Story, video and images: Adriana Pacheco
On Saturday February 19, Coffee Culture Café and Eatery, located on King Street in Oshawa, is hosting an event to raise donations for Simcoe Hall Settlement House, an organization that helps less advantaged families.
Songs for Simcoe is a night of free entertainment. The event was organized by students at R.S. McLaughlin High School in Oshawa.
“I teach a class, Grade 12 politics. It’s on global citizenship,” said teacher Dan Amentra whose students have organized this event. “I challenged the kids to be active in the community and create a legacy.”
He went on to say it was his students who came up with the idea of doing a music night at the popular Coffee Culture. “A bunch of the kids came up with it. It’s all local artists, as well as the kids from the school.”
Amentra said he has received a lot of positive feedback, interest and support for Songs for Simcoe. “A number of councilors have called, as well as the mayor to express how great they think this is.”
He said the host, Coffee Culture, has also been very supportive. “They have really been great. They are really excited to host this event. They’ve put up posters to advertise.”
According to Amentra, this is not the first time the local high school has helped raise funds for Simcoe Hall Settlement House. He thinks it is important that the community gets involved with the organization. “Simcoe Hall has come to the school a number of times and talked to the students. A lot of people think that it’s just a Christmas thing, but it’s really a January-to-January thing. They do a lot for the people in our community who may not have the food they need, or have the support they need.”
It is free to attend the event, but all welcomed donations will be given to Simcoe Hall Settlement House to help support their programs.
Songs for Simcoe begins at 6 p.m. and will run until 10 p.m.
Click below to hear Life Skills Co-ordinator Marion Vinent talk about a few of the programs Simcoe Hall Settlement House offers.
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