WHATI/LAC LA MARTRE
Students at Mezi Community School in Whati are busy raising money for the school's first ever Grade 9 year-end trip to Edmonton, says student Carmen Flunkie.

Grade 9 students at Mezi Community School in Whati held a chili lunch fundraiser on Feb. 19. The class is raising money for the school's first year-end Grade 9 trip to Edmonton. From left is Myles Beaverho, Shane Bishop, Carmen Flunkie, Jamie Moosenose and Quinton Bishop. - photo courtesy of Jennifer Rae

"Since we're doing really good in school and we're hard working, we decided to try to make a trip at the end of the year before we all end up going high school," she said. "In high school this is going to be sort of different, this is our last year to have fun and be kids still."

The idea was sparked one Friday while students were baking, said teacher Jennifer Rae. Rae works with four Grade 9 boys on their reading skills throughout the week and the group bakes on Fridays.

That's when they started talking about selling food as a way to fundraise for a Grade 9 trip. The class then made the final decision together, Rae said.

"It really comes from them and they wouldn't be dissuaded on it," she said. "They were highly motivated."

The class held its first fundraiser in the form of a hot chili lunch on Feb. 19. Students and the public were encouraged to buy a bowl of chili and a bun for $5.

The event was a big success, Flunkie said. Flunkie's aunt helped out with the lunch and told her about how the event was clearly successful within minutes.

"She said within 10 to 15 minutes we already made $135 dollars," Flunkie said.

The goal is to raise at least $5,000, said Rae. The school is expected to pitch in as well, though they haven't worked out exactly how costs will be shared.

In the meantime, the class has been working together to plan their itinerary for Edmonton, which will include a trip to the West Edmonton Mall.

"We're hoping to go to Galaxyland," said student Jamie Moosenose. "There is a roller coaster."

The journey will be Moosenose's first trip to Edmonton.

Though March break and the Easter long weekend will put a pause on their endeavours, Rae said the group is planning on hosting as many fundraisers as they can to ensure they meet their goal.

Plans include Bingo games, 50/50 draws and possibly a weekly lunch sale.

They hope to raise enough to visit Edmonton at the end of May or beginning of June.

Moosenose said he's already prepared for a good time.

"I want to have some fun," he said.