Correction: An earlier version of the headline inflated the Athabasca County's donation. The county's donation is equal to half the cost of a single student.
ATHABASCA – A “once in a lifetime” opportunity for Edwin Parr Composite (EPC) students had its cost slashed in half thanks to a donation from Athabasca County.
Twenty-eight EPC students — 11 from the town and 17 from the county — and five chaperones are headed to Europe later this spring as part of a school trip aimed at fostering global citizenship, personal development, and community leadership skills, and thanks to a $2,500 donation from Athabasca County, more than half of the up-front cost has been covered.
“Due to the price of this trip and the incredible opportunity it is for the youth in our area, I think we should consider giving them more,” said Anderson. “It’s spread across so many kids, not just one or two.”
Under Athabasca County’s Youth Assistance Grant policy, councillors can provide up to $500 per organization, or more at the discretion of council. While the yearly budget for the grant is only $1,800, leftover funds from 2023 and 2024 will help cover the extra $2,000 the councillors unanimously voted to throw in from reserves.
“We have kids from all over the county and the town travelling for what could very well be a once in a lifetime trip,” said Coun. Gary Cromwell.
“I’m very happy to see that level of support. We get a lot of hockey teams and things of that nature, but not many trips like this. I think it really highlights what we’re trying to do and how we’re trying to help out our community as a whole.”
The students will leave Canada on March 26, and return April 4. While in the Netherlands, students will visit the Hague, Anne Frank’s house, as well as museums. Students will take part in cultural events, including a traditional Dutch dinner, and will see some of the world’s most famous sites, including the Eiffel Tower, the now-rebuilt Notre-Dame Cathedral, and the Arc de Triomphe.
“This funding will directly impact the youth by reducing financial barriers, enabling all travellers to benefit from this life-changing experience,” wrote Stacey Leriger, EPC’s international learning leader in the grant request.
The total cost for the trip $4,790, plus meals per traveller. The up-front cost includes travel insurance, tour fees, accommodation, and tickets to a theme park.
“We deeply appreciate Athabasca County’s commitment to empowering young people,” wrote Leriger.
“Upon our return participants will present their learnings in a report to Athabasca County. We believe this will inspire others and demonstrate the value of investing in youth development opportunities.”
