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Outreach in the local community
During a time where mandated social distancing and self-isolation could lead to a fracturing of communities and community spirit, Shawnigan is continuing to foster and grow its connections within the Cowichan Valley Regional District.
 
“We have been proactive in reaching out to local schools, organizations, community groups and neighbours to see how people are managing during these difficult and unsettling times,” says Sara Blair, Director of Board & Community Partnerships at Shawnigan.
 
The School has been recognized for its caring leadership by Tom Longridge, Associate Superintendent, Cowichan Valley School District No. 79, for partnering with Nourish Cowichan, the Starfish Program and the Shawnigan Residents Association through the Cowichan Hearts Campaign to support families at risk living within the local area.
 
The temporary closures of local food banks and lunch programs have left a number of Cowichan Valley families and individuals vulnerable to food insecurity. Through a unique and heart-felt fundraising initiative, the Cowichan Hearts Campaign is working to raise money and safely deliver food to families who would normally depend on these services. The lawn sign fundraising initiative has seen signs pop up across the Cowichan Valley, including on Shawnigan’s campus grounds, encouraging passers-by to embrace “Love, gratitude, hope.”
 
“The lawn sign represents love for community, gratitude to frontline workers and hope for the future, both as a local area and as part of the larger global community,” explains Ms. Blair.
 
Two Shawnigan students, Milena J. (Kaye’s) and Aslan F. (Lake’s), have got hands-on with the project, helping the Shawnigan Residents Association promote the Cowichan Hearts Campaign lawn sign initiative through social media. With their creative and knowledgeable support, the association’s online presence has grown measurably in the last week, with a significant jump in the number of people engaging with the campaign through social media.
 
Shawnigan is doing its part to alleviate food insecurity in other ways as well, with the School’s kitchen working hard to develop and make healthy, high protein breakfast bars to be distributed to people in need.
 
“It is a time to support one another, to ask for help where we need it and to give help where we can in the Shawnigan and wider communities,” says Headmaster Larry Lamont.
 
Outside of the immediate Cowichan Valley region, teacher Gary Dukelow and the School’s kitchen staff are also continuing to keep up with Shawnigan’s commitment to the Dandelion Society, providing 100 sandwiches each week to those living on the streets of Victoria. This program, also known as "Wake-up Wednesdays" is one that Shawnigan has been supporting for some time. Now, with shelters closed, support is needed more than ever.


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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.