Grade 8-12 students at Elgin Park Secondary took Thanksgiving to heart this year with their ‘Thanks-4-Giving’ week. Sue Janzen, Career Facilitator and PHE Teacher, along with an additional group of caring teachers at Elgin Park, challenged their students to pay it forward through three acts of kindness in their school and community. As part of this philanthropic week, students spent time at Peace Arch Hospital’s Dr. Al Hogg Pavilion and Ellen Sinclair Kennett Lodge on October 10 to have High Tea with long-term care residents.

For many years, Elgin Park Secondary has been a wonderful neighbour and supporter of Peace Arch Hospital Foundation. Led by Sue Janzen, the school has hosted multiple Cycle:4:ER events where students, teachers, parents, grandparents, and community members cycled on indoor bikes to raise money for Peace Arch Hospital’s Emergency Department. They have raised close to $300,000 for equipment at Peace Arch Hospital and student scholarships with these events.

“With CAN DO attitudes and actions, we can do our part to make a difference,” Sue says. “Peace Arch Hospital is OUR hospital; everyone has a story connected to it. What a privilege to give back to our community and to support our hospital by doing what we can. We all have a social responsibility to do our bit – whatever that looks like.”

The Thanks-4-Giving inter-generational afternoon was impactful for everyone involved. Medical staff noted that residents showed a noticeable uplift in their spirits during their conversations and students gained a deeper understanding of giving back in their community.

“A lot of hospitality lies in those who are limited,” says Bronwyn, Grade 12 student. “Being here today really opened my eyes to what volunteering for your community and hospital is like and has encouraged me to continue to give back.” Another student, Bob, expressed that he is now inspired to have a potential career in healthcare.

“The magic of today’s interactions is that everybody in this room has a story,” Sue says. “The youth get to hear the incredible stories and histories of our older generation, and the older generation can learn about these amazing young people, where they are and where they’re going. When we leave here, the hope is for everybody to be filled with knowledge and gratitude for what was, what is, and what possibilities tomorrow brings.”

Thank you to Elgin Park Secondary for your passion and commitment to healthcare in your community, and to Sue Janzen for nurturing the next generation of community leaders and fundraisers.

“When we give back, there’s a special feeling that comes from being part of something bigger than ourselves,” Sue says. “Pure joy can be found in giving and sharing. If we can inspire and instill that in the younger generations, then the hope would be as they get older, it comes full circle.”