By: Meg O’Connell
An Algonquin club is one step closer to becoming agents of change in the global community.
Among the already impressive list of extra-curricular clubs the college has to offer, first-year business management and entrepreneurship student Renelle Brisson has started an Algonquin chapter of Free the Children.
“My main goal is to raise awareness of this organization,” said Brisson. “To teach society that anyone can make a difference in the world.”
Free the Children is an international educational partner that works to empower youth to remove barriers that prevent them from being active local and global citizens. They provide comprehensive programs that educate, engage and empower youth in North America, giving them the tools, knowledge, confidence, support network and power to be ambassadors of change.
The focus of the organization is to advocate for children in developing and under developed countries through various programs. “I saw that Algonquin didn’t have (a club) to help this great charity, so I wanted to be the first to start a group,” said Brisson. “I love this charity and want to help them as much as I can.”
Brisson got involved with the organization when she participated in the Miss Teen Canada-World pageant in high school. Brisson, along with the other contestants, raised money for Free the Children throughout the duration of the pageant, the pageant’s primary charity, and raised over $100,000.
“It was such a great feeling to know we as a group were able to make such a big difference,” said Brisson. “I have been craving that feeling over and over again. That is why I decided to start a group at (Algonquin).”
“This organization is so important because of their core values. I believe that everyone should have the opportunity to life necessities like water, shelter, food, medicine and education no matter what country you live in or how much money you have.”
The club currently has 11 members but is always looking for more to join. To get involved with the Algonquin chapter of Free the Children, contact Brisson via e-mail at renellebrisson@hotmail.com.