Homeless residents in Abbotsford were given a free meal on Friday afternoon after leadership students from Yale Secondary School organized a barbecue to feed some of the community's less fortunate.
Though the class began planning for a barbecue for the homeless in Jubilee Park about a month ago, it coincided with a peaceful protest camp in the park, organized by the Abbotsford chapter of the BC/Yukon Drug War Survivors.
Tents have been set up throughout the park, with homeless residents planning to stay put until a housing solution is offered to the community's homeless.
Those camping out stopped by the student's stand to grab hotdogs, fruit and cupcakes.
Lorry Mackay, a grade 10 student, said her leadership class at school brainstormed different ways to help the community. Though they came up with many ideas, the majority wanted to help feed the homeless.
"We've all… seen lots of underprivileged people in the area," she said. "They looked hungry."
The class received a donation of hot dogs from a local butcher and other supplies from grocery stores. Some of the students made homemade cupcakes to serve.
Doug Primrose, leadership teacher at Yale, said the students must complete community service for the course, but try to think of the best ways to use their time to help out.
"They live in this town, they drive around and they see some of the challenges people face in this community… they want to help."