The holiday season sparkled brighter this year as students from Grades 4 to 7 at Nakusp Elementary School hosted a special Winter Market at the Selkirk College building. The event followed the Nakusp Christmas Light Up Parade, making it a perfect addition to the town’s festive celebrations. The hard organizational efforts of the teachers Biz Tupper, Anita Vibe, Andrea Volansky, Elaine Tupper, and Tyler Kopp paid off with an impressive event.
Far from just a shopping experience, the market was a heartfelt initiative to support the BC Children’s Hospital Foundation. All proceeds from the event will go directly to the foundation, which funds life-saving treatments, pediatric research, and programs that support children and families across the province. The market had a special personal connection to all students and staff as one of Nakusp Elementary’s own students, Isabella Cook, has been courageously sharing her battle with cancer. Isabella and her family made an appearance at the event as they arrived for the weekend visit just in time for the market wrap-up. The Cook family has been staying at Ronald McDonald House and has recently been able to return to Nakusp for visits.
The market showcased an impressive array of student-made items, including fused glass ornaments, intricately hand-burnt wood ornaments, CNC laser-crafted designs, hand-tied fishing flies, and beautifully homemade greeting cards. Community volunteers came into the school to help students craft many of the items. Each item reflected the students’ dedication and the festive spirit of the event.
The Selkirk College building buzzed with holiday cheer as shoppers browsed the stalls, accompanied by the sweet sounds of live caroling performed by some Nakusp Elementary students. The market attracted a large crowd, with families and community members coming together to support the students’ efforts and enjoy the holiday atmosphere.
For many of the students, the event was about more than just raising money. “I made hand-tied fishing flies, and it was fun to see people excited to buy them,” said Luke, a Grade 4 student. “Knowing the money is going to help kids who need it makes it even better.”
Following the parade, the Winter Market added an extra layer of joy to the evening, with the warmth of community and the glow of giving on full display. By the end of the event, the students were thrilled to announce that they had raised over $3500 for the BC Children’s Hospital Foundation. A sponsor is matching an additional $500 and they are still taking donations and making sales until the end of this week.
“The students and volunteers all worked so hard on this project.” said event organizer and teacher Biz Tupper. “Usually, we need to remind the students to get ready for class after lunch, but on the days that we made things, the students were ready early and eager to get started. The amount of learning, community spirit and pride that came out of this project made all of the hard work worth it!”
For those who missed the market but wish to contribute, donations to BC Children’s Hospital Foundation can still be made online. https://www.bcchf.ca/
The Winter Market was more than a fundraiser; it was a celebration of community spirit, the creativity of Nakusp’s young talent, and the power of giving back during the holiday season. Thanks to the students’ and teachers’ efforts and the community’s generosity, the true meaning of the holidays shone through.
