Bow Valley High School students completed their most ambitious Time For Hope campaign ever last Friday and the community was a better place for it.

Over 100 students were assigned to 25 work stations, nonprofit operations and businesses alike, to give back to the community in the spirit of one of  the school's guiding principles of being active participants within school, local and global communities. It also comes at a time of an economic downturn that makes it difficult for many to donate to the annual drive.

Some had already started their day's work by 8 am, while others assembled in the school gym for an early morning briefing before setting out.. Their work sites ranged from helping instruct gym classes at the RancheView School, preparing the Glenbow Community Garden for the upcoming growing season to staining the gazebo at Bethany Cochrane.Local businesses, known for throwing their support behind local causes, were also invited to participate.

For student organizer Tyler Bielert, a grade 11 student, the response to the idea of giving back was well received by the students.

"In our leadership class, which organized this, we have a philosophy of student leadership and when they succeed, we succeed. So we wanted to give back to the community in that sense."

Students in the field not only embraced the idea, they relished the opportunity to give back to the community.

Student Connor Pointen, who wrestles with the Cochrane Cowboys, was among the students staining the gazebo at Bethany Cochrane.

"I love volunteering for the community," said Pointen. "It really funds everything, like the Cowboys. Everything we do comes from the community, so it's good to give back."

For Mollie Casselton, being assigned to work on the Glenbow garden reminded her of the time she spent there when she attended the Glenbow Elementary School.

"It is pretty cool because we planted this when I was in the fourth grade so it's kind of like coming back and getting to do just as much work as we did the first time."

At RancheView, students were well prepared to run gym classes with game plans for the different grade levels.

"We have a plan for each grade because not every grade can do the same thing," explained student Kassidy Gerhardi. "I think it's really awesome. I think it's just good to be able to spend the day doing something for someone else."

Leadership advisor Dorothy Karlson said the students understand the need to give back to the community and said the teachers are very proud of them.

"We have great kids and they understand the purpose behind it, they understand why it's important for us to give back. It's a real cornerstone, a real part of what this school is built on. So they get it. They're like thoroughbreds, you give them that bit of range and they're off and they're happy to be doing it. We're really proud."

 A fundraising celebration followed in the late afternoon and included a barbecue, live music, carnival games and raffles. Kim Krawec, of Family and Community Social Services and coordinator of the Western Rocky View Parent Link Centre, spoke at the event and continues to be amazed at the thought put into the event each year.

Money raised is being donated to FCSS and it's too early for a tally, but whatever funds are raised will be earmarked for a new family counseling program that will especially be valuable for the Safe Coach program.