Dear Sidney Families,
For the past 23 years Saanich schools have been working with an organization in Victoria called Anawim House. Anawim House is a home in Victoria for the less fortunate men and women who live in our community. Their mission statement is "Working with the homeless as family to restore self worth and function through love". This home serves as a refuge for many homeless people who simply do not have a place to reside permanently or sleep. The home is a place to come for the day to clean up, shower, do laundry, learn to read, play a game, socialize as a family might, have a break from the weather or seek social help.
This year our school is again going to help make a difference in the lives of these less fortunate members of our society but we need your help. We are asking our students to help make Christmas "stockings" with the basic essentials: soap, shampoo. toothpaste, toothbrush, dental floss, razors, shaving cream, hairbrushes, gloves, scarf, toque, kleenex, deodorant, gum or candy. However, the most important part of our essentials are a good pair of work socks. We hope to include one or two pairs in each “stocking.” There are boxes set up in the hallway you can put any donations in when you are coming in or out of our school. Classroom teachers will forward any donations they receive to these boxes. Next week, students create the 'stockings' for the recipients.
This service-learning project has been done for the last 23 years and has proven to be a very rewarding experience for all that are involved. Some students will travel to Anawim House to distribute the donations and the students will report back to the learning community about their experience. Many of the recipients have never received a prepared Christmas gift such as this. This valued learning experience needs your support to bring some light to others this Christmas.
Thank you for spreading the generosity that helps to make Sidney School such a caring place to work and learn.
Thank you for your support of this program!
Respectfully,
Tom Vickers
Principal