St. Pat’s High School once again blocked off parts of Franklin Avenue for another year, but it was for a good reason.
It was the annual Human Chain, which has been happening since 2010. The event involves the entire school forming a conveyor belt of sorts to physically pass food donations from the school to the Salvation Army.
“It’s a way for us to connect and I don’t think we could even stop now if we try because the students do really enjoy and do connect with it,” said Don Reid, the school’s principal. “Once you physically see the amount of food being moved and you’re actually physically a part of the actual moving, it hits home and has an impact.”
The event is more than just a school activity, it’s a symbol of the school’s connection to the community, he added, saying that graduates continue to contribute to the cause, recalling their time participating in the Human Chain.
After the event, everyone went back inside the school for hot chocolate and Christmas carols.
The city’s municipal enforcement division provided traffic support and everyone involved in the event wore a fluorescent vest for visibility.
The school supports 25 to 35 full hampers each year, depending on the number of classes, said Reid.
“There’s always that little bit of competition amongst teachers to see who can motivate their kids to bring in the most for their families,” he said.
Reid said the school works closely with the Salvation Army to ensure they are providing what is needed. They receive a list of requested items, and tries to fulfill the list.
There was a focus this year on gift cards, he added.
Tony Brushett, the Salvation Army’s executive director, said around 1,200 items has been donated including canned meat, pasta, canned fruit, beans and “just about every imaginable non-perishable item you could think of.”
Brushett said that the donation has served as a relief for their food bank.
“Having been able to walk the line of the human chain, as well as be at The Salvation Army as the food was being delivered, you could see that the young people were having fun,” he said. “But they were also learning a valuable lesson in sharing with the less fortunate. Without even realizing it, these young people were teaching adults the importance of community spirit, and that just warmed my heart.”