Inspired to Serve: Student Initiative Makes a Difference
A trio of senior students are demonstrating what it means to Be the Good, by serving and leading in their community following a successful initiative that inspired them to give more.
Luca Tatone, Lucas Connop, and Christian Pavlovic, Grade 12 students at St. Michael’s College School (SMCS), recently launched a shoebox drive to create a meaningful way of giving back to children and families at Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital.
“I volunteered at Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital during March Break as a FIRST Robotics camp volunteer,” says Tatone. “I wanted to find a different and more hands-on way to give back, and the experience allowed me to support children while contributing to an environment focused on learning, growth, and inclusion. The experience was very eye-opening and humbling, as it showed me the daily challenges many children and families face. It helped me gain a deeper appreciation for resilience and the importance of compassion.”
Connop, who has also been a volunteer for the past two summers, adds, “Volunteering at Holland Bloorview left a significant mark on my character. My experience taught me that, regardless of what they have been through, everyone has the strength within them to persevere. Seeing the progress and growth in the patients truly inspired me to attack my own challenges with the same attitude.”
Their goals for the shoebox drive were to raise awareness within our school community about Holland Bloorview and give back to the children and families in a tangible way.
“We wanted to move beyond fundraising alone and instead offer something personal and thoughtful that could directly bring comfort and joy to the children,” says Pavlovic.
Each shoebox contained an assortment of five items, such as small toys, art supplies, and comfort items designed to be inclusive for children with varying needs and abilities. Students participating in the fundraiser were also eligible to acquire a small number of Christian service hours for each box donated.
“Holland Bloorview and similar organizations are in constant need of generous support,” says Connop. “They always need willing volunteers and resources for patient care and therapeutics to give these children the best experience possible. That is why we are calling all students to devote their time and donate so we can help be a part of that process.”
The trio of students raised awareness of the fundraiser through videos on the morning announcements and classroom visits where they answered questions from peers while also speaking about their experiences with Holland Bloorview and the importance of supporting organizations like it.
“Volunteering with organizations like Holland Bloorview helps students develop empathy, perspective, and social responsibility,” says Pavlovic. “It allows students to understand the real-life challenges faced by children and families with disabilities and complex medical needs. These experiences encourage students to move beyond mandatory hours.”
At SMCS, high school students go beyond the provincial requirement of completing 40 community service hours and complete an additional 20 Christian service hours in Grades 11 and 12, doing work that focuses on serving marginalized communities.
“Christian Service hours in Grade 11 and 12 are important ways for students to gain unique volunteer experiences that are meant to be impactful and evoke a spiritual connection,” says Christina Shin, Department Head of Applied Science and Technology. “Seeing how the Christian Service hours experience played a role in the creation and execution of this project is an example of the St. Michael’s College School ‘Portrait of a Graduate’ initiative at work. I am so impressed by the drive and effort of these young men.”
In total, the group of students collected and donated around 50 shoeboxes to the cause.
“After volunteering, we saw firsthand the struggles many families face just to access care at Holland Bloorview,” says Tatone. “We wanted to create a meaningful way to support both the children and their families beyond our volunteer hours.”
Connop adds, “My volunteer experience has inexplicably shaped who I am today. It is why I am continuing my journey with Holland Bloorview beyond our school’s service requirements by co-founding this shoebox drive while actively encouraging student engagement with Holland Bloorview.”
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