Ahead of the winter break, schools across the OCDSB regularly participate in efforts in support of local community organizations. From collecting donations for charities, to creating cards for seniors, our schools have collaborated on many initiatives to spread kindness, hope and cheer.
Vimy Ridge Public School held its annual food drive, collecting hundreds of items for the Ottawa Food Bank. The response from the school community was so overwhelming that the Food Bank elicited help from members of the Canadian Forces, who came to the school to help collect boxes of food that students and staff gathered.
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Cairine Wilson Secondary School ran The Purses of Hope Campaign, led by Grade 12 students Vanessa W. and Erin R. Working with fellow students and local partners, they reached out to their community for donations of toiletry items, warm winter gear, and gently used purses. They received thousands of donations and raised over $1,000 to purchase gift cards for the purses. 150 purses packed with supplies were donated to support Indigenous women and newcomers from Afghanistan in the community, as well as the local organization Immigrant Women Services Ottawa.
These are just a few examples of how schools have exemplified the OCDSB Culture of Caring to support their communities. Check out more inspiring highlights below!