By Sharon Goodland, Principal
St. Joan of Arc Secondary School, Dufferin-Peel CDSB

Advent Season is rich in symbol and provides us time to prepare our hearts for Christmas with joy, peace, love and hope.  In our complex world, hope is something we not only are called to live but to give.

Every Advent Season, over 100 SJA students venture out into Hamilton, Toronto, Brampton, Mississauga and Oakville to be a sign of hope by a day of service.  The event is called the 24 Hours of Hope.  Students work hard to witness hope to people connected to 20 organizations.  They spend a day volunteering, doing everything form Karakoe with seniors, handing out sandwiches, preparing meals for the vulnerable population, cleaning out barns, etc.  This year, 150 students are participating in the 24 Hours of Hope.  The following organizations will be part of this years” endeavor.

Community Living Mississauga

Supportive Housing Peel

Nance Horwood Place

Angela’s Place

Knights Table

Salvation Armey Cawhtra Rod

Salvation Army – Conrerstone Church

40 Oak Shelter

Distribution of lunches on a street walk of Toronto

World Vision

L’Arche Hamilton

The Equestrian Association of the Disabled

Destination Café

VIVA Seniors Home

Darling Home for Children

Good Shepherd Hamilton

Good Shepherd Toronto

Forum Italia

Bough Beeches

Tyndale Nursing Home

Mississauga Food Bank