Abbotsford Senior Secondary School has founded its newest club, “Just Chill.” With the initiative of two students, Manuel Boada and Naya Poar, they created a fun and safe space for children of all ethnicities, religions, and interests. This movement hopes to inspire the Fraser Valley community to move towards meaningful and long-lasting change locally and in the global arena. The initial intention of creating a safe space was to prioritize students who felt they didn’t fit in anywhere, and those who felt a longing to be accepted and be part of social groups. A great number of students were interested and needed an environment like this and the club has since evolved into something much greater than anticipated.
By partnering with local community and business members, the club’s upcoming pursuit is to fundraise for the Indian Residential School Survivors Society and Indspire (formerly known as National Aboriginal Achievement Foundation) by selling homemade bannock. This is to expand and give assistance to Indigenous survivors of residential schools and their descendants, as well as to show respect while continuing to educate the public.
With the interest and support of the student body and faculty, the club has gained financial support in the form of donations. This has led the club to organize and fundraise for multiple profound causes like women at risk of violence and abuse, health disorders like epilepsy and cancer research, and environmental education on areas such as climate change and waste reduction. To do this, they have partnered with organizations like SARA for Woman, Ecology North, Anxiety Disorders of B.C. and more.
This resourceful group of high school scholars aren’t stopping there. With sponsorships from businesses across the region, these students are also supporting countries like Armenia and Ukraine through relief society associations. To take it one step further, the club will also be working with McMaster University on the significance of community for youth in the 2022 YDI Symposium in front of the Ministry of Health.
What humbly began in room A104 at Abby Senior Secondary has flourished into a group of students doing substantial good for us all. The creation of this social club has knitted our community closer, has allowed high school students to feel safe and valued and has inspired our neighborhoods. Through small and large initiatives, “Just Chill” has become the heart of Abby Senior Secondary and a vessel in our community by flourishing friendship and inspiring us to create the change we wish to see in our world. Participation is highly encouraged for upcoming events and fundraisers for The Indian Residential School Survivor Society happening Nov. 17, 2022 on the Abby Senior campus.
