​By Ryan Duffy, Teacher

This holiday season, Argyle’s Grade 11 Leadership class answered the call to help community members in need. In partnership with North Shore Rescue, students endeavoured to support six North Vancouver families and “Share the Joy.”

To bring awareness to the “Share the Joy” campaign, students first visited classes to explain the initiative and answer any questions students had.

Donations—cash, gift cards, household products, non-perishable food items, new or gently used winter clothing essentials, unwrapped holiday gifts--were then collected over a one week period.

Following the week of collection, North Shore Rescue volunteers, NVSD staff, and Leadership students met in the school’s library, assembling hampers that would then be delivered to the families by North Shore Rescue.

Through the combined efforts of North Shore Rescue and the Argyle community, a total of $3,300 in gift cards was distributed. This was in addition to the donated items, Christmas trees and fresh turkeys families would receive.

In fact, due to the tremendous generosity of the community, all extra clothing and personal products collected were shared with the District of North Vancouver Fire and Rescue Services-led initiative to support Ukraine residents.

It’s safe to say everyone involved was completely overwhelmed with how much we received to distribute to local families. It truly is a heartwarming feeling to see youth come together to support community members in need.

Thank you to the Argyle community of students, families and staff; Leadership 11 students; North Shore Rescue, and community partners including CityMarket (Lonsdale). A special thank you is also extended to the generous donor who worked behind the scenes through North Shore Rescue to initiate this year’s campaign. Let’s continue to share the joy this holiday season and throughout the year.