Students at Holy Rosary High School are proving that small acts of kindness can create big change. The Beba Project lifts Lloydminster families by working year-round to support mothers, babies and a community in need.
The Beba Project began more than seven years ago when a group of students decided to raise money for local families. What started as small coffee-house fundraisers has grown into a student-led effort that delivers hospital gift baskets, adopts families at Christmas and answers calls for help whenever they arise.
“They make 15 hospital baskets worth about $100 each and bring them twice a year to the hospital,” said career counsellor and project leader Lisa Marie Kreese. “The nurses then distribute them as they see need in families.”
For Grade 12 student Ginny Kroeker, those baskets are more than donations.
“It’s really good when we get to go out and give what we’ve raised money for,” said Kroeker. “We do baby baskets for the hospital, and when we get messages back from families we’ve helped, it’s just really good to see how we’re helping them.”
Kreese said the project’s impact is most visible at Christmas when students adopt a family in need and shop for gifts and household supplies.
“That family was so thankful and gracious,” said Kreese. “They actually came to the school. They wanted to meet the kids who made such a difference in their lives.”
That visit left a lasting impression on Kroeker and her fellow students.
“You actually see the people you’re helping and how much of an impact it makes on them,” said Kroeker. “It makes you feel really good about what you’re doing.”
As one of several senior members, Kroeker said the group now focuses on teaching younger students to carry the project forward.
“It’s really encouraging that most of us who are involved are seniors,” said Kroeker. “We’re helping mentor the people coming up to lead it for the next years, and I just know it’s going to get bigger and bigger.”
“It’s not hard to do a little something extra to spend a few hours or donate a few dollars to help someone,” said Kroeker. “You never know how much you’re helping them.”
Anyone in need of support can contact Holy Rosary High School and ask to speak with a Beba Project leader.
“They just need to contact the school,” said Kreese. “One of the leaders will reach out and find out what the need is.”
The Beba Project Lloydminster has become a model of what students can achieve when compassion meets community spirit.
