“How many schools would allow kids to come to a public place and hand out sandwiches?” said DiMauro.

“Here, you have to step out of your comfort zone. It’s a really good opportunity for these kids.”

The course prepares students for community leadership by teaching them about social diversity and providing opportunities for them to serve others. If it had been a day course, students would have fulfilled their requirements by acting as mentors during normal class hours. However, since this particular class is a night course, these requirements are instead fulfilled through volunteer opportunities.

DiMauro is very happy at his students’ progress thus far. 

“These kids paid for the sandwiches by sacrificing their lunch hours, raising money by selling food,” he said. “When it comes to showing leadership, they really take that step.”

Within minutes of obtaining their supply of sandwiches, the first one was given away at Nathan Philips Square, after which the students broke into three smaller groups and spread out across the square, distributing at least 20 sandwiches in the process. 

“We went to an area where at least 10 homeless people were at, and I actually finished my bag at that time,” said Angela Kaci, 17. 

After this, the students journeyed through the streets, making stops at nearby Bell Trinity Square and Metropolitan United Church. Some rejected the sandwiches, while others asked if they could take more than one; one man received a bagful of them. The common reaction was a smile and a “Thank you” or “God bless.”

“I’ve (fed the homeless) before at school events and at church, but it always feels good,” said Hector Cortez, 17.

For many of the students, it was their first time feeding the homeless. They started with more than 100 sandwiches, and ended the day with the knowledge that some of Toronto’s homeless had bellies and hearts that were a little fuller than before.

“At first, I thought it wasn’t going to be that successful,” said Jonathan Frank, 17. “As we kept going, I actually enjoyed it and had a really nice time. I wouldn’t mind doing this again.”

(Jed de los Reyes, 19, is a French Studies student at York University.)