We’ve all heard of the “Locks of Love” on the bridge in Paris, but have you heard of “Locks of Compassion” right here at Cotter?

With the inspiration of Mary Alessio, the Director of Development for Catholic Charities, Cotter was able to embrace the creative idea of having a physical symbol of compassion by creating a fence where students are able to decorate locks, and “lock in their compassion.”

Before Locks of Compassion came to Cotter, it was first started in Rochester, Minn., where people from all over the world came and placed a lock on the fence to demonstrate their compassion and unity. Mary Alessio wanted that compassion to keep rippling further, so she had the idea of asking Cotter to become involved because Cotter had participated with Catholic Charities fundraisers in the past.

With the help and coordination of Mrs. Annmarie DeMarais, Cotter came on board to be a part of the project, especially when there was an anonymous donation of 500 locks.

Not only are the students and teachers able to be more aware and think about compassion, but there was also an option of donating to help refugees.Each Flex homeroom group was given a challenge to purchase and decorate 10 locks.

So far, the fence has been up about one month, and is already full of locks, color, and compassion.

“I think it is going very well. There has already been about 400 locks put on the fence!” said Mrs. DeMarais.

No doubt has compassion continued to ripple. There are still plenty of locks to be decorated, so if you are in the mood to share or express your compassion, what better way than to get creative, decorate a lock, and lock in that compassion.