H.B. Beal Secondary School has issued a simple, but powerful, challenge for all other London-area high schools: Will you step up and help those in need this holiday season?

Beal has joined the Holiday Big Give School Challenge, an initiative organized by Ark Aid Mission to help more than 2,700 people in London who will go without shelter this winter.  The campaign started November 1 and runs until December 15.

Students and staff aim to raise funds, collect essential winter items and provide more than 200 nightly shelter beds for individuals and families facing crisis. Beal’s efforts are also part of Beal Gives Back, a school-wide commitment to build social responsibility, compassion and community

“Our students want their actions to spark something bigger,” says Lynn Thompson, History and

Social Sciences teacher at H.B. Beal. “Beal Gives Back is about empowering students to make a real impact. This initiative lets them turn learning into leadership.”

From December 1-15, Beal students will also lead fundraising activities, create awareness videos and share reflections on community needs and their hopes for change.

“Beal has always been a school with tremendous heart and creativity,” said Paula Simpson, Director of Advancement and Strategic Initiatives at Ark Aid Mission. “This new ‘Beal Gives Back’ approach is an incredible step forward. By challenging other high schools, Beal is showing what emerging youth leadership looks like in London.”

The school that raises the most funds will receive a $1,000 school bursary to invest in a student-led initiative, as well as a custom trophy and city-wide recognition.

Schools can participate by fundraising, collecting winter supplies or running awareness events.

For more information, visit: https://arkaidmission.ca/holidaybiggive/