Vancouver Holocaust Education Centre

Thanks to the generosity of a Shawnigan Alumnus, Mr. Zev Shafran ’74, the entire grade eight class and six staff members travelled to the mainland to visit the Vancouver Holocaust Education Centre. The centre is the legacy of Holocaust survivors, and its mission is to "promote human rights, social justice and genocide awareness and to teach about the causes and consequences of discrimination, racism and anti-Semitism". The travellers had previously read Night by Elie Weisel, and they were interested and engaged by the centre's display and docents. The current exhibition, entitled "More Than Just Games: Canada and the 1936 Olympics" tied together the students' interest in sports and athleticism, the recent Winter Olympics and the political and social consequences of Hitler's Nazi party. Not only did the students appreciate the resources of the Holocaust Centre, but they also enjoyed the opportunity to travel together. Our special thanks to our sponsor, and Mr. Roland Borsato ’72 of the Advancement Office for making the experience possible.

– Leslie Smith

Photos by Jenny Ferris