This Lenten season, Grade 12 student Sebastian D. R. from St. Michael’s Choir School once again demonstrated leadership and compassion through his initiative Blessings in a Bag, now in its second year.
Originally launched in 2024, Blessings in a Bag was created to support Toronto’s homeless population—many of whom live just steps away from the school in the downtown core. Rooted in the Lenten virtue of almsgiving, the project focuses on a basic yet vital human need: personal hygiene.
Sebastian led a school-wide donation drive, collecting essential items such as toothbrushes, toothpaste, deodorant, lip balm, and wipes. Thanks to the generosity of students, staff, and families, more than 250 care packages were assembled. With the support of teachers and fellow students, Sebastian personally delivered the “blessing bags” to Covenant House Toronto, where they will be distributed to underprivileged and homeless youth.
Blessings in a Bag continues to embody the values of equity, compassion, and community engagement, making a meaningful impact on the lives of many in our city.
