The holiday season shone brightly at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic School during the cherished annual Baby Jesus Lunch—a celebration of kindness, community, and collaboration. This year’s event embodied the Ottawa Catholic School Board’s Spiritual Theme: Open Doors, Build Bridges, Nourish New Beginnings. By focusing on “Open Doors,” the lunch demonstrated how generosity and teamwork can create meaningful connections and shared joy.
A Meal That Nourishes More Than Stomachs
On December 17, the school welcomed community partners and local heroes for a heartfelt celebration. At the heart of the event was the delivery of 350 turkey dinners—turkeys donated by Gregory Aboukheir, former owner of Reynolds Restaurant, and delivered with care by the Ottawa Police Service. This collaboration turned a simple meal into a powerful symbol of community spirit and gratitude.
“This event is not just about turkey and trimmings,” said Amanda Parent, a teacher and key organizer of the event at Our Lady of Mount Carmel. “It’s about teaching students the importance of community and how we come together to care for one another. It serves as a lesson in service and connection.”
A Warm Welcome for Community Heroes
Excitement filled the gymnasium as Ottawa Police officers arrived, arms full of meals to distribute. Their efforts were met with enthusiastic applause and heartfelt smiles from students dressed in their festive best. The officers’ time and energy reflected the spirit of service, creating a lasting impact on students and staff alike. Gregory Aboukheir played a pivotal role by cooking and donating the turkeys, ensuring this unique tradition could continue. Their generosity set an inspiring example of how local businesses can give back and make a difference in their communities.
Building Bridges Through Generosity
The Baby Jesus Lunch highlighted the incredible power of collaboration. The event created a ripple effect of kindness that extended far beyond the gym walls by bringing together the school, first responders, and local businesses. Every detail—from planning and setup to cleanup—reflected the school’s commitment to fostering meaningful connections within the community.
A Season of Hope and Giving
At its core, the Baby Jesus Lunch served as a powerful reminder of the true spirit of the holidays. It wasn’t just a meal but an opportunity to reflect on the importance of serving others, building relationships, and creating moments of shared joy.
Carrying the Spirit Forward
As students, staff, and community partners left the gym that afternoon, they carried with them the inspiration to continue opening doors for others. The Baby Jesus Lunch was a celebration of generosity in action—a reminder that small acts of kindness can make a big difference.
Let’s take a page from the Baby Jesus Lunch this holiday season. Whether donating, volunteering, or simply offering a kind word, we all can open doors, build bridges, and bring joy to those around us. Together, we can create a brighter and more connected Ottawa Catholic School Board community.
