Students at MCHS collected household item donations to give to refugee families who have just arrived in Canada, They collected over 10 bins filled with items that refugee families will be receiving.
– Lauren Stromner Photo
by Lauren Stromner
Students from Morinville Community High School (MCHS) delivered holiday cheer and bins filled with household and food items to 10 refugee families Dec. 5 as part of the school’s ongoing efforts to give something back to the community.
“Because we wanted to deliver the items on Dec. 5, we had less than a week to raise awareness for the refugee charity drive,” said MCHS teacher Rosie Kruhlak. “Considering the short time frame we had to collect the items, the response has been outstanding and truly heartwarming.”
When refugees first arrive to Canada, Edmonton Catholic Social Services provides them with a temporary shelter at the Rotarian Centre for Newcomers where they can get used to the change of climate and the Canadian lifestyle. After two weeks, the refugee families are placed in more permanent homes, but they need virtually every household item as they have left their homeland with little or no money or possessions. “We saw a real need and responded accordingly,” explained Kruhlak. “Our goal of filling the 10 bins was easily surpassed.”
Students from MCHS have been collecting items over the past week to donate to these refugee families. The MCHS Interact Club contributed the bins and other supplies, while the Me to We Club from G.H. Primeau Middle School contributed about 100 mugs, boxes of hot chocolate and other sweet treats for the new arrivals to Canada.
When students arrived at the Rotarian Centre, the staff led the group on a tour of the shelter, and gave the students some insight on the process refugees go through after entering Canada. Students also got to meet the refugee families and present the bins of donations.
“There are so many charities to contribute to at this time of year and we, at MCHS, are thankful to everyone who gave to the refugee charity drive,” said Kruhlak.
