When a school community came together to honour someone special, something extraordinary happened. The St. Mary School community introduced Shelley’s Gift, an initiative named in memory of Sister Shelley Lawrence (RSCJ). It began as a way to live her legacy of compassion and service, but it became much more — a celebration of what can happen when faith and community work hand in hand. The project’s success exceeded expectations, drawing support from across the Ottawa Catholic School Board (OCSB) family, including St. Anne School. It was a powerful reminder of what can be achieved together.
Recognizing its impact, St. Mary School decided that Shelley’s Gift was too meaningful to be a one‑time project. With the help of teachers Isabella Stanisic and Bridget Moreira and their Grade 5 class, the school made Shelley’s Gift part of its Advent initiative, once again supporting St. Joe’s Women’s Centre. The goal was to collect items to brighten the season with warm holiday meals for families in need.
Student Leadership in Action
The project launched with a student‑led liturgy introducing Shelley’s Gift to the school. The Grade 5 class set a goal of collecting hundreds of meal items and took on leadership roles by delivering announcements, creating posters, and organizing weekly collections. Each homeroom received a donation bag, which the students gathered, sorted, and organized. Custodian Dan Lamour provided valuable support by supplying storage boxes and assisting with large donations.
A Community‑Wide Effort
The initiative soon grew into a community‑wide effort. Joanne Blackburn, Principal of St. Anne School, and her kindergarten team embraced Shelley’s Gift as their Advent project, encouraging families and staff to participate. OCSB central staff members Cathryn Wake and Heather Bilder coordinated collections at the Board Office, gathering donations from colleagues. Director of Education Tom D’Amico and the Board of Trustees also supported the project, raising awareness and encouraging participation across the system.
An Overwhelming Response
The response was inspiring. Donations arrived from St. Mary, St. Anne, and the Catholic Education Centre. Everyone — from school families and central office staff to the Directorate and Trustees — contributed to making a difference. The project far surpassed its original goal, with more than 1,400 holiday meal items delivered to St. Joe’s Women’s Centre. It was a testament to what generosity and unity can accomplish.
A Lasting Legacy
Shelley’s Gift was more than a donation drive. It reflected the values Sister Shelley Lawrence embodied: compassion, service, and faith. Her legacy continued to inspire students, staff, and families across the Board. Through Shelley’s Gift, the community was reminded that simple acts of kindness, shared across many hands, can create something truly meaningful.
It became more than a tradition — it was faith in action, and a living reminder of what it means to Be Community.
