Merritt KIDS 2025
PULL-OUT SECTION
This special 12-page feature is designed as a pull-out section — feel free to remove it from the paper and keep it all together as a keepsake or easy reference!
PAGE 15 - 26
Engaging Young Minds, Supporting Local Schools — And Celebrating Creativity
At the Merritt Herald, we’re always looking for new ways to bring our community together — and this spring, we were thrilled to launch our very first Kids Colouring Contest, made possible through the incredible support of our local businesses and schools. What began as a lighthearted creative project quickly turned into something far more meaningful than we could have imagined.
The concept was simple but powerful: participating businesses purchased ad space in our paper and invited local students to create original drawings inspired by what they thought best represented that business. Whether it was a cheerful mechanic wielding a monkey wrench or a grocery store bursting with smiling fruits and veggies, the results were nothing short of magical — imaginative, colourful, and full of heart. Even better? Fifteen percent of
all proceeds went directly back to the participating schools. So not only did the project provide a fun, hands-on opportunity for creative expression, it also gave back to classrooms in a real and impactful way. It became more than just a contest — it became a fundraiser that gave everyone a reason to smile.
The response from local teachers and students was overwhelming — in the best possible way. In total, seven classes participated, and many teachers shared how much their students loved the opportunity to connect with the community in such a unique and meaningful way. For the kids, it was more than just an art assignment — it was a chance to take pride in their work, to see it in print, and to feel like they were a part of something bigger.
We received dozens of incredible entries, each one showcasing the creativity and spirit of our youngest
artists. Choosing just one drawing per business was no easy feat. In fact, some businesses were so moved by the submissions that they opted to highlight multiple entries — and even then, narrowing it down was a challenge. These drawings brought our pages to life and reminded us of the joy and talent that lives in our community’s classrooms.
Beyond the fun, the fundraising, and the fantastic artwork, this initiative was also about creating a stronger connection between young people and their local newspaper. We wanted to show students that the Merritt Herald isn’t just a place for news — it’s a space where their voices, their talents, and their imaginations can shine.
We want to send our heartfelt thanks to the teachers who made space for this project in their busy classrooms, to the students who poured their creativity into every line and colour, to the
parents who encouraged and supported their children’s efforts, and to the businesses who believed in the idea and made it possible.
And the best part? We’re just getting started.
We’re thrilled to announce that we’ll be bringing the Kids Colouring Contest back next year — bigger, brighter, and with even more opportunities for involvement. If your class or business didn’t get the chance to participate this time around, we encourage you to reach out and join in next year’s edition. We’d love to include even more voices, even more creativity, and even more community connection.
Because at the end of the day, we’re not just publishing art — we’re building bridges between generations, sparking imagination, and celebrating all the little things that make Merritt such a vibrant and special place to call home.
Bench
Grade 1 students
Grade
Grade
Elementary Tanis Kanigan’s class
Diamond Vale Elementary Paige Price’s class
4/5 students
Diamond Vale Elementary Tamara Foster’s class
6/7 students
Central Elementary
Lorena Matheson’s class
Grade 4/5 students
Central Elementary
Michael Gagliano’s class
Grade 3/4 students
Nicola Canford Elementary
Dawn Ellingsen’s class
Grade 6/7 students
Community Champions!
The Merritt Herald would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the amazing businesses who made our Kids Colouring Feature possible.
Your support gave local students a chance to get creative, connect with the community, and contribute to their schools — all while having fun. This feature wouldn’t exist without your generosity, and we’re so grateful to have partners like you.
THANK YOU TO:
Best Valu Glass
Diamond Vale Elementary
Komalpreet Kaur’s class
Grade 3/4 students
Breathe Bikes
Cascade Dental
Miss Vicki’s Petals and Plants
Canco Gas / Pizza Pizza
Kal Tire
Johnny’s on the Rez
Jennifer Knightley
Home Hardware
Fountain Tire
Nicola Plumbing and Heating
Murray GM No Frills
Persistence Personal Training
Work BC
Nicola Motorsports
Super Save Gas
Purity Feeds
Nicola Valley Sports
Save-On-Foods
Nicola Valley Community Justice
Because of your involvement, we were able to bring smiles, colour, and community spirit into classrooms across the Nicola Valley.
Thank you for making it happen!
— From all of us at the Merritt Herald
