INNISFAIL - The Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) is celebrating Canada's 150th birthday and future by giving youth a chance to make a difference.
And at least one Innisfail youth has been selected so far to take part in the celebration.
RBC launched its Canada 150 initiative last October and is giving thousands of young Canadians $150 to help their community prosper.
Youth participants between the ages of 16 and 25 who are chosen for the #Make150Count campaign can use their $150 to make positive contributions across Canada. Projects could include feeding the homeless, creating an art display, giving kids the opportunity to participate in a sport or club, or giving essential items to those in need.
Innisfail's first recipient for RBC's Canada 150 initiative is 16-year-old Kirk Rieberger.
"I was surprised," said Rieberger."Youth should be involved in the community. They shouldn't just be sitting at home playing video games all day.
"I think it's good that RBC is trying to get kids out into the community and doing service."
Kerri Herman, branch manager at RBC in Innisfail, said the branch canvassed local youth leaders to find a suitable candidate for the initiative.
"We are pleased to announce that Kirk Rieberger has accepted the challenge. The Riebergers set a wonderful example of giving back to their community through service and commitment to charity," said Herman. "Kirk has been very involved in the past with the Scouts and I feel he will make a wonderful advocate for youth in our community."
She noted other youth in communities across Canada have the same opportunity to make a difference.
"I would encourage other clients or youth who want to receive a kit (and) become part of our national movement by telling us how you will #Make150Count through Twitter or Instagram - using the hashtag #Make150Count," she added. "We will then randomly select individuals throughout the course of the campaign. Those who apply must be between the ages of 16 and 25, and not be an immediate family member of an RBC employee."
Rieberger has been involved in the Innisfail community in several capacities through playing sports, belonging to community groups and volunteering his time at local organizations.
"I play sports (golf and curling), I'm involved with Scouts and volunteer at the legion," he said.
As part of the Canada 150 initiative, recipients will be asked to engage in social media, share and document what they do with the $150 by accessing the Canada 150 Connect Site (with the hashtag #Make150Count).
Rieberger has already decided what to do with the money.
"I was thinking of doing something with the (Innisfail) Scouts, which I've been a part of for eight years," he said. "I was thinking of sending the Cubs somewhere they wouldn't normally go. I was thinking of sending them to Jump 360, the indoor trampoline park in Red Deer," said Rieberger, noting he wants to help highlight the Scouts organization and the important role it plays in a community.
"I hope I can make it count."
For more information visit www.rbc.com/make150count
Kirk Rieberger
"I think it's good that RBC is trying to get kids out into the community and doing service."
