The Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives invited our students to their Social Justice Gala.
Our student, Mandy C in Grade 9 had the following to say about this event:
On November 21st 2019, myself and a few other leadership students were invited to a CCPA - BC (Canadian Centre For Policy Alternatives) Gala. This Gala featured a guest speaker, Nancy MacLean who is an award winning historian and author. The leadership students who were offered the opportunity to attend this event were selected by pairings through each grade. The attendee's were: Hannah, Garrett, Mathew, and Kimberly as our grade 11 representatives. For grade 10, we had Stella and Morgan. For grade 9, we had Ada and myself, Mandy.
The Gala was located at Fraserview Banquet Hall, which was extremely beautiful as when we entered, we were welcomed with kind volunteers and gold decorated rims. You walk up the stairs, and you enter an amazing view of friendly people, and gorgeous draping gold curtains. We were seated immediately, and offered delicious Indian appetizers. We were even lucky enough to receive a table next to the Sustainabiliteens. Everywhere you looked, it was filled with adults and being one of the only two groups of teenagers there, it was quite frightening, but also an amazing experience. Wherever you turned, there was always a friendly voice waiting to get to know you, where your from and why you're here. Lots of amazing conversations were made.
We were offered an amazing Indian buffet, which consisted of various fruits, rice, meat and a delicious vegetable meal for vegetarians. We were also given soft drinks. There was an amazing classical music show, which played during intermissions and throughout dinner. There was also a silent auction which offered various of products donated from different brands and companies. All money from the silent auction went as donations to the CCBA.
Around 6:30-7:00pm, Nancy talked about libertarian intellectuals, billionaires and white supremacists and how it shaped today’s politics, and the impact it has created. Overall we felt it was a very detailed and insightful presentation. Other points were made about climate change, public education and how and where are money is going too. Nancy also had many amazing key points in her presentation, which opened the eyes of many attendees at the event.
We wrapped up the night around 9:30pm, with a group photo, and even a nice friendly conversation with Sustainabilateens. We were very grateful to have been given this opportunity. Thank you CCBA and our teacher Lee, for the tickets and the chance to learn more about the problems in the world.
Hannah and Kim are enjoying their meal!