About a year ago I received a phone call from McBride Elementary School Vice Principal Jason Eng - he informed me of his school's three-year plan to fundraise for Covenant House. Why are they doing this? Jason's answer was succinct,"To give our students the idea that they can make a difference in the world."

Since that initial conversation I've been awestruck by the students' dedication to Covenant House's cause and the support shown by teachers and staff. Led by the school's Global Citizenship Club and Student Council, "Toonie Tuesdays" was created - a monthly fundraiser that encourages every student to donate $2.00 for Covenant House. Their fundraising strategy was expanded with the development and creation of a wristband. Wristbands inscribed with "McBride Supports Covenant House" were mass-produced and are being sold on an ongoing basis. Total funds raised in 2009 alone were over $2,500!

The students of McBride Elementary School have clearly demonstrated their commitment as young global citizens; they have indeed made a difference in the lives of the youth we serve.

Mark Savard addresses students & staff at Sir Richard McBride Elementary
School's kickoff assembly - their fundraising campaign launch for Covenant House.

We received a donation today and with it a card containing the following message:

Our son was one of those young men that found his way to your door.  He did have a loving home where he was always welcome however he chose the streets of downtown Vancouver form age 15 - 18.

When he returned home, he was a heroin addict.

Seven years later, he is now studying in his third year of medical school and loving it!

With our sincere thanks,

(name withheld to protect confidentiality)

An anonymous donor wants to leverage their support to Covenant House and has offered to triple match any gift made by a first-time donor.  That means, if you give $50, our anonymous donor will give us $150!  If you have never given to Covenant House before, now is the perfect time.  You can give on-line securely by clicking here.

Also, for people who have given before, all donations we receive in December will be matched dollar for dollar!

THANK YOU!

This letter was included with a donation we received today:

Dear Friends,

My five sisters and I save the little money we have to go horseback riding three or four times a year.  We rent two horses for forty dollars for our family.  We decided to send it to you this this time for the young, homeless people to have a good Christmas!

Merry Christmas to all and may God bless you!

Sincerely yours

Felicite, 14 (last name withheld for confidentiality)
Andree-Anne, 10
Marie-Celeste, 17
Selina, 9
Honora, 6

Thank you so much to these girls for thinking of our youth this Christmas Season.

Today at the front desk I received 5 bags full of winter clothing for our youth. In two of the bags there were 65 sets of scarves and gloves that were hand knit and tied together. The two ladies who dropped off the clothing shared with me that their friend who initiated this effort was recently diagnosed with brain cancer. They were very sweet and mentioned that they just wanted the kids to know that someone cared deeply for them.

Today a young man of about 8 years old came to our front reception and proudly handed over a wonderful donation of $154.00 that he raised through a garage sale. For me nothing warms the heart quite like when a young person has taken the time to give back to our youth. It is so great to see not only the joy on their faces as they proudly know they are doing something to help out but also the look on parents faces as well. I can imagine how wonderful it would be to know you have helped to raise a compassionate and giving child. Huge thanks to all the kids and the parents out there that are doing so much to make the world a better place.

 

Sam and his mother came in today with a wonderful gift.  He was adorable with a curly mop of hair and big eyes.  He handed me an envelope looking very proud, $32 in twoonies.

Sam just turned 5, his day was full of fun and he had a cake with cars on it….for his birthday party he asked all his guests to bring a twoonie to help the kids without a bed.

You see Sam has accompanied his mother to St Paul to do rounds in the early mornings and questioned why there were kids on the street without beds, why would there mom’s let them sleep there, aren’t they cold etc..

He asked him mom if they had money could they have a bed, what can we do….she they came up with the birthday party idea and first in mind was Covenant House.

I bent down to tell him how thankful we were and commended his kind heart…I asked if I could give him a hug and he said yes and I received a delightful squish and off they went.  As I turned away I felt the tears well up, what more can I say, amazing!