest Night of the Year in support of homelessness. He plans to host two major events each year, with several small fundraisers throughout the year.
“We are excited to help this great cause and hope that other kids in our community can benefit from the great opportunity.” The ultimate goal is for other schools in Pelham to take notice and try something similar to get their kids involved with the community, he added.
Those interested in making a donation can contact Droppert by email at [email protected] or by calling AK Wigg at 905-892-2605.
