Martensville Messenger December 8, 2016 | Page 16

Page 16 - DECEMBER 8, 2016 - martensville messenger $6 OFF ANY 2 FOR 1 X-LARGE PIZZA from our menu Not valid with any other offer or special Expires Dec. 31/16 WE DELIVER TO MARTENSVILLE 306-934-6400 United Youth Christmas Campaign Ciara O’Reilly, Martensville Messenger The name Maizie Bowkowy has become a familiar one for many in Martensville, Saskatoon and surrounding areas. The inspirational 15-year-old joined forces with students from Martensville High School and their parents as part of the United Youth Christmas Campaign (UYCC), a campaign constructed by the youth, for the youth. Bowkowy has a goal to encourage “100 ABOVE: Numerous students volunteered the night of November 29th from 7pm of my fellow students to to 9pm to collect non-perishable items from Martensville residents as part of the United Youth Christmas Campaign. participate in the endeavor to make it a success. It’s all about youth helping youth.” forum to speak to others and for them The group of young individuals gathered and to model this type of behavior,” O’Soup dispersed within their groups to fulfill the pre-organized stated. routes, prepared by Bowkowy for their fundraising mission Although Bowkowy was the night of November 29th from 7pm-9pm. The groups originally invited to attend legislature and hit the streets of Martensville, where they collected cash, speak, due to the passing of MLA Roger non-perishable food items, mittens, toiletries, coloring Parent, all of the day’s proceedings were books and toys for underprivileged children and youth. “I cancelled and instead, the group met do it for the community, I like to help out where I can,” with the Deputy Premier/Saskatchewan Bryston Herbers, a student that volunteered, commented. Minister of Education Don Morgan, and The Martensville community did well in donating interim leader of the Saskatchewan New items for the campaign, and more students are expected Democratic Party Trent Wotherspoon. to participate in the coming week, until they hold, what Maizie was however invited back to the the group has named their ‘epic party’, where they will legislature building to be recognized in the assemble food hampers, have Santa visit, provide gifts spring. Following the visit, Martensville ABOVE: From L to R - Deputy Premier/Minister of Education Don Morgan, Maizie for children, Christmas princesses, face painting, glitter Mayor Kent Muench commented on his Bowkowy, Martensville’s Deputy Mayor Tyson Chillog and Martensville City tattoos, hot dog bar, clowns, balloon twisters and more. Facebook page “a big shout out to Maizie Councillor Deb McGuire at the Saskatchewan Legislative Building. In a news release, Saskatchewan’s Advocate The group will continue to collect items Bowkowy and her continued dedication for Children and Youth, stated that they were heeding a throughout the month. If you are interested in volunteering, for making our communities a better place for all. Way to call to action that came from the United Youth Christmas or would like to donate, visit the Facebook Page “United go Maizie and the youth of Martensville for making this Campaign. Advocate Corey O’Soup will play the Youth- Christmas Campaign”. project happen!” role of Santa for the initiative, and will be joining the UYCC at various events and at their ‘epic party’. “It is so heartwarming to see the youth of Saskatchewan take ownership of a project that is not only this large, but it’s also so important for many families living in Saskatoon. Adults can speak to children for hours, and not have the same impact as someone of their own generation,” O’Soup commented in the release. Since beginning the campaign, donations have been flowing in, with many individuals, businesses and organizations contributing. The group has also been acknowledged through various media outlets, and has already collected over $10,000 worth of items. Through the UYCC, Bowkowy garnered attention from Saskatchewan legislature and was invited to join them November 30th. O’Soup attended alongside Maizie, as well as Martensville City Councillor Deb McGuire and Deputy Mayor Tyson Chillog. “I was so pleased to be asked to be a part of this project as I believe it gives inspiring young people, such as Maizie and her group, a ABOVE: Non-perishable items that were collected for underprivileged children and youth.