Middle school students who contributed to pyjama drive named January’s Co-op Community Champions

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — Two local middle school students who turned their birthday celebrations into an act of community generosity have been named January’s Co-op Community Champions.

Hank Taillefer and Bennett Loney were nominated after contributing to a pyjama donation drive organized by Community Bridge, a non-profit which provides counselling and other support services in the Fort St. John area.

The pair, both students at Dr. Kearney Middle School and players with the U13 Ross H. MacLean ‘A’ Flyers, decided they wanted to help when they learned their school was collecting pyjamas for the local organization. 

Instead of receiving birthday presents, the boys hosted a joint 12th birthday party in November and asked friends to bring new pyjamas to donate.

The following day, the pyjama drive continued at their hockey game, where teammates and families were encouraged to contribute. 

By the end of the effort, the team had collected a total of 74 pairs of pyjamas for the organization.

“I wanted to be able to donate pyjamas instead of get gifts for myself because I already have a lot of stuff,” Taillefer said in a statement to Energeticcity.ca. “I want to be able to give stuff to people that need it more than I do.”

Taillefer, the son of Taylor mayor Brent and former Teacher of the Month Sheena, added the experience left him feeling proud.

“I’m thankful and feel like I did the right thing,”  he said. “I’m happy that people helped us by donating pyjamas.”

Loney echoed that sentiment, saying the recognition is secondary to the impact of helping others.

“I’m happy about being this month’s Co-op Community Champion with Hank, but it’s not about being rewarded,” he said. 

“It’s more about doing a good thing for others. Some people need more things than I do, which is why we decided to contribute.”

In total, 622 pairs of pyjamas were donated for Community Bridge to give to other local non-profits as part of its 2025 Christmas Pyjama Drive, which is up from the 374 pairs it received in 2024.

The Co-op Community Champion program recognizes individuals in Fort St. John who make meaningful contributions to their community.

Congratulations to Hank Taillefer and Bennett Loney, January’s Co-op Community Champions. Each month, the winner is featured on Energeticcity.ca and receives up to $100 in vouchers from the Co-op.

Anyone looking to nominate a community-minded person who deserves recognition can do so here.