SPREADING ALL THE LOVE
V A L E N T I N E ' S D A Y D O E S N ' T H A V E T O B E A L L A B O U T R O M A N C E! S P R E A D T H E L O V E W H E R E V E R Y O U G O, W H A T E V E R Y O U D O
B y E l l a M a y H o
While Valentine’ s Day is mainly known as the day for romantic partners to celebrate their relationships, reflect on how much they’ ve been through, or even just to show their appreciation for each other, it’ s also the day when families, dedicated community workers and advocates gather together to give back and enjoy each other’ s company on Cupid’ s special day.
In Canada, students at some elementary schools celebrate the day of love by collecting food and useful household items for a charity organization called the Ronald McDonald House: Montreal, which aims to provide accommodation and care for families with children who have critical illnesses. They believe that it’ s important to let the families know that even though they may be struggling, there are people who will always be thinking of them, and caring for them, too. One of the teachers who organized the event also believes that this is a great opportunity to teach students that Valentine’ s Day can not only be about flowers and chocolates, but about making use of the occasion to help those in need. M A R C H 2 0 1 7 | 0 6