June 10, 2008, Ottawa - This morning, Leonard Potechin and Ronald Caza launched a capital campaign, supported by United Way Ottawa, that aims to raise $6 million for the establishment of the Ottawa Residential Youth Treatment Centre. The campaign was launched at a press conference at the United Way/Centraide offices, in conjunction with strong support from the Ottawa community and Premier Dalton McGuinty's announcement that the Government of Ontario has committed to providing an estimated $2.4 million annually in operating costs for the two centres.
"This is an issue that is very close to my heart - and it's an issue I've worked on for close to a decade," said Campaign Co-Chair, Leonard Potechin of The Regional Group. "Each and every one of us in this community can play a role in making this happen in Ottawa."
"Working with United Way/Centraide's support, we will reach out to those in this community who care about the future and welfare of our youth," said Campaign Co-Chair, Ronald Caza of Heenan Blaikie LLP. "We will ask for your support. And we will achieve our goal."
Breakdown of $6 million goal:
- $3 million for the acquisition and retrofitting of the treatment centres - one in the East end serving the Francophone community and one in the West end serving the Anglophone community
- $3 million for substance abuse prevention and education programs for youth and their families
The Ottawa Senators Foundation, along with an exceptional group of community leaders, has demonstrated tremendous financial support for these initiatives through generous lead gifts to the Campaign. Mayor Larry O'Brien and the City of Ottawa have committed $250,000 a year to prevention and education programs. Community champions, including Police Chief Vern White and Dr. Rob Cushman of the Champlain Local Health Integration Network, and service providers including the Dave Smith Youth Treatment Centre and Maison Fraternité, have also pledged their commitment to making this vision a reality for Ottawa youth and their families.
"For the past two decades, we have known that Ottawa needed such a place. Today marks the beginning of making this long awaited dream a reality," said Michael Allen, President/CEO of United Way/Centraide.
The facilities will be the first of their kind in the region, as there are currently no residential addiction treatment programs in Ottawa for youth aged 13-17.
About United Way/Centraide Ottawa
United Way Ottawa's mission is to bring people and resources together to build a strong, healthy, safe, community for all. By bringing people together from all parts of our community to identify, develop and provide solutions to community needs, we promise that the donations we receive go where they are needed most. In 2008, United Way Ottawa made a record community investment to support more than 200 projects, programs and partnerships, in more than 100 community organizations.
For more information, please contact:
Kate Headley, United Way Ottawa
Phone: (613) 221-0063 or Cell: (613) 325-9133
E-mail: nbaker@unitedwayottawa.ca