For more than four decades, the St. Patrick’s Irish Miracle has been a light to help brighten the lives of those in our community who need a little help at Christmas.  The event, which began in 1983, brings hundreds of student, staff, parent and community volunteer canvassers into every neighbourhood in Sarnia, Bright’s Grove and Point Edward, to collect non-perishable food items and personal hygiene products for the St. Vincent de Paul Society.

The annual food drive begins at 9:00 a.m.  Canvassers will knock on doors; however, anyone who wishes to contribute, but who will be away, can leave their donations on the front porch.  Drop offs will also be accepted from 9:00 a.m. until noon at St. Patrick’s Catholic High School, 1001 The Rapids Parkway, Sarnia; and at St. Michael’s Roman Catholic Church, 1920 Wildwood Drive in Bright’s Grove.  Monetary donations are also welcome.

“This massive annual undertaking is a demonstration of our Catholic values of kindness, compassion and empathy,” says Daniella Mancusi, Principal of St. Patrick’s Catholic High School.  “It offers our students an opportunity to be the hands and feet of Christ, as we make a difference in our community.”

Each year, student and staff members of the Irish Miracle committee work to inspire a new generation of students, visiting Grade 4 to 8 students in local Catholic elementary schools, to bring the message of Irish Miracle’s proud tradition of service and to encourage them to become involved.

An army of volunteers will also be on hand at the school, sorting and packing items as they are delivered by the volunteer canvassers.  All items collected and monetary donations are gratefully accepted by the St. Vincent de Paul Society of Sarnia-Lambton.