When St. Mary's Home put out an urgent call for diapers and baby wipes, the Immaculata High School community opened its doors once again to support young families in our city. St. Mary's Home has walked alongside pregnant youth and young parents for decades, offering continuing education, medical clinics, playgroups, counselling, and more-always with a mission to build on the strengths of young parents and their children. By answering this call together, the Immaculata community is building bridges of compassion and nourishing new beginnings for families who need it most.
Much of St. Mary's impact happens through its Young Parent Outreach & Program Centre in Vanier, a "one-stop," multi-service hub where young parents can access support for healthy pregnancy, parenting, and child development. It's sustained by strong community partnerships and donors who help keep everyday essentials stocked for families. Drives like ours ensure St. Mary's can respond quickly when supplies like wipes and larger diapers run low.
A Whole-Community Effort
Donations have come from Immaculata staff, students and their families, and parishioners from Holy Canadian Martyrs Parish. Immaculata spread the word through morning announcements, the school website, their newsletter, social media, and the parish bulletin, inviting everyone to pitch in.
Thanks to the immense generosity of the community, one full truckload of diapers and wipes was delivered to St. Mary's Home and a second truckload is in progress. These essentials make an immediate, practical difference for local parents and caregivers served by St. Mary's.
Faith in Action at the OCSB
At the Ottawa Catholic School Board, faith is at the heart of education expressed through inclusive, dignifying actions that serve others. Community projects like the diaper drive are one way we live out our values while helping students grow as compassionate, hopeful citizens.
Deep Learning: Real Needs, Real Impact
This drive is a clear example of the OCSB's Deep Learning approach in action. At Immaculata, students don't just learn about community, they live it. By organizing, communicating, and working together to meet a real need, they are practicing the global competencies that will serve them for life while experiencing firsthand the impact of compassion and service.
There's still time to join in. By dropping off baby wipes or diapers before Thanksgiving weekend, you can help ensure young families in our city have what they need for a strong start. Together, we are building bridges of care and hope.
