From Classroom to Community: St. Catherine CES students support Coldest Night of the Year initiative

Mar. 4, 2026

Students at St. Catherine Catholic Elementary School have shown that leadership and compassion have no age limit. What began as a Grade 6 Religion lesson on Catholic Social Teaching quickly grew into a school-wide initiative supporting Coldest Night of the Year, a national fundraising walk that benefits Street Level Advocacy.

After learning about homelessness in the community, Grade 6 students felt called to act. “The whole class wanted to donate to a charity,” one student shared.

With support from school administration, the idea expanded beyond the classroom and invited the entire school community to participate.

Students connected their efforts directly to their faith.

“We’re answering God’s call.”
“Love others as you love yourself.”

Through prayer, reflection, and action, students lived out almsgiving and the Ontario Catholic Graduate Expectations, particularly as caring family members and responsible citizens who contribute to the common good.

By the end of the campaign, St. Catherine CES had raised more than $2,400 in support of local individuals experiencing homelessness.

The initiative also inspired younger students to get involved. Grade 1 students from Madame Walter’s class wrote encouraging notes to attach to donated knitted hats, which will be distributed through Street Level Advocacy to help community members stay warm this winter.