The United Way E-Newsletter

Wednesday, May 19, 2010, Ottawa – This evening, United Way Ottawa hosted its 10th annual Community Builder of the Year Awards Gala at the Westin Ottawa. More than 900 attended the event to celebrate the people, organizations, partnerships, agencies or neighbourhood groups that work tirelessly and passionately to make our community a better place.

“The Community Builder Awards give us all fresh insight into the remarkable people and organizations who give of themselves, who take action and who make change happen in our community,” said Michael Allen, President and CEO, United Way Ottawa. “All of tonight’s recipients are shining examples of what can be achieved when people set their hearts and minds on making this community a better place for all. They have stood up, said what they want their community to be and have set out to build it. These awards are our way of honouring them and inspiring others to follow their lead.”

This year’s Community Builder of the Year Award recipient is Vern White, Chief of Police of the Ottawa Police Service. Much of the work he has done for this community will have far-ranging impact for years to come.  In the works for 20 years already, plans for a residential youth drug treatment centre received a much-needed boost of energy and action when Chief White became involved. Now known as the project s.t.e.p. campaign, $4.8 million has been raised to date, thanks in part to Chief White’s perseverance in generating support from government, business and community leaders, his enthusiasm when making countless presentations, and his presence at many different fundraising events. Even after the treatment centres are up and running, Chief White will remain a vocal champion for better education in our schools about substance abuse so that youth can make the right choices.

Chief White is no stranger to helping others. He is always ready and willing to help, whether as a spokesperson for the Ottawa Food Bank, a member of the Leadership Table on Homelessness, a participant in the Ottawa Humane Society’s Wiggle Waggle Walkathon or a champion of Project North, which delivered sporting equipment to isolated communities in Canada’s Far North. He has been quoted as saying that being at the helm of our community’s police force is his dream job: “I wake up…every morning and I pinch myself.”

Ten other awards were handed out this evening:

 

For more information on United Way Ottawa, please contact:
Kate Headley, United Way Ottawa
Phone: 613-683-3823 or Cell: 613-294-8128
E-mail: kheadley@unitedwayottawa.ca
Website: www.unitedwayottawa.ca