The sounds of Christmas carols and holiday bells lit up a local neighbourhood, and it was all in support of a great cause.

It was St. Francis School’s first Jingle Bell Walk, with the money raised going towards Christmas Cheer. The students, each wearing a Santa hat and equipped with jingle bells, began their walk around the school track before heading to the corner of Churchill and Redwood Avenue. The walk concluded out front of St Francis.

“We have been trying to work on a social justice initiative these past few years, but COVID kind of put a hold on things,” explained Principal Anita Treesh. “This year, we decided to do something in a safe manner outside and we’re supporting Christmas Cheer, which has been supporting the community for many years. It’s a wonderful opportunity for us to collect money and donations to support them.”

The Jingle Bell Walk had a goal to raise $1,200, which it did just prior to the beginning of the event.

Of course with COVID-19, students have rarely been able to participate in many school based activities. Treesh concludes by saying this is something everyone involved has been excited about leading up to it.

“The kids have been really worked up for the last couple weeks,” says Treesh. “We’ve been doing fundraisers in the school, as well as the students have been writing invitations and letters to community partners and neighbours, so they were out and engaged in the community for the past couple weeks, so they’ve been super pumped and excited to participate today, and you can tell by the smiles on their faces.”

St. Francis is planning on making the Jingle Bell Walk an annual event that runs before the yearly holiday break.