A small group of Pontiac youth could be found sudsing up and spraying down cars in the MRC Pontiac parking lot in Campbell’s Bay on Saturday afternoon, not for the typical grad trip or prom fundraiser one might expect, but to raise money to educate other youth about the dangers of vaping.
The car wash event was put on by the Pontiac Youth Council, which meets throughout the school year to discuss challenges facing young people across the region and brainstorm projects that might move the needle on some of these issues.
One big challenge identified by the council is vaping, so Saturday’s fundraiser event was put on to raise money for an anti-vaping education campaign the council hopes to organize next school year.
“A lot of students in schools do vape, and I don’t think they understand the harms of vaping and what it’s actually doing to them. And I think it’s just a popularity thing and they want to just fit in,” said Aidan McCann, council president.
The council hopes to raise awareness in Pontiac high schools through information posters or by inviting a speaker to discuss the harms and dangers of vaping.
“[This is] a fun way to raise money. We’ve got a barbecue, and it’s interactive too,” McCann said.
The council raised $500 for its cause through the car wash, barbecue, and donations from the community.
“They see it in their schools, so this is a way to raise money to educate the kids,” said MRC Pontiac warden Jane Toller, who offers guidance to the council throughout its term.
McCann said the council is always looking for new representatives to join the team.
