Unexpected Kindness Much Appreciated by North Shuswap Class

Entering a contest led to an unexpected connection and kindness for a class of North Shuswap Elementary Grade 2-3 students.

Last fall, the Okanagan Regional Library (ORL) organized a ‘Draw A Monster’ contest for students. Teacher Sharon Langlois encouraged her entire class to enter. When the drawings were complete, she took the entries to the Salmon Arm Library, as the North Shuswap Branch was lost in last summer’s wildfire.

It turned out one of the drawings by Peyton Chamberlain, a student in her class, was a winner of a $50 gift card, which ORL sent by mail.

“I received a phone call that some Library staff were coming out to North Shuswap to discuss plans for rebuilding the library. They asked if they could visit our class,” explained Langlois.

Of course, they were welcomed to the class and when they arrived they presented each of the 20 students with an Okanagan Regional Library water bottle and book bag. Also, they thoughtfully provided mugs to school staff.

The students showed incredible sweetness and enthusiasm. Their impact was significant, as a few weeks ago, Langlois received a large, heavy box in the mail. “Inside was a very moving letter from ORL, along with some special books for two of the students that lost their homes and magazines for the others,” said Langlois.

She added that the two students who lost their homes, Hannah Marshall and Hemingway Lehman, were thrilled with the books and the whole class is enjoying the magazines, which they will share with other classes as well. Coincidently, one of the books donated was a companion book to a favourite of Hemingway’s, which he had gotten through another generous donation!

The ORL representatives who visited the school included Mark Reinelt, Jeremy Feddersen, and Michal Utko. Utko expressed that they were happy to know that the books and magazines have found special homes. “Moments like these illustrate the magic and impact of reading and learning.”

The representatives thoroughly enjoyed their visit and wanted to personally convey to the students that they are diligently working to reopen the North Shuswap library as soon as possible. “The warmth and enthusiasm we encountered during our visit left a lasting impression on us all,” added Utko.

Utko further shared that during the visit, they were deeply moved to learn about the students who had lost their homes in the fire. He said, “Our hearts go out to them in these challenging times. The books were sent as a token of support to assist in rebuilding their libraries, with the hope that they would provide solace and enjoyment.”

Utko commended the resilience and strength shown by the school community in the face of adversity, saying, “You all are real-life rock stars, and we at the library are cheering you on every step of the way.”