Peer-to-peer fundraiser combines passion for finance and philanthropy

Students present fundraiser cheque to Operation Eyesight
 
Written by Amy Dunn Moscoso, published on January 13, 2025 Give the Gift of Sight

Christian Labonte was thinking about what to do with his high school finance club, Capital Minds, during the summer of 2024. He was headed into grade 12. That summer, he had taken a one-week intensive finance course at Bentley University, in the United States. “I had an idea for a stock competition,” he says. At the time, he was volunteering with Operation Eyesight’s fundraising team in Calgary, and inspiration struck. “I thought, why not do it with fundraising?” He found a free software platform and set up a one-month mock stock exchange with a peer-to-peer fundraiser link from Operation Eyesight. He then set out to gather interest from sponsors and students.   

Interest grew quickly. When Christian set up an Instagram account for his finance club, the Centennial Finance Club followed it. At first, Christian thought the club was from a Calgary high school; however, he says they “got to talking and I realized they were in Southern California.” The Centennial Finance Club had registered a non-profit to try and connect high school financial clubs from around the United States. They welcomed the Capital Minds Club into the 15 Club Federation, and Christian invited club members to participate in Invest for Sight.

In all, 55 students from across North America took part. Christian says he embraced the peer-to-peer aspect of fundraising by “really encouraging everyone to get their families and friends to support them.” Sponsors provided $1,000 in prizes for students for various challenges, such as submitting the top investment strategy. Together, the students raised $5,018.  

Fundraising hones leadership skills and contributions to the global community

The experience of setting up a fundraiser helped Christian learn skills and experience he will use throughout his student life. “Fundraising is a good opportunity for students to experience leadership at their young age, and it helps in giving initiative to their passion. You develop skills when you develop a project.”

Christian had to manage the fundraiser, stay on top of grade 12 schoolwork and incorporate activities and sports. “I became way more efficient at managing my time and activities – and it really kept me driven in what I was doing,” he says. “At university, there’s so much more schoolwork and extra-curricular activities. Fundraising is a great thing for young high school students to do.” The initiative will be noted on his application for university finance programs in the United States.

Peer-to-peer fundraiser appreciated

Robyn Wilson, our Manager of Donor Relations, says, “We are thrilled to have worked with Christian over the summer and are deeply grateful for his remarkable talent in both fundraising and building connections. Through his efforts, Christian not only secured financial support to bring people the gift of sight but also inspired and engaged his peers, helping us connect with the next generation of supporters.”

Thank you, Christian and team, for your creative support! Interested in organizing your own peer-to-peer fundraiser? Learn more at operationeyesight.com/fundraise

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