Student-athlete initiative continues to touch lives
By Corey LeBlanc

Although social media has drastically changed the way in which most of us communicate, there remain methods – ones that some might call old-fashioned – which endure.

One of those is the timeless gesture of sending someone a greeting card, especially during the holiday season.

The student-led Xaverian Pen Pal Project – one launched by X-Women student-athlete Alyssa Spridgeon early last summer – hopes to make that tradition a way in which to spread cheer this festive season.

This latest chapter continues to focus on the root goal of this effort – helping combat social isolation.

"It is often magnified during this time of year," Spridgeon – a fourth-year goalkeeper with the X-Women soccer program – offers.

Although it only launched recently, the Whitby, Ontario native says the response has been "really great."

At the time of this Nov. 14 conversation, more than 30 people had signed up to participate, including several families.

Spridgeon notes many of those participants have committed to sending "five to 20 cards."

Interest in helping to spread holiday cheer extends beyond the StFX campus and broader Antigonish community, with offers to pitch in coming from other universities and people living in Halifax and other locales.

"Everyone is invited to sign up, or sign up their love ones – either to receive cards, or to help write cards," she explains.

Spridgeon says the volunteer effort also includes those who have fashioned "tons and tons" of handmade cards. There are two types – pre-printed and blank – with the latter offering the opportunity for signers to employ their artistic talents, if they wish.

She touches on some of the many who could benefit greatly from receiving a handwritten – and heartfelt – message, including people of all ages – especially seniors – who have no family, or its members live far away from home.

There are international students – due to time and distance – that will not be able to be with loved ones.

And, as Spridgeon notes, this is a festive season – with the constraints of the continuing Covid-19 pandemic – where other X students may "not be able to go home."

'It just took off'

The seeds for the Xaverian Pen Pal Project were planted as the global health crisis started to sweep across the country – leaving few untouched in some way – including Antigonish and the StFX campus.

Spridgeon remembers being in the "same position as everyone else," feeling an increased sense of loneliness and isolation – a result of needed measures taken as a precaution to protect people from the virus.

"We have gained so much," she says of the "tremendous support" StFX student-athletes receive from Antigonish and the surrounding communities.

Describing X as her "second home," Spridgeon says she thought it would be a way for her – and her volunteers – to "give something back."

"Everyone has been so welcoming," she adds.

After starting the project, which included the launch of a Facebook page and website, Spridgeon remembers "it just took off."

And, what started as a vehicle for StFX varsity athletes – and other students – to say thank you to those who have helped them in their home-away-home has become much, much more.

"It is open to everyone," Spridgeon says, noting the initiative keyed on – at first – seniors, StFX students and public school students.

There are now more than 140 volunteers, which also include community members, StFX alumni and local service organizations.

As for the initial recipients – in what becomes a two-way communication as part of the pen-pal relationship – they fill out a form, which helps Spridgeon and her group match people with similar interests.

Along with the letter – the mode of communication most often associated with pen pals – the partnerships have included emails, phone calls and video chats.

There have also been visits – ones with social distancing, of course – due to the ongoing pandemic precautions.

When it comes to the connections that have been made, there are a variety of stories, including the six-year-old fan of the Toronto Maple Leafs and X-Men hockey; he has been matched up with a StFX varsity player.

There is one local senior who has fostered relationships – not only with a StFX student, but also a family with three young children. Along with phone calls, there are socially-distanced visits; not to mention cookies and other goodies to share.

"The best thing – honestly – has been the new friendships [formed]," Spridgeon says, when asked about the legacy of the project, adding many of those connections are intergenerational ones.

"Some would not have happened necessarily without this opportunity," she notes.

Another key component of the Xaverian Pen Pal Project has been StFX's Frank McKenna Centre for Leadership, which provided a grant to Spridgeon for the initiative.

"I would not be able to do it without their support," she says, describing its contributions –financial and otherwise – as "extremely helpful."

There has been "tremendous guidance" from mentors, such as McKenna Centre director Mathias Nilges, who was also one of her English professors.

Centre interns have been invaluable, assisting in areas such as creating the project's logo and launching the website.

As interest continues to grow, Spridgeon plans to re-launch the Xaverian Pen Pal Project in January.

"There has been a lot of really, really great feedback," she says.

'Fantastic experience'

Spridgeon, who will to return to StFX for another year after this one, plans to implement findings from the pen pal undertaking into her honours psychology thesis.

After completing her degree, she notes she has a "couple of plans," including possibly continuing her soccer career in Europe. Eventually, she wants to attend graduate school, with an eye on a career in school psychology. And, down the line, establishing a private practice geared towards children and families.

When asked about her Xaverian experience, Spridgeon says it is "why I thought of [the Xaverian Pen Pal Project] to begin with."

"I really love the sense of community here," she adds, noting that applies not only to StFX, but also the broader Antigonish community.

"I can't say enough about both," Spridgeon continues.

Noting she has attended other universities, she stresses "it is not the same [at X]."

"I immediately felt at home," Spridgeon adds, noting her desire "to give something back."

She describes her time at X as a "fantastic experience."

To sign up, or to learn more about the Xaverian Pen Pal Project, contact Spridgeon at x2019eoc@stfx.ca and 905-922-0686, or visit http://mckenna.stfx.ca/xaverianpenpalproject/

For people interested in sending holiday cards – this aspect of the initiative will continue until mid-December – drop-off [and pick-up] boxes are available across the StFX campus, along with community locations – such as The Tall and Small Café and People's Place Library in downtown Antigonish.

-30-