February 9, 2021
This Valentine’s Day, a small wish will warm the hearts of hundreds of people supported by St.Amant.
It all started with Anne Fountain whose son Troy lives in a St.Amant community home. She posted a call out to teachers in her community Facebook page to invite students to make Valentines for people supported by St.Amant. Similar to the holiday card campaigns for seniors, her goal was to ask for 21 Valentine’s cards for her son and his friends.
Her hope for one generous teacher turned quickly into seven teachers with classes from kindergarten to Grade 6 happily agreeing to work with their classes and four people donating well over $500 worth of crafting and scrapbooking materials
“I was overwhelmed. The restrictions over the winter have been really long and mom’s like me have stayed separated from their loved ones in order to keep them protected. I wanted to bring a little bit of joy to each of the individuals supported in the homes.” said Anne.
La Barrière Crossings School invited St.Amant to chat with their students via Teamsto share some information about St.Amant and how our programs make a difference in thousands of lives across the province. The students then dedicated time to making the cards.
“Many students at La Barrière Crossings School are newcomers and are not aware of St.Amant or similar services,” said teacher Ria Pirie. “Right now people can’t visit their families in person or are limited in who they can see. My mother was in the hospital last year, and I wasn’t able to visit her. I know how it feels when you can’t see a loved one.”
This project brings awareness of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and the importance of connection, community, friendship and belonging. Over 220 cards will be delivered to people supported residentially for Valentine’s Day!
“I want to thank everyone for their generosity and spirit, as well as using it as a teaching moment for their students. I am overflowing with a blessed heart knowing that over 200 people will feel a little more special on February 14th and I am giddy with joy, as to how well this took off from one small request,” said Anne.
“I am told over and over how enthusiastically the children embraced this. I hope we can make it a tradition.”
