On Saturday, October 18, a group of 30 enthusiastic walkers met at D’Arcy McGee High School to trace the path that the Thomas More Institute’s rich history of education has travelled in the city. From D’Arcy McGee, where classes were held for many years at the beginning of our history, to Drummond Street, the second location where the Institute rented space, to our current location at 3405 Atwater, where we finally found a permanent home, the walkers celebrated 80 years of shared inquiry with a community of engaged, curious learners. Longtime students, leaders, designers, and administrators Heather Stephens and Irene Menear spoke at the first two locations, and current Chair Carol Fiedler wrapped up the event at our Atwater classrooms.
The walkers not only enjoyed a lovely stroll on a cool fall day, but they also prepared for the event by spreading the word about the 80th anniversary of the Institute to family and friends, asking for donations to support Thomas More. When they arrived at the Atwater campus, they were greeted with warming, delicious coffee from the B Hive Café (2313 Ste-Catherine West, located in the Montreal Forum building) and delicious sandwiches from Chez Nick (1377 Greene Avenue, a longtime favourite restaurant of Thomas More students) and tasty sandwiches, fruit, and water from les 5 saisons (1280 Greene Avenue), our three generous sponsors for the event.
As a fundraiser, the event far surpassed our expectations. When all donations were counted, the fundraising walk had raised $17,693 from 145 generous donors, 92 of whom were new to the Thomas More Community.
A huge thank you to the walkers and other fundraisers for their dedication to Thomas More and for their willingness to ask friends and family to support this beloved institution dedicated to lifelong learning. We also want to thank our sponsors, the B Hive Café, Chez Nick, and Les 5 saisons for their support. Thanks also to our hospitality committee (Giovanna D’Alesio, Jennifer MacGregor, and Tina Nussbaum) for creating a wonderful welcome for the walkers at Thomas More. Finally, a huge thank you to our Manager of Development, Marleigh Greaney, who had the inspiration for the event and made it happen (down to ironing the Thomas More logo onto bandanas for the walkers).
