Out of the Cold: A Heartwarming Student Initiative
As a key pillar of a St. Michael’s College School (SMCS) education, service is embedded into the graduation requirements—but for this group of students, it is so much more than that.
“I believe it is pivotal to help the less fortunate because I believe every person in this society is morally and ethically bound to it,” says Marco Boci, Grade 11. “A society is only as strong as its weakest members, and if we want to not only do the right thing but also make the world we live in a better place, we need to take care of the elderly, the vulnerable, and all those who can use a hand.”
The group of 10 students recently came together to participate in the Out of the Cold (OOTC) program, serving those in need by offering hot meals and heartfelt companionship at All Saints Catholic Church.
“OOTC highlights the power of kindness, as students took time to engage with the guests, offering a listening ear and fostering a supportive environment,” says Tyler Hill ’05, English teacher and organizer of the initiative. “It was a rewarding experience that reminded everyone of the impact of small acts of service and the importance of showing care to those around us.”
Paul Karras, Grade 11, was also among the students to participate in the initiative. “Volunteering for places like Out of the Cold really humbled me and put my life into perspective,” he says. “Every day I wake up with clothes on my back and food on the table, and I believe it’s really important to not take these things for granted. Especially in today’s world, where more people are forced to become reliant on places like Out of the Cold, helping them with just a bit of my day is really the least I could do as someone in the fortunate position I’m in.”
The initiative marked the first time Boci and Karras had volunteered for this type of community organization.
“For me, OOTC changed something in me. I recall the sinking feeling in my stomach as I served food to many individuals going through very hard times,” says Boci, adding that the experience opened his eyes. “It broke my heart that such kind people had to worry about where they would be getting their next meal from. This service reminded me of why it is crucial that we support the elderly and all those who are in difficult positions in their lives.”
Karras recalls feeling welcomed by all the other volunteers and that it was a “homey community” where he fit right in.
“It really was a well-oiled machine once we got going, and I felt like I was truly making a difference in people’s lives,” he says. “It showed me how every little action counts and has pushed me to volunteer for more than just my required service hours.”
SMCS regularly offers students similar opportunities to serve the less fortunate and give back to the community through OOTC, the Good Shepherd Ministries, and Canadian Food for Children, among others.
“We teach students about being good men, this allows them to engage and make a difference,” says Hill. “I don’t think students know what people are going through in their communities. Allowing them to see and do makes giving back less abstract and more direct.”
The group plans to come together twice more before the end of the school year to support OOTC programs.
“I would like to urge all those in the community, especially teenagers, to try their best to find an initiative that they feel strongly about, and giving some of their time to help a noble cause,” says Boci. “After all, we can do big things with a small effort from a lot of people.”
Related links: