3 minute read
Campaign of Kindness (The Glen, Winter 2024)
Life-changing moments occur when we least expect them, and oftentimes, we do not realize that one such moment has taken place until we take the time to reflect and see the magic unfold in front of us. Magic is defined as a “special quality or ability that something has, that seems too wonderful to be real”; the word is befitting of our first meeting with Halima Mubaligh, Program Manager of the Better Beginnings program, more than 20 years ago.
Our connection was made through a community liaison officer from our local Police Division who mentioned that Better Beginnings was an organization their summer baseball team worked with as part of community outreach. At the time, Bayview Glen had just become a full member of Round Square International and we were looking for a local, relevant volunteer experience project that would connect our students to a neighbouring community. This sparked the meeting with Halima and Better Beginnings, and from that day onwards, our two organizations have gone on to build a beautiful relationship, cemented in the belief that of providing genuine service and assistance to those in our community experiencing difficulties and stressors is something we strive purposefully towards.
It now feels as though Better Beginnings has become an institution at Bayview Glen. In fact, Lumenus, the umbrella organization for Better Beginnings, has a mission that aligns beautifully with ours. Their vision statement reads: Transforming lives and building brighter futures through caring experiences.” Through the Better Beginnings Campaign of Kindness, we as members of the Bayview Glen family, are provided the great opportunity to reach out to families in need across Toronto each year.
This year, we helped 75 families make the season brighter. At a time of year when making personal, meaningful connections is so important, our involvement as a community has created lifelong connections with the families that received a gift basket full of love and care. And while we do this selflessly, there are obvious positive returns to our community. In fact, the transformation that Lumenus speaks of is often our own.
The act of giving has far-reaching effects. It encourages compassion and empathy and urges us to become more attuned to the challenges faced by others in the world. As a result, we gain increased understanding of our responsibility and impact as members of a greater community. The act of giving also instills in all parties a sense of gratitude. How many of us felt grateful for the opportunity to help others in need and for the fact that we are in a position to do so? And finally, the entire school community was united through a common goal thanks to our campaign, and this fostered a sense of belonging where everyone’s ideas and actions were valued.
“Fill a box with kindness” has become our guiding mantra for Better Beginnings. When our actions and decisions are filtered through these simple words, the gift of being in the moment and giving without the expectation of receiving creates the life-changing moments we spoke of at the beginning of this article. The opportunity comes to us rarely but when it does, our school more than just steps up. We lead with our hearts.
It has been our sincerest honour to be a part of such an amazing community endeavour. We thank you for creating magic year after year.
