The Ottawa Catholic School Board has made outstanding contributions to charitable organizations locally, provincially, and globally. As a Catholic School system, we collectively work to meet the needs of others by putting the needs of the poor and vulnerable people first.
Terry Fox Runs
Our school community is committed to promoting social justice and supporting those in need. For more than 30 years, our students and staff have actively participated in the annual Terry Fox Run to raise funds for cancer research. Thanks to their dedication and hard work, they have successfully collected 3.5 million dollars to date.
Canadian Cancer Society’s Relay for Life
Five OCSB high schools raised $182,680 for the Canadian Cancer Society’s Relay for Life just this year. These schools created a robust platform for survivors to share their stories, which resulted in unforgettable moments that they will treasure for a lifetime. It is heartwarming to see school communities unite for a common cause and work towards positive change.
The following high schools participated:
- St. Mother Teresa High School – $83,225
- St. Francis Xavier High School – $52,155
- Immaculata High School – $11,400
- Lester B. Pearson High School – $7800
- Sacred Heart High School – $28,100
Frank Ryan Intermediate School
For over four decades, the Turkey Trot of Hope hosted by Frank Ryan Intermediate School has raised over one million dollars for various charities locally and nationally, including CEFO, Boys and Girls Club, Snowsuit Fund, and Terry Fox Foundation. This long-standing tradition is more than just a social justice movement; it’s a shared experience that families look forward to. Students who participated in the event back in 1981 have now grown up, and their children and grandchildren are currently taking part in it.
Christmas Baskets/Toy Mountain
Students from kindergarten to grade 12 celebrate the joy of the Christmas season by donating food, toys, and financial aid to area charities that bring food and presents to families facing financial hardships during the holiday season. In doing so, OCSB students are learning about the importance of Be Community.
Lenten Projects
During Lent, almsgiving teaches individuals the importance of helping those in need, whether they struggle with food insecurity or lack financial resources for necessities like heat or clothing. Additionally, it provides students with an opportunity to focus on others rather than just themselves. This concept of helping others was a prominent feature in every school in the Board. For instance, St. Jerome’s created Blessing Bags for the homeless, George Vanier donated toiletries to the Shepherds of Good Hope, and St. Monica raised funds for CHEO, while St. Josephine High School raised funds for CEFO. Similarly, St. Francis of Assisi raised funds for Adam’s Dream. It was clear that both students and staff had received the message of Be Community and acted on it.
These are just a few of the charities and social justice initiatives that our school and work communities actively support.