Good Afternoon Families!

“Tis’ The Season” for many things these days… and in this case, for SPIRIT BUNDLES!

As part of our ongoing commitment at St. Anne to learn, grow and “awaken” we are excited to share, participate in and support a wonderful local community initiative.  Together, in partnership with the Anishinabeg Outreach Center, our student-driven Social Action Team, classes and staff are hoping to get behind this opportunity to contribute and enable both Indigenous and non-Indigenous people to achieve success in our community.

Every day as a school, students hear and partake in the reading of a Land Acknowledgement over our school announcements.  While important to do, if only “announced,” children (and grown ups) really do not understand the significance of what a land acknowledgement actually IS.  A call to ACTION. It is an acknowledgement of the need for healing and and a chance to work forward in ally ship, respect and partnership with some of the Indigenous families living in this KW region today.
This morning, classes had the chance to meet virtually with the Director of Partnership at AO, and to speak with several other staff members, in order to grow in understanding, ask questions, take a virtual tour of the Center and LEARN about how many families this initiative actually supports.  After some fantastic “guestimating,” students discovered that there are close to 450 families currently being supported by Spirit Bundles, along with additional outreach to some more remote communities, who have a harder time accessing items than would typically be the case in an urban setting.
At St. Anne,  we will be dovetailing two key initiatives in support of the work that the AO does.
The first, will focus on encouraging the donation of household items, cleaning products etc.  That’s where our “Tis the Season to be Tidy” theme comes from…and which was chosen by the students who comprise our Social Action Team…
The second part, is a general non-perishable fundraiser – looking at food or cooking items.  This could include things like cooking oils, spices, diapers, wipes, feminine products etc.

Spirit Bundle Poster

Please click the poster link above to see the beautiful Canva poster created by students from our Social Action Team!

This campaign will run all the way until Thursday December 22nd.

In addition to what is listed on the poster, here are some other items that are needed most for this spirit bundle initiative:

Hygiene:  Shampoo/conditioner/body wash, deodorant, Tampons and pads (all types), toothpaste, mouthwash, diapers (sizes 4-5-6-7), baby wipes, baby shampoos and soaps, shaving products.

Foods:  Breakfast items (such as peanut butter, oatmeal, cereals), peanut-free school snacks (granola bars, fruit cups etc.), canned meats, Gluten-free or Lactose-free food items, coffee, tea, hot chocolate, canned soups, vegetables, stews, spices, cooking oils.

We thank you in advance for considering the need and impact that your support with this program will have and look forward to seeing the power of what helping hands can do – when called to act in love of a neighbour!

May the peace and joy of this season flow into each of your homes!