While many people give something up for Lent, Dan Morari’s Grade 5/6 class at St. Agnes School decided to give back.  

Morari gave the students the opportunity to receive special luxuries and privileges for a fee during Lent, with the money going to charity. Some of the privileges included wearing a hat in class, sitting at the teacher’s desk, chewing gum or bidding to choose what to do during gym class.  

The class had the goal of raising $250 to have a class party. When it was all said and done, the class raised $312.   

“I was pretty taken back by the amounts that a lot of kids would bring. I had to tell a few kids to not bring any more money because they were really eager to donate,” Morari said.  

Morari and the students decided to donate the funds to Hunger in Moose Jaw because the organization has a big presence at their school and they wanted to give back to a group that directly benefits their school as well as other schools around the city.  

The money was presented to Hunger in Moose Jaw on Tuesday. Executive Director Sharla Sept said donations of all sizes can help.  

“Every dollar counts, so every donation is appreciated and taken. Whether it's $5 or whether it's $5,000,” Sept said.  

The funds raised by the students will go towards Hunger in Moose Jaw’s lunch program. The program helps over 350 kids in Moose Jaw receive a healthy and nutritious lunch every day. Each lunch is hand-packed and freshly made daily by the Hunger in Moose Jaw staff.  

You can find more information about Hunger in Moose Jaw's programs as well as ways to donate on their website.