I'm Mateo, a Grade 10 student seeking your generosity. You can make an impact on my future, which in turn contributes to the Edmonton community.

My SHAD acceptance email has come, but my family and I unfortunately have trouble affording it. I am looking to lighten this financial burden. My brother helped make this GoFundMe page, and even if you just share this fundraiser, it will be greatly appreciated.

What is SHAD?

In the summer, I have been accepted to SHAD at Lakehead University in Ontario. The competitive SHAD program is a month-long academic residency that brings together youth leaders across Canada. By living on a post-secondary campus (with all meals provided), we will learn from accomplished professionals through advanced lectures, interactive workshops, and field trips. Our efforts will culminate in capstone solutions to real-world problems. I aim to bring what I learn at SHAD back to my community in Edmonton!

SHAD has supported me as much as they can. Since I'm a domestic Canadian citizen, generous donors have already lowered my cost to $7,495. Additionally, SHAD gave me $3000 after I explained my potential. I'm extremely grateful. Unfortunately, this still leaves costs for airplane travel, the rest of the program, and on-campus expenses (including laundry and basic supplies). Your support would close this gap, allowing me to do the SHAD program.

Why do I need your generosity?

My family faces significant financial barriers. Our primary breadwinner was my dad, and his death forced my mom to be the sole parent of my brother and me. She often works multiple shifts to support the family and pay for groceries, internet, utility bills, school fees, and my bus commute.

Due to our limited income and our expenses, SHAD is challenging to fit into our budget.

I want to help my mom in more ways, but she always says I shouldn't work too hard. Even when I talked about my plans to fundraise for SHAD, she was hesitant; she didn't want me to be indebted to anyone. I must thank my mom for showing her strength and kindness, leading by example, loss after loss. She taught me to navigate, adapt, and be responsible for what I still have.

Why should you support me?

Although I don't have many financial resources, I'm dedicated to service, and I would love to expand my impact. As a Christian, I've volunteered hundreds of hours towards community events, student initiatives, and social equity at my old junior high school. Through involvement within the NSWA Youth Water Council, I also have experience in listening to stakeholders and applying what I learn back into the community through real project implementation.

Simultaneously, I work hard for academic excellence as a pre-IB student, achieving a 99.75% average at the end of Semester 1 in February 2026. (Calculated using the Rutherford subjects, after completing Math 10-C, Science 10, and French 10-9Y, while also taking Advanced Acting 15.) Through this, I leverage my own abilities by tutoring kids.

I was also honoured to receive the 2025 Chief Superintendent's Award of Excellence. They recognized me from across the school division for having...

On a more light-hearted side, my hobbies include the performing arts, especially traditional Filipino dance, musical productions, and competing with my school's improv troupe! I also love Model United Nations, Ethics Bowl, and Debate & Speech Club. It's such a blessing to meet supportive people during tournaments or conferences. In my free time, I also like writing poetry and going on long walks near the river valley. When I grow older, I want to work in environmental science and agriculture to help people by helping their land!

What final takeaway do I want you to consider?

Whether you make a monetary contribution or share this page, any effort is greatly appreciated. Through SHAD, I hope to create connections and learn ways I can give back to my Edmonton community. Thank you so much for reading.

Have a great day,

Mateo.