These in-their-own-words pieces are told to Patricia Lane and co-edited with input from the interviewee for the purpose of brevity.

Summer Sharma raised awareness of social and climate justice in her high school by serving coffee.

Tell us about your project.

In 2017, I started a coffee shop at Okanagan Mission Secondary School with Lauren Moody, Skye Noh and Angelica Phelan. We wanted to raise awareness among our fellow students about the difference collective action can make in achieving social and climate justice. We donated the profits to three charities chosen by our customers. We are so proud the coffee shop still runs today and has provided over $20,000 to various social and climate justice groups.

Mission Roots Cafe is sustainable, not-for-profit and run by students. Its purpose is to raise awareness of local and global issues, provide healthy and sustainable food options, and donate all profits to groups creating positive social and environmental changes.

Customers make their own choice between three charities that can be supported by their purchase. Since most of the recipient groups have local headquarters and the options change twice a year, students gain awareness of both the needs and available........

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