The W.C. Miller Collegiate Youth in Philanthropy (YiP) group collected one of the highest amounts of money in the region this year.

The group raised around $600 from two fundraisers - a movie night and a bake sale - and the amount was matched by the Altona Community Foundation. The philanthropy group also had leftover funds from last year to reach a total amount of approximately $2,800.

Four local organizations received donations this year.

The Rhineland and Area Food Bank was given $300 to build a gate that will separate the food bank from the youth room, said Angelika Stoesz, the board chair for the organization.

Youth for Christ: The Station in Altona accepted a donation of $950 to buy video and photography equipment to initiate a creative outlet program.

"Just to get kids doing something creative and who knows, it might lead (to) a career path down the road," said Sheridan Sawatzky, a co-director at the centre. "It's awesome to see these kids support a program in our town that supports other kids and teens. It's affirming that they see the value in what we're doing and they want to see The Station affect more kids in a positive way."

Katie Cares in Winkler was presented with $600 which will be used to acquire alarm clocks for Katie's Cottage.

"They are very user friendly, very easy, so it lessens the anxiety of someone who is staying at Katie's Cottage who needs to be at an appointment and doesn't want to miss it or the surgery," said Ruth Reimer, a representative of Katie Cares.

Finally, YiP provided the Town of Altona Recreation Office with $950. The money will go toward purchasing a water slide lift for physically disabled visitors at the Aquatic Centre, said Ron Epp, the recreation services manager.

The YiP group raised above and beyond the amount they expected to, said Reese Dayton, the secretary treasurer for the high school's student council.

Dayton, who is from Emerson, said the philanthropy program is a way for her to step out of her home community and lend a hand.

"For me it's a way of giving back. I don't live in Altona so I'm not super connected with everything that's here, but it's nice to know that I'm able to do small acts that turn into something bigger for lots of other people," she said.