Canterbury’s Long-standing ‘Oxfam Fast for World Harvest’ Thanksgiving Tradition Emphasizes Action and Gratitude

On Thursday, November 21, Canterbury continued its longstanding tradition of participating in the Oxfam Fast for World Harvest. Oxfam's mission is to tackle the root causes of poverty and create lasting solutions by partnering with organizations and individuals across the world. 
 
This holiday season, thousands of people around the country will Skip a Meal for Oxfam to draw attention to the more than 850 million people worldwide who are hungry. Thousands of Fast for World Harvest events conducted in the US and abroad each year raise money as well as awareness of poverty and hunger. To participate, people choose to skip a meal or eat a simple meal and contribute the money they save to Oxfam.
 
At Canterbury, the dining hall served a simple meal for lunch on Thursday, and the money saved was donated directly to Oxfam. That evening, the School community came together in appreciation and gratitude for the traditional Thanksgiving sit-down dinner. The School is also in the midst of a food drive run by its students to support local families throughout the holiday season.
 
"The Fast is a unique experience because, while participants are raising awareness of poverty and hunger to help build community on the global level, they are strengthening their own communities at the local level," writes Nancy Delaney, Oxfam America's National Outreach Manager. "Fast for Oxfam is an easy way for individuals and families to incorporate making a difference on these issues into their daily lives."
 
The Center for Spirituality, Service, and Justice, with the guidance of Director Tracy Garcia-LaVigne, was instrumental in carrying on the tradition of hosting the Oxfam Fast. The Center also hosted an Oxfam Hunger Banquet earlier this year for the Fourth Form Retreat.