Celebrating Service: The Inaugural Pat Dunn Student Leadership Awards Ceremony
The Out of the Cold Foundation recently gathered at St. Michael’s College School (SMCS) to recognize the inaugural winners of the Pat Dunn Student Leadership Award.
“These young people are continuing the important tradition started at St. Mike’s of caring for those in our community who are less fortunate, and our city is made stronger and kinder because of their commitment,” says Adrienne Scott, Out of the Cold Foundation.
The inaugural event honoured the memory of Pat Dunn ’88, a SMCS graduate and compassionate leader who co-founded Out of the Cold (OOTC) alongside classmates and Sr. Susan Moran, who worked as part of the SMCS Chaplaincy team.
Dunn’s legacy and commitment to service lives on through this award, which recognizes student volunteers dedicated to helping those in need.
“The Out of the Cold Foundation is proud to honour Pat’s legacy of kindness by recognizing the hard work and dedication of these exceptional youth volunteers,” says Craig Smeaton ’90, event organizer and President of the OOTC Foundation. “This award not only pays tribute to our friend’s memory but also serves as a reminder to everyone that Pat and his classmates were in high school when they founded the first-ever Out of the Cold.
“Pat’s warm and enthusiastic personality welcomed patrons to that original Out of the Cold. He sat with the guests and reached out in the streets, inviting them to come and share a hot meal, a conversation, and a connection. Pat’s unique ability to listen helped create the feeling of community Out of the Cold is still known for—37 years later.”
The casual reception provided a perfect opportunity for those who share a common bond through Out of the Cold to connect. Families, friends, and SMCS alumni shared stories, met with award winners, and felt the shared sense of purpose that defines OOTC.
Among the attendees was Liz Eustace, Executive Director of the OOTC Foundation and niece of Sr. Susan Moran, who helped establish the program with Dunn and a group of student volunteers. Eustace was joined by other members of Sr. Susan’s family, who shared memories and were moved to see the younger generation upholding OOTC’s tradition and commitment to service.
One of the award recipients was recent graduate Joshua O’Connor Quinn ’24, who was named first runner-up and awarded a $250 bursary. Quinn’s contributions to OOTC date back four years to Grade 9 when he joined the Eastminster Out of the Cold Chapter. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the programme faced operational restrictions. Quinn was part of the core team of regular volunteers, working weekly to support their various needs.
“As a student at St. Michael’s College School, it was actually a happy coincidence for me to learn after two years of volunteering that the program initiated at my school, it only made me want to represent youth volunteers more in a positive way,” says Quinn. “Volunteering with OOTC has helped me realize the importance of small deeds having large impacts. This lesson rolls over to all aspects of life, but I found it valuable to witness the immediate impact of small gestures. Every small contribution that every volunteer makes collectively has a larger impact on the community’s well-being.
“I have realized that volunteering is about contributing whatever skill set you have to the overall program goal, and it is not about being the ‘perfect’ candidate. This has helped me understand the importance of bringing the best version of yourself in all that you do and not worrying about being the perfect fit.”
Foundation board member Enzo Sallese ’88, a classmate of Dunn’s and another one of the original OOTC student founders, recalled their early volunteering days, initially filled with uncertainty. “Sr. Susan had such a calm and gentle way of dealing with those in need and provided us with a wonderful example to follow for the fledgling program,” says Sallese. “Pat Dunn demonstrated the same example of leadership by kindness; he related to patrons with such grace and compassion. This award pays tribute to Pat’s memory and reminds us that change can begin even in high school.”
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