‘Heart to Heart’: EMSB students celebrate Valentine’s Day with children, staff at Le Phare

Armed with handmade bracelets and Valentine’s cards, English Montreal School Board (EMSB) students visited Le Phare to celebrate Valentine’s Day with the littlest Montrealers on Friday.

The initiative called ‘Heart to Heart‘ returned to Montreal’s palliative care centre dedicated to children with life-threatening illnesses and their families.

“There’s lots of love, lots of love with the kids and when they come, the connection with the kids also and we see how they’re happy and the smiles makes us happy also,” said Antonietta Petti, a nurse counsellor at Le Phare.

“This is our second year that we come to Le Phare. We made Valentine’s cards from the daycare students. We also got donated bracelets from the VMC, Vincent Massey Collegiate High School gave us bracelets to give out to everyone here,” said Clementina Fraga, a daycare technician at Gerald McShane Elementary School.

With craft activities, music, and smiles, the Valentine’s Day visit was an opportunity to create a sense of support and community.

The students also brought handmade bracelets and Valentine’s cards for the little patients and for the team that takes care of them.

“I’m very happy. I’m glad that I get to be here and hopefully make a difference and put a smile on their face,” said Ava Fox, a student at Gerald McShane Elementary School.

Julia Gallo, another student at Gerald McShane Elementary School, said, “I’m really grateful that we were able to come here and also raise 564 dollars for this fundraiser, so I’m really happy.”

The visit and making the gifts were an opportunity for students to learn compassion, solidarity, and the importance of giving back, growing into caring citizens, explains Rocco Speranza, spiritual and community animator.

“As we’re giving them the message of love, we as well are learning that it’s important to give our time to those in need. The staff here, the volunteers, give their time so we’re bringing love to them, friendship and friendship is a gift to everyone. Every time of year, it’s free but it means a lot to the people who receive it,” said Speranza.

“Many people pass this place by every day. Half the people in the neighborhood don’t know this place exists. So, giving our time, sharing our time, telling them happy Valentine’s Day, make us all better citizens for sure.”

Petti added, “We need the support so the families can be safe with their kids here at La Phare, and they can take care of themselves at home. So when they come back, they’re all together, they’re able to take care of themselves, and then, to come back together as a family. That’s why we need support so we can do that all year long.”

Stephanie Vu Quan, a student at Gerald McShane Elementary School, said, “I think it’s very important for us to know what’s happening around the world and that we’re grateful that everything is okay for us. We’re healthy. We have everything.”