Several students in the Leadership Program at Yale Secondary School in Abbotsford recently reached out to Communitas Supportive Care Society with a gift of self-care.
The students put together baskets filled with items such as scented handwash, warm slippers and sparkly hair ties. They also included items that might spark creativity such as artist journals and puzzles.
Cristina Simpson, a Grade 12 student at Yale, said, with COVID-19, it’s important for people to take time for themselves both mentally and physically.
“We wanted to be able to make a positive difference where COVID has made a big impact and we thought of the people served at Communitas. We just wanted to remind them that we’re in this together,” she said.
Simpson put together the care packages with fellow students Cassidy Cheyne and Lesina Lapa. Simpson said they hope to encourage others in the community to get involved and support organizations like Communitas.
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Yale teacher Doug Primrose oversees the Leadership Program, which includes more than 250 students over four grades. The program is designed to create a positive school culture and be active in community.
Primrose said he is proud of the way students exemplify leadership.
“The students take initiative and it shows them how even little things can help,” he said.
Primrose said the community engagement part of the course teaches students to think beyond themselves with the hope they will carry this with them once they graduate and as they learn to be better citizens.
Sarah De Klein, resource development coordinator at Communitas, said the gifts were much appreciated.
“We were so encouraged by this generous gift and the time and thought that went in to putting it together,” she said. “Those who receive these items will feel cared for.”
The gifts have been distributed to a number of people served through Communitas Supportive Care Society, which provides care and services to people with disabilities.
Lyndsay Clarke, a program director with Communitas, said the gifts show genuine care for others.
“It was clear that a lot of thought went into these packages and we’re so grateful that the students thought of the people we serve,” she said.
Visit yale.abbyschools.ca/programs/yale-leadership of CommunitasCare.com for more information.