"Contagious Hope" is a podcast series specially created for Lenten reflection by the Rev. Alexa Gilmour from Toronto. On this first week of Lent, Rev. Alexa speaks with Michael Shewburg, Executive Director of the Five Oaks Centre in Paris, Ontario. Michael describes how, in the early days of the pandemic, Five Oaks pivoted from its normal retreat offerings to being a place where those newly arriving in Canada, often as migrant workers, could safely isolate and quarantine. "Contagious Hope" was created with assistance from the McGeachey Senior Scholarship, administered by the United Church of Canada Foundation. The series is edited by Peter Restivo. For feedback, please email gilmouralexa@gmail.com do justice. is an offering from Shining Waters Regional Council, part of the United Chruch of Canada.