On Sunday, 27 October, more than 350 members of the ASL community came together to participate in the School's biggest community outreach event.
ASL parent and Community Service Day organizer Hattie Hartman writes, “This was one of our best service days ever. Fortunately the storm held off and the sun was shining when hundreds of volunteers headed out to 12 different partner sites. We volunteered in excess of 1,500 hours, undertaking tasks that full-time workers at the facilities we visited do not have time for or the budget to achieve—painting, sorting, weeding, planting, cleaning, building and rubbish collection. The partner sites included a care home for the elderly, a nursery, several wildlife copses, a drop-in center and shelters for the homeless and abused.”
The day saw many smiles—most importantly, on the faces of those benefiting from the volunteers' labors. A special mention to ASL's rugby team, who worked together at the American Church Soup Kitchen, and to the extraordinary work done by the team at Solace Women’s Aid.
Hartman continues, “ASL parent Lynette Smith and her group achieved wonders—clearing out a playroom sorely in need of a facelift. The playroom was cleaned and decorated, all the toys and books were sorted into new shelves and containers, and the group painted a magnetic chalkboard and a play kitchen mural on one wall. They also carved a pumpkin to bring Halloween cheer to the children!”
ASL parent Julie Carlin-Sasaki said, “As an ASL parent for five years and a London resident for 15, I admit I don't take a lot of time to meet new people or take on new experiences, besides my involvement in the ICC. At the Community Service Day, I met a family who recently arrived in London with kids the same ages/grades as when we transferred to ASL. It was fun to hear about their perspectives on ASL, life in London and being new to the School. We chatted while we worked. The three students (Grade 12, Grade 11 and Grade 8) talked a lot and fooled around (just a little bit) comfortably. Kudos to the Grade 8 student who jumped right in with two HS site leaders that know each other well. I am so glad I did it.”
“Particularly important this year was the increased leadership shown by high school site leaders in organizing the projects,” said Hartman. “It was a really great day for all involved. Thanks for all the hard work!”
To view photos from the day, watch the slideshow.
The next Community Service Day takes place Sunday, 23 March 2014.
