Spreading Kindness
Helping the homeless in Victoria
Inspired by Wake-up Wednesday, an early morning weekly visit to the streets of Victoria with the Dandelion Society, Stephanie, a grade 11 student, wanted to do more. Together with her parents, she decided to create small care packages, each with a Christmas card included. Mr. and Mrs. Gilmour arrived at Shawnigan on Sunday morning with all of the items, and Stephanie, along with her housemates, got to work creating the special gifts.
After a long day of classes, Stephanie reported on her experience:
“Today I had the privilege of handing out comfort kits to people who are living in downtown Victoria. These 60 kits were provided through the generous donations from friends, family members, neighbours and every girl in Strathcona House. The rewarding part was helping Strath to form an assembly line to pack essential items like: gloves, socks, toothbrushes, granola bars and a unique item of hand warmers that generate heat for 10 hours! In reality, the most rewarding part was talking to Victoria’s vulnerable on the streets and to see them put on the gloves or shake the hand warmers to start the heat. I was honoured to shake hands and offer a comfort kit to so many. I don’t know who felt luckier today. I know that I’m ready to find more ways to involve our school and to help spread kindness.”
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After a long day of classes, Stephanie reported on her experience:
“Today I had the privilege of handing out comfort kits to people who are living in downtown Victoria. These 60 kits were provided through the generous donations from friends, family members, neighbours and every girl in Strathcona House. The rewarding part was helping Strath to form an assembly line to pack essential items like: gloves, socks, toothbrushes, granola bars and a unique item of hand warmers that generate heat for 10 hours! In reality, the most rewarding part was talking to Victoria’s vulnerable on the streets and to see them put on the gloves or shake the hand warmers to start the heat. I was honoured to shake hands and offer a comfort kit to so many. I don’t know who felt luckier today. I know that I’m ready to find more ways to involve our school and to help spread kindness.”
We acknowledge with respect the Coast Salish Peoples on whose traditional lands and waterways we live, learn and play. We are grateful for the opportunity to share in this beautiful region, and we aspire to healthy and respectful relationships with those who have lived on and cared for these lands for millennia.
Shawnigan Lake School is an independent co-educational boarding school for ages 13 –18 on Canada’s beautiful West Coast. Our diverse, interdisciplinary and innovative programming helps shape the next generation of global leaders.
