March 28, 2008, Ottawa – Mayor Larry O’Brien joined United Way/Centraide to honour Ottawa’s outstanding volunteers at the annual Wall of Inspiration Luncheon. Located in Jean Pigott Hall, the Wall of Inspiration lists generous volunteers who have received a Community Builder Award from United Way/Centraide. 
“The Wall of Inspiration is about bringing together outstanding volunteers and celebrating the positive imprint their work has left on our community,” said Michael Allen, President, United Way Ottawa. “Beyond our wishes to recognize their valuable work, we also want to inspire the rest of the community to become involved and play their own role in making Ottawa a stronger community.”
Today’s unveiling, co-hosted by United Way/Centraide’s chairs of volunteer recognition Michael O’Byrne and Karen Soloman, formally recognized the Community Builder Award recipients from 2007. The Wall of Inspiration is a reminder to residents and visitors alike of the enduring commitment that these individuals and organizations have made to Ottawa. This lasting tribute is made possible through Scotiabank’s generous contribution as sponsor of the Wall of Inspiration.
“Scotiabank believes strongly in giving back to the communities in which it does business,” said Dennis Jackson, District Vice-President, Scotiabank. “The Community Builder Wall of Inspiration exemplifies our corporate philosophy that everyone has the ability and the courage to make a real difference in the lives of others. The commitment of these people is truly touching.”
Joining Jackson at today’s unveiling was 2007 Community Builder Award Volunteer of the Year winner Marion Dewar, who was recognized for her commitment to many organizations such as Success By 6, the Ottawa Network for Children and the Ottawa Heart Institute, as well as for decades of volunteer commitment to this community
Included among those honoured today was Josh Bortolotti who advocates for Autism awareness and has taken his fight all the way to Parliament. He is also only fourteen years old. Kathy Angelo was awarded a Community Builder Award for her commitment to minor league hockey that has spanned more than a decade. Angelo also played an instrumental role in furthering the cause for more safety and fair play in the sport. The colourful story of balloon artist Terry Newcombe was also one that just had to be told. After discovering a new talent and passion, Newcombe set out to volunteer as a balloon artist for charities such as the Children’s Aid Society, Big Brothers Big Sisters Ottawa and United Way/Centraide.
United Way/Centraide’s Community Builder of the Year Awards for 2008 will be presented during a gala celebrating volunteerism in our community on Thursday, May 29, 2008. For more information on the Community Builder Award program and on the May 29 gala please visit http://www.unitedwayottawa.ca/english/CBawards2008.htm.
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.