The atrium at All Saints High School was filled with purpose as more than 350 students came together with one bold goal: to make 5,000 sandwiches for people in need in a single school day. The initiative was about much more than food. It was about living faith through service and learning that compassion is something you do, not just something you study.
From Inspiration to Action
The idea began with French and Religion Teacher Theresa Vespa, who was inspired by the Gospel story of the Feeding of the 5,000.
It’s not your job to feed the 5,000, she told her students. It’s your job to offer your loaves and fish.
What started as a classroom project soon grew into a school‑wide movement that combined faith, leadership, and teamwork.
Building Bridges Through Collaboration
A project of this size required careful preparation and community connection. The Parent Council and the OCSB Social Entrepreneurs Program supported a marketing campaign led by Jennifer Stoqua’s Grade 11 Business class. Students created posters, built awareness, and shared the message of service throughout the school.
Educational Assistant Susan MacConnell used her community partnerships to connect with local organizations, including the Odawa Native Friendship Centre and Lionhearts Inc., ensuring every sandwich reached someone who needed it. Chaplain Paul Kozak began the day in prayer and stayed to help organize, transport, and reflect with students, reminding them of the purpose behind their work.
5,000 Sandwiches. 75 Minutes. One Purpose.
Students worked in teams and timed rotations, moving quickly and carefully while keeping spirits high. When the final count was complete, they had met their goal: 5,000 sandwiches delivered to Shepherds of Good Hope, Ottawa Mission, Care Centre Ottawa, Odawa Native Friendship Centre, and Lionhearts Inc.
A message from Lionhearts captured the heart of the day:
These sandwiches gave people hope and dignity. You helped them feel loved, worthy, and seen.
Faith in Action
For students, this was more than a volunteer activity. It was a living lesson in leadership, empathy, and solidarity. Grade 11 students returned as mentors, guiding younger peers through each step and leading moments of reflection and prayer.
For Theresa Vespa, it was a reminder of what can happen when one faithful idea grows into something that transforms a community.
The OCSB Spirit in Motion
Feeding the 5000 was not just a day of service. It was a day of connection and purpose that reflected the OCSB Spiritual Theme Open Doors, Build Bridges, Nourish New Beginnings. It showed that faith becomes real through action.
When students are invited to bring their loaves and fish, they do more than meet a goal. They build community, share dignity, and demonstrate what it means to Be Community, Be Well, and Be Innovative.
