On Thursday, February 28th, the students of Sir John A. MacDonald public school gathered in the auditorium for the Terrific Kids Assembly. This is a monthly occasion where the teachers and students recognize those terrific kids who deserve some recognition for their accomplishments. February’s assembly, however, had extra special meaning and importance.
At the back of the room sat Steve Johnson, parent and volunteer at the school. He watched as his daughter, Emily, took her place among Lisa Scott’s grade 5/6 class at the front of the gym. “Today we’re here to give thanks,” said Ms. Scott to the crowd. “We thank the Johnson family and we thank Mission Services of London.
That day, in that crowded auditorium, amidst the squirming kids and the squeaky chairs, a cheque was presented to Mission Services of London. A cheque in the amount of $436.39. A wonderful achievement considering the fact that it all started with a handful of pennies.
For the second year in a row, Mission Services of London represented London in the national fundraising walk: The Coldest Night of the Year. This non competitive winter walk is aimed at raising funds and awareness for those struggling with homelessness and poverty. Steve Johnson a staff member at Rotholme Women’s & Family Shelter, along with his wife Jen and their three children registered to participate in the walk. Their team: The Five Frozen Flakes set about collecting pledges from friends and family. “When [my children’s] school found out we were doing the walk, the principal decided to do a penny drive to support our team,” he recalls. Great timing as the nation braced itself for the discontinuation of the copper plated coin. Emily Johnson and her fellow classmates took up the challenge and lead the school to this enormous accomplishment.
Many of the students in Ms. Scott’s class had an important job to do. Some announced 
their progress during morning announcements, some went from class to class collecting pennies and others updated the bar graph that adorned the walls of the school. In the end, 43,639 pennies were counted and meticulously rolled leading up to that gracious presentation.
“This school really needed a boost in moral,” says Steve Johnson. “This penny drive is giving them that.”
On any given night in London, hundreds of people are homeless with a far fewer number of available shelter beds. Mission Services of London is committed to supporting those struggling with homelessness and poverty in our community by opening doors of hope with compassion by offering safe shelter , food, clothing and rehabilitation.
Mission Services of London is immeasurably grateful to the parents, students and staff of Sir John A. MacDonald Public School.
For information on how you can donate to Mission Services of London click HERE