Plant a tree, plant hope.

Dauphin Co-op is proud to be a part of a project to commemorate the grads of 2020.

A beautiful Bur Oak tree has been planted in the front green space of the DRCSS. It is dedicated to the Class of 2020 who graduated during the Worldwide Pandemic of COVID-19. The tree is sponsored by Dauphin Co-op. The DRCSS has also placed 2 benches near the tree in their honor.

"We are very pleased to be a part of this to support the graduates of 2020 and sponsor this tree. It represents the challenges faced by the students this year and the challenges they will continue to go through. The tree is reflective of their strength. Well done, Class of 2020," Lorne Eiffert, Dauphin Co-op General Manager.

The idea of a tree planting to honor the DRCSS Grads of 2020 was brought forward by this year’s Valedictorian, Zach Zurba. Zach's father, Jason Zurba has worked at the Dauphin Co-op for more than 20 years and now Zach has just joined our team.

Zach wanted to do something that would have a lasting legacy for his classmates, "Together, we looked forward to this day ever since we walked into our first day of kindergarten. Now it’s here and nobody could have predicted that we would all have to celebrate separately from home.  I am genuinely proud of what you have accomplished, and you should be too. Whatever you do, wherever you go, create a legacy. Let history remember you in some way. Decide your own future and never give up on your dreams. Always strive to do your best, because if you do just this one thing, you’ll have no regrets in life."

Many people worked behind the scenes to make this dream a reality in a very short period of time and we are grateful for all they have done. 

Over the years, Dauphin Co-op and the Dauphin Regional Comprehensive Secondary School have worked together on many initiatives that match  Dauphin Co-op's Vision: to enrich the life of our communities. We have had many, many students that have held their very first job at one of our Co-op locations over the years. We are so proud to be a part of their journey.

We are honoured to leave this lasting legacy for the students and expect that when they come back in 30 years for a class reunion that it will still be here standing strong — just like them.

Congratulations Grads of 2020!!