Spreading Christmas cheer
Peer Helpers visit Taigh Na Mara in Glace Bay
The Oceanview Education Centre Peer Helpers group visited Taigh Na Mara veterans home and long-term care facility in Glace Bay recently to entertain and bond with the residents but it was obvious it wasn’t only the residents touched by the visit.
“It’s really nice being here, we get to make them happy,” said Kelsey Gouthro, a Grade 6 student at the school and member of the group.
Gouthro said she joined the peer helpers this year and enjoys being part of it, adding now they are raising money by selling tickets on a basket to help a fellow student battling cancer.
The group entertained the residents with Christmas songs and music, had a social time, served cake to the residents and presented each with a Christmas card they made t hemselves.
Mya MacKinnon, also a Grade 6 student, also likes being a peer helper.
“It’s really nice and fun, we do lots to help the community,” she said, while preparing to serve cake during the event.
Tina Kennedy-Lohnes, guidance councillor, said the students were at Taigh Na Mara as a way to connect and bond with the seniors.
The focus of the peer helpers is to help people in the school and in the community.
“To bring joy and cheer to people, in making it a better place in the school and in the community.”
There are 23 members in the group in grades 6-8.
Kennedy-Lohnes said the peer helpers group was started in 1996 with the main focus of students helping other students.
“They are the true ambassadors of the school,” she said. “That’s the purpose for them to be there for other students.”
Kennedy-Lohnes said she and others at the school select the peer helpers.
“I get the entire staff involved.” She said the selection of these peer helpers was some of the most difficult decisions the school had to make as the criteria is the most compassionate and caring students.
“I started with a list of over 60 students to pick from nominated by teachers.”
Kennedy-Lohnes said the list was narrowed down with the help of teachers until they reached 23.
“They are selected and trained for a complete day.”
The students are involved in many projects and activities both inside and outside the school.
“They come out and do other things but the main purpose to be there for each other. “