Middle School students raised $11,000 in support of the Friends in Need Food Bank, marking the most successful year yet for the school’s annual Farmers Market. The event featured 55 student-led booths and included more than 170 students in Grades 6 through 8.
The market was packed with crowd-pleasing offerings, ranging from food favourites like lemonade, popcorn, pancakes, waffles, bubble tea, and sushi to trendy treats like the viral Dubai chocolate-strawberry cups. Shoppers also browsed a variety of items, including handmade bookmarks, jewelry, candles, fidget toys, and more. Each booth is a unique reflection of the students' interests and entrepreneurial spirit.
Now in its fourth year, the Farmers Market has grown into a meaningful experience for students, not just a fundraiser, but a chance to act, apply their learning, and connect with the wider community. Each student team developed its own product while being challenged to consider sustainability, profitability, and social impact.
"This year, the students showed a much deeper investment,” shared Mr. Willms. “As a part of our Middle School Explorations program, they volunteered at the food bank. They understood exactly who they were helping and why. That personal connection made their service—and their sales—more powerful."
In preparation for the market, students spent two weeks exploring marketing and design thinking through the school’s Educational Technology program. They learned how to use Canva for layout and branding and were challenged to market their products with their audience in mind. The goal: not only to sell their products, but to sell themselves—building confidence, communication, and entrepreneurship skills.
This year’s market also included a strong ecological education component. As part of the school’s Outdoor Experiential Ecological Education (OE3) program, students were asked to minimize waste and eliminate single-use plastics. Most stalls used reusable or compostable packaging, a challenge that inspired creativity. “Constraints drive innovation,” said Mr. Willms. “Watching students wrestle with how to make their product appealing and sustainable was really rewarding.”
Ultimately, the market is about more than business—it’s about meaningful action. The funds raised will be presented to the Friends in Need Food Bank at the year-end assembly, capping off a year of weekly food bank visits and community connection.
As Mr.Willms explained, “Our market has always been about service. Students understand that every dollar they earn directly supports people in their community. They’re not just learning business—they’re learning empathy, initiative, and the power of giving back.”