Members of a local civics class have parlayed hands-on learning into cold hard cash for a grassroots program that supports vulnerable women.

“It is so awesome that we are going to be able to do this,” Kate Robinson, a Grade 10 student at Park Street Collegiate Institute said of the unique opportunity.

Robinson and three classmates recently scored a $5,000 cheque for Couchiching Jubilee House through their participation in a national youth philanthropy initiative.

Students grouped into teams, researched a grassroots charity of their choosing and presented the findings to a school-appointed panel of judges using a variety of media, including video, music and old-fashioned Bristol board displays.

Teams explained the mission of their individual charity, the services provided, and the fundraising activities it needs to survive.

The group with the most compelling presentation is awarded $5,000 for their charity, courtesy of the Toskan Casale Foundation, which launched the national youth and philanthropy initiative in 2002.

Park Street student Sierah Madden, whose winning team triumphed over four other groups within her civics class, relished the opportunity to assist Couchiching Jubilee House, which offers transitional housing and other programs to women in need.

“There are so many people out there in Orillia who need this,” she added. “I feel really proud to be able to help them.”

The project involves 200 schools across Canada, and is a joint initiative with Leaders Today, a youth leadership organization founded by brothers Craig and Marc Kielburger in 1999.

Students learn the fundamentals of philanthropy while exploring how granting organizations choose recipients for their funds.

“The charity is getting money and the students are learning about their community,” said representative Jesse Jewell. “It is a little deeper than just handing over a cheque.”

Open since September 2001, Couchiching Jubilee House enables vulnerable women to improve their quality of life, both through the availability of transitional housing and ongoing supports.

“Everybody was so excited and thrilled about this,” development coordinator Gill Tillman remarked of the recent donation. “(The program) allows students to take a look at their own community and see what the needs are.”

The funds will be used to provide a variety of educational opportunities for clients, Tillman said.