A human services leadership project gave first-year child and youth care student Vicki Johnson the chance to see the important work being done in the field first-hand.

“I'm really grateful we had the opportunity to do this project. It taught us about giving back to society without expecting anything in return,” Johnson says. “It's a really good lesson for a lot of child care workers.”

The project had the human service students divide into groups and choose a cause to support. Groups then developed a plan to support the project through fundraising, gathering donations and other methods to provide important supplies and funds for their selected non-profit. Groups pitched their project to a panel of Dragon's Den-inspired judges, who helped the students refine their presentation and communications skills.

Johnson's group supported the Be Brave Ranch, a child sexual abuse treatment centre near Edmonton. They raised approximately $300 for the ranch through a bottle drive and collecting donations, and also collected food, toys and feminine hygiene products.

The most impactful part of the project for Johnson was delivering the donations to the ranch in person and having a tour of the facility in March.he group delivering the items and funds they raised to the Be Brave Ranch.

“The staff were so happy when we brought all the donations,” she says. “They told us they hadn't expected us to bring so much. It was amazing to see the ranch and the ways they are set up to offer therapy to the children. They really care about the children who come to stay, giving them each a handmade blanket to keep and take home, as well as a new toy. It was really inspiring.”

The staff at the Be Brave Ranch offered the group the opportunity to return for their practicums and Johnson says they all intend to consider it.

Other groups worked to support Vermilion Long Term Care, Dr. James Hemstock & Hearthstone Place Assisted Living Residence, Vermilion Valley Lodge, the Lloydminster Sexual Assault Centre, local children and youth, among others.

Photo:  The group delivering the items and funds they raised to the Be Brave Ranch.