The Best Christmas Ever
Sacred Heart has embarked on a theme to ‘Spread Joy’ throughout the school year that encourages students, families and staff to do something nice that would bring joy to families, friends and the community.
As part of that initiative, Sacred Heart teamed up with Blue Whale Financial to surprise the students with a delightful turkey meal and a visit from Santa Clause on Thursday, December 20.
After enjoying their meals, provided by Blue Whale Financial, the gym erupted with screams as Santa visited, giving out gifts, hugs and hi-fives, much to the amusement of the students.
Rita Giroux, Principal at Sacred Heart thanked Blue Whale for being part of their initiative to ‘Spread Joy.’ “Blue Whale contacted us in October and said they wanted to get on board with our ‘Spread Joy’ theme by catering a meal for all our students, families and staff. We kept it as surprise for students, so we set the gym up and Blue Whale came in and catered a full turkey meal for us. It was amazing what they did. They definitely went above and beyond our expectations. Bringing Santa in was an additional bonus because the kids loved it! Each child was also able to take home a gift which was great of Blue Whale to do. About 250 students got to enjoy the meal and have a visit with Santa.”
Tiffany Owens, Vice-principal says the school decided to spread joy throughout the year through varied activities at the school and in the community.
“Our ‘Spread Joy’ theme is an initiative we’ve decided to run throughout the school year. We started in September and it has been going great so far with students, families and staff being very involved. The ‘JOY’ stands for Jesus, Others and You — spreading JOY on behalf of Jesus, to others and for ourselves, (doing nice things for yourself as well and as a school community). We make an effort to do extra activities for the kids like extending recess by a few minutes and more.”
“Also, all our kids and families bring one item that’s on their list, anything that can go in a hamper and our community worker put them together and make hampers for families at Sacred Heart. That’s a way that each child can spread joy throughout the Christmas season,” Giroux added.
Joe Moffatt, President and CEO of Blue Whale Financial Solutions, says they are happy to be part of spreading joy to students especially during the festive season. “This is our fourth year doing this in the community. It was started out of an initiative that our staff had put forward as an opportunity to do something as a team giving back to the community during the festive season. Each year we select a school in the community and it was a pleasure to be here at Sacred Heart which was a great fit for us,” Moffatt said. “This is the highlight of our organization—giving back to the community. We ensure that we do this every year. Having a great turkey meal, Santa’s visit and giving out toys to the kids is a joy to do. We loved seeing the big smiles on the kids’ face.”
To show appreciation to Blue Whale Financial, students presented the company with buttons as a way of saying thanks for spreading joy by doing good for others. Jordyn Ross was one of the ‘Spread Joy’ ambassadors who handed out buttons to Blue Whale Financial staff.
“We give buttons to people who spread joy throughout our community. Blue Whale did that today and we wanted to show our appreciation. We enjoyed having a great meal and also getting a visit from Santa.” Merry Christmas to all the “Front Porch” readers who join me each week in the Moose Jaw Express! I have to say a Hearty THANK YOU to this wonderful paper that prints my column each week. I may be politically incorrect a times and a bit redneck, but I do not take this position lightly nor do I assume I will have this freedom forever; but for now, I will proclaim the Good News as long as I can. Secondly, I want to give all you, the regular readers, a big virtual hug for taking an interest in this column and for all your positive feedback. It is a huge honor to meet with you each week.
If there was only one gift I could give you this Christmas season, I would give you the Word of God... not just the written Word but the revelatory Word. Even if I could give you huge amounts of money or vacations or time off work or health or otherwise, I still would choose the Word of God. Do you know why? Because the Word of God will give you wisdom on situations that money wouldn’t help... and it will give everything you need for life and godliness.
“If you’ll give God’s Word your full attention – and not be afraid of His will for your life – you’re going to be happier and more prosperous than anything you could ever dream up.” I can wholeheartedly agree with Gloria Copeland’s statement. I have seen how the Word of God has brought peace... comfort... protection... resources and provision... clarity... direction and guidance... and healing and more. You may think I am extreme; I am extreme. Extremely blessed! My life is full of The Blessing of the Lord... I wish I could share more and in person of what God has done for me through His Word (His love letter to me and you). I have made His Word the final authority in my life where everything is concerned; it is certainly a solid foundation I’ve built my life upon. I’m sure you know the parable of the one who built his house on the rock versus the one who built his house on the sand... common sense will tell you the outcome of that one! Every answer you need is found in the Word of God.
In these days we are living in, we must have a solid foundation to build our life upon. At Christmastime, this is the perfect time to surrender your will to the One who has created you. It is the perfect time to give your life to the One who came to this earth to dwell here and walk among us and live a victorious life as a man; going to the cross, overcoming death, hell and the grave and taking our sins on Himself that we can walk free from the penalty of sin (eternal separation from God and everything good). It is the perfect time to put the Word first place in your life. This can be your merriest Christmas EVER! This Christmas, you can walk in true peace... true love... true joy... you will see such a turnaround in your life, you’ll be amazed. It will be the best Christmas present you’ll ever receive! From my house to yours, I pray you will experience His peace and presence this Christmas. Merry Christmas.