When Alice Plug-Buist, a parent at Calvin Christian School in Hamilton, heard that her friend’s daughter couldn’t go outside to play at recess because not enough children in her inner city Hamilton school had proper winter clothing, Plug-Buist wanted to help. She encouraged her friend to call the school office to see if they were in need of winter snow gear. Because of that phone call, they found out how great the need was, especially for snow pants for kids in junior Kindergarten to grade 2 and gloves for all ages, and that the school was eager for any assistance.
Plug-Buist then sent an e-mail to Calvin’s principal Ted Postma, who responded quickly to the request for help. “I knew that there is a great interest by the school community for involvement in supporting the greater community. I thought this would be a wonderful way for the school to practically spread God’s love,” Plug-Buist said. Calvin Christian School immediately sent out an e-mail blast to parents asking for any donations to be brought over the next two days, as Christmas holidays would begin that Friday.
That next morning, the items began to pile up. The box placed in the school foyer was almost full. The following and final day of school, bags of winter gear were piled up and around the box. When Plug-Buist and her children sorted through the items collected, they counted 70 pairs of snow pants, 135 pairs of mittens and three more garbage bags full of winter coats, boots, scarves, and hats.
Plug-Buist is excited to see where the Spirit will continue to lead. “It was a simple need—children were not able to play outside—and Christians are responding in simple love. It’s been beautiful to witness it, and I am looking forward to this witness moving on to the recipients in the inner city school community”
About the Author
Krista Dam-VandeKuyt is a member of Kemptville CRC and lives with her family in Ottawa, Ontario.
