Bottle drive for Wetaskiwin Composite High School 2025 grad needs more volunteers

A group of dedicated parents is holding a bottle drive on Feb. 15 to help lower the grad ticket prices for the 2025 graduating class of Wetaskiwin Composite High School - and they could use some help from the community. 

All aspects of the grad are being planned by parents of the grads, with different areas being split into committees, including the treasury, food, social media promotion, security, decorating and fundraising committees.

The fundraising committee is hoping to raise enough money to lower the cost of the grad dinner and dance ticket for the grads and their families. 

While they no specific dollar figure in mind, every little bit counts. 

"We're just crossing our fingers," said committee member and Bobbi-Lynn Tremblay, adding they're hoping they have enough volunteers and there is decent weather for the bottle drive.

"The more money we fund raise, the more the cost goes down."

Without any donations or fundraising, the cost to each grad  in order to cover expenses - including food and decorations - would be $100 or $120 per ticket. 

Last year, through fundraising and a large donation from a local car dealership, the tickets were lowered to $10 per person, according to Tremblay.

People can bring their bottles to the high school from 9 a.m .to 1 p.m. on Feb. 15. 

Groups of volunteers will also be collecting bottles in assigned areas of Wetaskiwin.

Ideally, the Grade 12 students will also help out with the drive, but so far, not many have signed up, said Tremblay. 

The fundraising committee could use more volunteers for the bottle drive for various tasks, including collecting bottles and taking them to the depot. 

"If anyone wants to come out and volunteer that would be wonderful," said Tremblay, adding she hopes more grads get involved.

Anyone interesting in volunteering can call or text Tremblay at 780-668-0911.

The committee will also be holding a silent auction in the coming months and have already started receiving items for the event. 

Additionally, they will be sending out appeal letters to businesses in Wetaskkwin and Millet asking for donations. 

Other possible fundraisers in the works include cookie box and beef jerky sales in partnership with local businesses, said Tremblay, adding the committee is working on several ideas. 

Any funds raised above and beyond the needs for this year's grad celebration will be paid forward for next year, said Tremblay. 

"That's why it's important to keep fundraising - for the years to come, for the next graduating classes."