Lenten Campaign 2019

Posted On Friday April 19, 2019
Lenten Campaign 1
Wear purple for Epilepsy Awareness

The season of Lent is a time where we are called as Christians to give up something close to our hears for forty days, as Jesus did in the desert. For this years’ Lenten Campaign, St. Mary is participating in Toonie Tuesdays, where each Tuesday during Lent staff and students are encouraged to participate in events planned for the day by donating $2. Each week is dedicated to a different topic and the funds raised are donated to a different organization or cause related to the theme of the week. Many people have change in their cars, pockets, wallets etc. By sacrificing this small toonie, students and staff have the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of those who need extra support, as every small act makes a difference.

On Tuesday March 26th, student and staff were encouraged to wear purple shirts for Epilepsy Awareness. This promoted conversation on the topic as well as education. The money collected are going to be donated to Epilepsy Canada to help fund research to find a cure.

Tuesday April 2nd was World Autism Day. In celebration staff and students were encouraged to wear shirts inside out to raise awareness about sensory sensitivity. The idea for inside out shirt day originated from a mom in PEI who has a son with autism. Some children with autism experience sensory sensitivity, so something such as a tag on a shirt that itches can be a big problem. The mom from PEI turned his shirt inside out so that the tag didn’t bother him. By wearing shirts inside out, St. Mary’s raised awareness on barriers people with autism face and encouraged conversation about autism. Money raised on this day are going to be donated to Autism Canada, to help support those living with autism.

During the week of Tuesday April 2nd retreat leaders planned and executed events for our Disabilities Awareness Week. On Monday, students and staff participated in the Lots of Socks Campaign for Down Syndrome. There was also trivia in the cafeteria during the lunches to educate students on disabilities and promote inclusion. Tuesday was another toonie Tuesday as mentioned. On Wednesday there was a bake sale, and on Thursday students participated in a puzzle piece scavenger hunt. Puzzle pieces with pictures of celebrities with disabilities as well as fun facts were hidden around the school, and students were encouraged to redeem them for a treat. This activity promoted community and education.

On Tuesday April 9th, students and staff were encouraged to participate in Jersey Day. A variety of teams were displayed, and the day was a success as many people participated. April 6th marked one year since the tragic Humboldt Broncos crash that took the lives of 15 people. In remembrance students and staff wore jerseys, and the money raised will be donated to parents of the victims.

On Tuesday April 16th, students and staff were encouraged to participate in our Pyjama Day. The money raised was donated to a worthy cause of the staff and students choosing.

On Tuesday April 23th, our final toonie Tuesday, staff and students were encouraged to wear a blue shirt for National Earth day which occurs on April 22nd. Not only does this help to raise awareness about our earth and the problems facing it, but the work of the Eco Team will also encourage education and self-reflection.

Sapphire M.