Wednesday, February 10, 2010, Ottawa – United Way Ottawa honoured recipients of Community Builder Awards (CBA) in 2009 at the annual Wall of Inspiration luncheon. Mayor Larry O’Brien joined United Way volunteers and staff, to thank the individuals and organizations for their contributions to our community.
“United Way thanks each and every one of our Community Builders Award recipients for making a difference in our community,” said Michael Allen, President and CEO, United Way Ottawa. “Their hard work and dedication inspires us to see that together we can create the kind of community we all want to live in — one that is inclusive and supportive, strong and healthy.”
Today’s event, which saw the formal addition of the 2009 Community Builder Award recipient names to the Wall, was hosted by three members of United Way’s volunteer recognition team, Michael O’Byrne, Karen Soloman and Suzanne Pinel (Sarah Onyango and Lucy van Oldenbarneveld are also members). Located in Jean Pigott Hall, the Scotiabank Community Builder Wall of Inspiration is a permanent display that lists all individuals who have received United Way CBAs. It is a reminder to residents and visitors alike of the enduring commitment that these individuals and organizations have made to Ottawa.
“This wall recognizes the unwavering commitment to this community that exists in each of the recipients,” said Dennis Jackson, United Way Ottawa Board of Directors Chair and District Vice-President, Scotiabank. “It is truly a privilege for Scotiabank to be a part of their legacy of inspiration.”
Helping to unveil the addition of the 2009 recipients’ names on the Wall of Inspiration was Peter Tilley, Executive Director of the Ottawa Food Bank. The Ottawa Food Bank received a 2009 CBA of the Year Award for its work supporting individuals and families in need and crisis. The Ottawa Food Bank serves an average of 43,000 people per month in our community. Going above and beyond to feed hungry people in Ottawa for the past 25 years is what earned them this award.
Among those honoured today were Gilles Patry, Marlene Shepherd and Zahide Yilbas. Gilles Patry is a man dedicated to providing well-rounded education for students of the University of Ottawa. Among many other fundraising initiatives, Patry established the United Way University of Ottawa Student Emergency Fund, which has raised more than $200,000 to help students stay in school during times of personal financial crisis. As a dedicated volunteer at the Youville Centre for more than 17 years, Marlene Shepherd is an inspiration to the young women she works with and continues to motivate others to volunteer in the community. Zahide Yilbas received a CBA for her dedication to helping more than 200 immigrant women, like herself, make a better life here in Canada.
Also being recognized at today’s event was Stephen Greenberg, the 2009 Community Builder of the Year Award recipient. Greenberg has been a member of the United Way Ottawa Board of Directors since 2000 and, among his many volunteer positions in our community, chaired United Way’s Community Campaign in 2003. In December 2008, the Greenberg family dedicated $1 million over five years to after school programs for youth.
The United Way 2010 Community Builder of the Year Awards Gala will take place on Wednesday, May 19, 2010. For more information on the CBA program and this year’s gala, please visit www.unitedwayottawa.ca.
For more information, please contact:
Kate Headley, United Way Ottawa
Phone: (613) 221-0063
E-mail: nbaker@unitedwayottawa.ca