A Season of Giving: King's Spreads Holiday Cheer Through Music and Service

This holiday season, King’s is bringing the spirit of Christmas alive through initiatives that embody the university’s mission of community, inclusion, and stewardship. Campus Ministry and the Chamber Choir are leading the way, spreading joy and providing meaningful support to those in need.

Christmas Care Bags for St. Joe’s Café Clients

For 14 years, King’s Campus Ministry has partnered with St. Joe’s Café, a soup kitchen in downtown London, Ontario, to serve meals and bring comfort to those facing precarious living conditions. This year, their annual Christmas Care Bags project is reaching new heights, with 250 thoughtfully prepared care bags set to be distributed on December 14, 2024.

Each waterproof knapsack is filled with essential items like toiletries, warm gloves, hats, wool socks, and small treats, ensuring both practicality and holiday cheer. Donations from the King’s community have made this possible, showcasing the collective power of compassion and generosity. Led by Campus Minister Annette Donovan, the initiative reflects King’s dedication to service, fostering a sense of solidarity and support among volunteers, donors, and recipients alike.

Love’s Pure Light: A Concert of Hope and Generosity

In another celebration of the season, the King’s University College Chamber Choir brought the community together for their annual Choral Christmas concert, Love’s Pure Light, on November 30. Hosted in the peaceful Chapel at Windermere on the Mount, the concert offered an inspiring mix of traditional and contemporary carols. Beyond its artistic excellence, the event carried a deeper purpose: raising funds for the Health & Homelessness Fund For Change.

“The performances were all so beautiful, and powerful. The turnout was incredible and clearly engaged diverse parts of the wider London community, all for a good cause,” says Dr. Robert Ventresca, Interim President who was in attendance and provided the Land Acknowledgement.

This year’s concert raised over $5000 for the Fund, in addition to donations made. "A great show of King’s commitment to reaching out in service and support of justice initiatives," says Jim Panchaud, Director of Campus Ministry.

Under the leadership of Janet Loo, founding conductor and artistic director, the choir has long used music as a vehicle for community impact. This year’s concert upheld that tradition, with audience donations supporting local efforts to address homelessness and healthcare challenges. Over the years, the choir has raised thousands for important causes, proving that music has the power to unite, inspire, and heal.

Through these initiatives, King’s exemplifies its mission as an engaged liberal arts community rooted in Catholic values. The Christmas Care Bags project and the Chamber Choir’s concert embody person-centered service, inclusion, and stewardship, turning critical thought and creativity into tangible acts of kindness.

As the King’s community comes together to make a difference, they remind us all of the season’s true spirit: spreading light, hope, and love. Whether through the warmth of a care bag or the beauty of a carol, King’s continues to shine as a beacon of compassion and excellence this Christmas.