Haig School students wait anxiously in the school gym to hear what the surprise is!

They say that kindness is its own reward. But as 250 students at Weyburn’s Haig School recently discovered, SaskTel can also make kindness extra special!

“It’s such a great school - the perfect example of how kindness can be promoted to youth in our province,” said Emily McNair, Communication Manager – External. “Students there have been very active with the SaskTel I Am Stronger program, and in promoting kindness to diminish the effects of bullying. We thought they were deserving of a reward and that a surprise was in order.”

On October 28, 2016, all 250 students at the school were called to the gym for an “special assembly.” When they arrived, the SaskTel Street Team was there to greet them with music, games, prizes, and a pizza lunch.  

“As you can imagine, they were completely surprised!” said Emily. “We had fun activities for them throughout the lunch hour, and everyone left full of pizza and with some swag from SaskTel and the I Am Stronger program.” 

The RAK Pack poses with the SaskTel Street Team.

A special group within the student body was also recognized.

The RAK (Random Acts of Kindness) Pack is a group of about 35 grade five and six students who have been leading the charge at their school. Their acts of kindness have included leaving rocks with kind messages on them around the school playground; helping people take groceries out to their cars; raking leaves; and shoveling snow in their community, among many other things.  

For their efforts, the RAK Pack was presented with a popcorn machine that they will be able to incorporate into their kindness activities, as well as special swag bags.

Emily says that by showcasing Haig School in such a fun way, it will not only motivate the students to continue with their good deeds, but also inspire other youth groups to start their own projects across the province.

“It was such a great day that the kids will undoubtedly remember into the future,” she said.  “I also hope it inspires the RAK Pack to continue doing the great work that they do at their school and in the Weyburn community.”

The RAK Pack, as well as student JD Muir from Johnson Collegiate in Regina, will be further recognized at the Regina National Philanthropy Day Luncheon on November 15, 2016. Both will receive awards in the Outstanding Youth Philanthropist category for the amazing work they’ve been doing in promoting kindness.

For more information about the SaskTel I Am Stronger program, visit: www.iamstronger.ca

For more information about the RAK Pack, visit: http://partners.iamstronger.ca/haig-school-rak-pack

For more information about National Philanthropy Day, visit: http://afpregina.afpnet.org/content.cfm?ContentItemID=55627&navItemNumber=5336