A group of Grade 4 and 5 students at a Winnipeg school are using their art and selling skills to help out a local pet rescue shelter. 

As part of Clipper Council, a student-led initiative similar to a student council, these kids dedicate their lunch hours to discussing ways to support their community.

Earlier this year, they successfully organized a clothing drive for Agape Table, a local charity supporting those in need. This month, inspired by their shared love for animals, they came up with the idea of raising funds for the Winnipeg Pet Rescue Shelter by creating and designing their own coloring books.






“The only caveat was that we wanted it to be animals,” said Mark Hardern, a Grade 4 and 5 teacher at Crestview school and organizer of Clipper Council. “We wanted something that would be received well from Kindergarten to Grade 5.”

Listen to Mark Harden’s full conversation here: 



Kingsley holds her drawing Kingsley holds up the art piece she designed for the colouring book. (Colleen Houde/PNN)

Kingsley is in Grade 4 at Crestview School. She is also a part of Clipper Council. She says it feels good to give back to the community.

“It makes me feel like I’m helping others and making lives easier,” said Kingsley. “My heart tells me that I’m doing a good deed. I always love helping other people.”

She says it warms her heart to see the colouring books selling out.

“I think of all of that money going to those dogs and cats, all the animals, and them living a good life and having the happiness that every pet deserves.”

Listen to Kingsley’s full conversation here:



Zoey, a Grade 5 student and member of Clipper Council, says it feels great to help others.

“It just makes my day when I see people smile,” said Zoey. “It makes me smile when I help others.”

ZoeyZoey holds up the art piece she designed for the colouring book. (Colleen Houde/PNN)
Listen to Zoey’s full conversation here: 



The students have been selling coloring books throughout the week, quickly selling out and printing more daily.

Each colouring book is $2.00, with all funds going to the Winnipeg Pet Rescue Shelter. 

Anyone interested in helping this initiative can contact the school at 204-885-7710.