Faith in teens restored

Photo: Dawn McLean

A group of Lumby youths gave up part of their Spring Break to show Snac Shac owner Dawn McLean how much they appreciate her.

Dawn McLean enjoys it when youths come into her store.

And considering she is located across the street from Charles Bloom Secondary School, that's a good thing because it happens a lot.

She doesn't limit the number of youths that can be in her Lumby store at one time, all are welcome.

McLean has owned the Snac Shac for a decade and has not had any problems – until recently that is.

McLean said over the past couple of years there have been instances of shop lifting - she caught five students in the act in one week.

Over the years, McLean has built a relationship with many of the students at the high school and she is a big supporter of Charles Bloom, but admits she was becoming disheartened by the thievery.

However, her faith on the youth of Lumby was restored Wednesday when a group of teens showed up unannounced and swept the sidewalk in front of her store, cleaned the cooler, did some dusting and in general showed how much they appreciate her.

“With all the stealing and disrespect of some students this school year, I was feeling a little down and these amazing teenagers proved again to me why I’m a lover and supporter of kids,” said McLean. “I have no words to describe how I’m feeling today.”

And they did it all during their Spring Break.

“You just don't see this happen anymore,” said McLean. “So hats off to these amazing young adults! They will go far in life with these caring, thoughtful qualities.”