The Youth in Philanthropy (YiP) group at W.C. Miller Collegiate in Altona presented $4,800 in donations to four local organizations Friday afternoon.

The group, which is made up of approximately 10 students, donated to Katie Cares, the Altona Curling Club, Youth for Christ Altona and Altona's Build A Village.

Alongside fundraising, the program receives a grant each year from the Altona Community Foundation, which goes toward the money the group donates to local causes.

Ruth Reimer, the Executive Director of Katie's Cottage, said they plan to use the donation money to finish the safe walking path which connects the cottage to Boundary Trails Health Centre. Reimer said the street is very busy, so the sidewalk will ensure safe travels between the two locations.

Keith Stoesz, the junior coordinator at the Altona Curling Club, said the money they received will go toward replacing 20-year-old curling equipment.

Youth for Christ co-directors Sheridan Sawatzky and Marty Falk said they will be putting the money toward improving furniture and updating the space.

“The kids are worth it and we want to have a space they want to come to,” said Sawatzky.

The Altona Build A Village will be using their donation for the Syrian refugee families living in town.

While the YiP program helps the community, Miranda Gerbrandt, member of YiP, said the program also benefits the students involved.

“For me it was definitely an eye-opener to see how many groups there are in the community and how they've been helping the youth... and just to see how we can give back to them,” she said.