
Back on November 19th, Chaplain Wayne and M.I.H. (Make It Happen) held a special full school assembly where we talked about our ANGEL CAMPAIGN advent outreach program. Every year we collect money and donations for needy families within our school community. Last year we raised just over $13,000.00 and M.I.H. decided to raise the challenge to $14,000.00 in four weeks. It was a lofty goal but we know the spirit of giving here at Notre Dame and we knew we could do it! Suddenly the money came rolling in and so did the donations! Canadian Tire dropped off $800.00 in gift cards. Royale gave us all the paper towels and toilet paper we needed for the baskets. Families who are or who know dentists donated all the tooth brushes, tooth paste and mouth wash. Pearls for Girls donated the most beautiful handmade jewellery! Other individuals dropped off donations and gifts cards. St. Paul’s Youth Group made our families homemade ginger bread houses! St. Vincent de Paul helped us in terms of gift cards for groceries and Mapleview Mall. In just four short weeks we raised over $15,000.00 in cash and donations!

On Sunday afternoon 18 students and Mrs. Brezina and Chaplain Wayne and a big school bus went shopping for the groceries and all the gifts. On Monday and Tuesday Mr. Bozzelli’s, Mr. Maciesowicz’s and Mme. Gautreau’s classes came down to help get the baskets all set up and loaded. We wrapped and tagged everything for the big delivery night. Many staff members with the help of the senior boys basketball team and a bunch of other seniors who were eager to help, packed up cars and moved baskets! Teachers delivered into the evening. Doors opened and tears and words of great thanks began to pour out. Hugs that didn’t seem to end and handshakes of humility were given. It’s after the baskets and gifts are given that we, as adult staff at Notre Dame, know the true fragility of the human heart and spirit. In the moment of dropping off gifts and food for a family without anything, everyone is changed.

We cannot thank enough all our donors and supportive staff, and of course the STUDENTS! You have not only made Christmas happen for 38 families, but you also gave them hope in goodness and humanity. If we forgot to mention anyone specifically, please blame our heads and not our hearts! We, and HE, knows all that you given! Merry Christmas and God Bless again!
The Notre Dame Family, M.I.H. and The Angel Campaign
The Notre Dame Family, M.I.H. and The Angel Campaign