Troy Shantz
Get your canned goods ready, the Irish Miracle is returning to a doorstep near you Dec. 7.
The annual food drive sees hundreds of St. Patrick’s High School students, staff and volunteers fan out across Sarnia and Point Edward to collect non-perishable food for families in need.
“It’s almost overwhelming to see all these moving parts,” said St. Pat’s chaplaincy leader Ann Clarke, who is new to the role.
“It’s such a tradition. It’s so much a part of what they know.”
Weeks of preparation began in October, Clarke said, with a massive school rally and about 30 students coming together to plan the day.
Organizing students are also producing videos and visiting elementary schools to promote the event, which is now in its 36th year.
Last year, more than 8,000 bags of food were collected for the St. Vincent de Paul food bank.
Participants who sign up for the big day are assigned a team, a driver, and one of more than 100 routes.
Volunteering for the Irish Miracle isn’t mandatory, but it’s an unwritten rule that students should try to join in at least once during their time at St. Pat’s, students say.
Community members are welcome to volunteer by driving and collecting canned goods in Sarnia, Point Edward and Bright's Grove areas, Clarke said.
They can participate by coming to the school the morning of Saturday, Dec. 7, anytime after 8 a.m.
Residents unable to answer the door that morning are encouraged to leave a bag of non-perishables on the doorstep marked “Irish Miracle.”
Donations are also accepted at St. Patrick’s High School, 1001 The Rapids Parkway, after the event.