During the winter season, St. Joseph’s Adult School students and staff came together to support their community’s wellness by raising $1,237 and donating 20 bags of gently used clothes to the Salvation Army. Jade Mason, an ESL Instructor at St. Joseph’s, strives to embody the Ottawa Catholic School Board’s Spiritual Theme of Gratitude, Rooted in Joy, Fills us with Hope in her classroom daily. She was pleasantly surprised by the overwhelming support from her students, some of whom are immigrants and refugees with limited resources. Despite this, they still found a way to help those in need.
During a celebratory presentation, students and staff were thanked for their generosity and given information about the Salvation Army’s community vans and other housing services available to people experiencing homelessness. Ms. Mason addressed her students, expressing gratitude for their donations and explaining how it would help those who feel invisible in Ottawa. Ben Vallati, the Superintendent of OCSB Continuing & Community Education; Salome Atandi, the Coordinator of St. Joseph’s Adult program; Marc Provost, the Executive Director of the Salvation Army, and two staff members from the Salvation Army Outreach Program were all in attendance. The presentation helped students and staff understand how their contributions, no matter how small, can make a big difference in the lives of those less fortunate.
Ms. Mason received congratulations from Marianne Kayed, Manager of OCSB Continuing & Community Education, for her prompt organization of the event. Ms. Kayed sincerely thanked the students for considering others’ well-being despite their financial difficulties. She further acknowledged that the funds collected for the Salvation Army will make a significant difference in the lives of those in need, which fills her with pride and hope for the school community. Marc Provost, Executive Director of the Salvation Army, also extended his appreciation to the students and staff, stating, “We are extremely thankful to your school for your generous donation today.”