Recent News
Community gathers at United Way Ottawa’s Sharing our Strengths Community Conference
More than 200 people attended United Way Ottawa’s 9th annual Sharing our Strengths Community Conference, held today at Ashbury College. The conference brought together volunteers and staff from across the social services sector, as well as other community and business leaders, to network, build skills, share strengths and discuss important issues facing the sector.
United Way Ottawa invests $28.6 million in our community and launches new brand
At its annual Community Investment Announcement this morning, United Way Ottawa announced a record $28.6 million investment in programs, services and initiatives that support people in this community. It also unveiled the evolution of its community development work, announcing its move to specific and defined strategies that will address priority community issues to achieve enduring, meaningful and measurable change in our community.
United Way Ottawa honours outstanding people and organizations at 2010 Community Builder of the Year Awards Gala
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.
United Way Ottawa announces final 2009 community campaign results of $32,581,690
United Way Ottawa announced the final results of its 2009 fundraising campaign at its annual general meeting this afternoon. Surpassing the $31.7 million goal, a record-setting $32,581,690 was raised thanks to the dedication and generosity of supporters throughout the community. At the meeting, United Way also welcomed new members to its board of directors and thanked the outgoing members who have invested their time and expertise into this community.
Hire Immigrants Ottawa honoured with Arthur Kroeger College Award
United Way Ottawa congratulates Hire Immigrants Ottawa (HIO), recent recipient of an Arthur Kroeger College Award for Public Affairs. HIO is being recognized for its work promoting the integration of skilled immigrants into the workforce and addressing systemic barriers by bringing together employers, immigrants, agencies and other stakeholders.
United Way Ottawa welcomes new Vice President of Community Services
United Way Ottawa is pleased to welcome a new addition to its senior management team. Diane Bilodeau had assumed the role of Vice President, Community Services, where she will be responsible for providing leadership in the development of results-based community development plans and initiatives, and overseeing the investment and stewardship of resources in community initiatives and frontline programs.
United Way Ottawa seeks Community Builder of the Year nominations
United Way Ottawa is now accepting nominations for the 2010 Community Builder of the Year Awards. For the past decade this award has been a way for United Way to recognize people, organizations, partnerships, community agencies and groups who work unassumingly and collaboratively to improve the lives of others and build a better and stronger community for all.
United Way Ottawa Honours 2009 Community Builders at Wall Of Inspiration Ceremony
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.
Full Lunch Boxes for Little Mouths
OTTAWA, December 14, 2009 - This morning, United Way Ottawa and The Grocery Foundation announced a new partnership to support Ottawa's most vulnerable children living in emergency family shelters. Lunch Box is a program that will give children the opportunity to prepare healthy lunches to bring to school and learn about the importance of a nutritious diet.
United Way Ottawa, Enbridge Gas Distribution and Hydro Ottawa reunite to support 2009-2010 Winter Warmth program
OTTAWA, December 3, 2009 - United Way Ottawa, Enbridge Gas Distribution and Hydro Ottawa today launched the 2009-2010 Winter Warmth program, providing financial assistance to low-income families and people finding it difficult to pay their natural gas and electricity bills.
United Way Ottawa achieves record-breaking $30.7 million for community
Wednesday, December 2, 2009, Ottawa - United Way Ottawa announced this evening the results to date of the 2009 community campaign — $30,763,000. This is the first time that more than $30 million has been raised by Achievement night. This total exceeds the $29.9 million announced at last year's achievement by $842,000. More than 500 United Way supporters, volunteers and donors attended the celebration at the Shenkman Arts Centre. The 2009 campaign was launched on September 23 with a goal of $31.7 million.
Lasting effect of economic downturn hurts Ottawa's most vulnerable; agencies see dramatic rise in demand for social services
New United Way Ottawa report reveals need is greater than ever
Wednesday, November 25, 2009, Ottawa - A survey of more than 100 of Ottawa's social service agencies shows a dramatic increase in the demand for services and programs as a result of the economic downturn in the city.
Thousands of thanks from United Way Ottawa on SENSational Friday
Friday, November 20, 2009, Ottawa - United Way Ottawa's Leadership Donors (individuals who contribute $1,000 or more to the campaign) hit Scotiabank Place today for the invitation-only annual SENSational Friday event. Leadership Donors are an important segment in United Way's campaign. In 2008, 7,414 Leadership Donors contributed more than $12 million.
Crunch time is now for United Way Ottawa Campaign
Thursday, November 12, 2009, Ottawa - There are less than three weeks remaining in the 2009 United Way Ottawa community campaign and a little more than 30 per cent of the goal left to achieve. United Way is entering the homestretch on the heels of a successful teleblitz effort - Click. Call. GIVE. - which raised $17,193 today.
United Way Ottawa primed and ready for the going to get tough
OTTAWA, October 29, 2009 - United Way Ottawa has reached the halfway point in the 2009 Community Campaign. In an event this evening at Ottawa City Hall, volunteers and staff convened to report on the progress of the campaign, share highlights and look ahead to the second half. Jamie McCracken, Director of Education and Secretary Treasurer of the Ottawa Catholic School Board, and United Way's campaign chair, announced that $16,579,100 or 52.3% of the $31.7 million goal has been raised since the September 23 launch.
Community Action Days launched by United Way Ottawa and Volunteer Ottawa
Wednesday, September 30, 2009, Ottawa - This morning, United Way Ottawa and Volunteer Ottawa launched a new volunteer opportunity with the first installment of Community Action Days. Replacing the traditional Day of Caring program, Community Action Days will offer four opportunities - throughout United Way Ottawa's community campaign - for workplace groups across the city to get out from behind their desk and volunteer with community organizations.
United Way Ottawa announces record community campaign goal for 2009
Wednesday, September 23, 2009, Ottawa - Early this morning, at a breakfast event with more than 1,200 supporters, volunteers, donors and staff, United Way Ottawa announced its goal for the 2009 Community Campaign - $31.7 million.
Federal public servants and retirees launch National Government of Canada Workplace Charitable Campaign
Thursday, September 10, 2009, Ottawa - Today, federal government employees and retirees gathered on the grounds of Rideau Hall to launch the 2009 Government of Canada Workplace Charitable Campaign (GCWCC). William Baker, Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer of the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) and the 2009 National GCWCC Chair, revealed this year's goal for the National Capital Region - an impressive $20.5 million.
Cisco Ottawa Bluesfest and United Way Ottawa team up to rebuild New Orleans
Donors and volunteers are needed to support St. Bernard Project effort
Monday, July 13, 2009, Ottawa - Cisco Ottawa Bluesfest and United Way Ottawa will host a special guest at this year's festival - the St. Bernard Project (SBP), a non-profit group that rebuilds homes in the St. Bernard Parish of New Orleans. Co-founders and directors, Liz Mc Cartney and Zack Rosenburg, were recently recognized with the CNN 2008 Hero of the Year Award. Rosenburg, along with other volunteers will be at the festival to raise awareness of SBP and the ongoing housing crisis in New Orleans, and to raise money and encourage concertgoers to get
United Way Ottawa's Youth Action Panel Hands Out More Than $53,000 in Youth Grants for 2008/2009
Tuesday, June 2, 2009, Ottawa - This evening, United Way Ottawa's Youth Action Panel announced funding for 24 youth-led projects for 2008/2009. These grants are being put to work in a number of areas, including training for youth in engaging other youth to take action in their community, funding a film to highlight the issues of sexual abuse and mental health issues faced by youth, and supporting a group that will organize recreational activities for girls who cannot participate in gender-mixed activities due to cultural restrictions, to name but a few.
United Way Ottawa Honours Outstanding Individuals and Organizations at 2009 Community Builder of the Year Awards Gala
Thursday, September 10, 2009, Ottawa - Today, federal government employees and retirees gathered on the grounds of Rideau Hall to launch the 2009 Government of Canada Workplace Charitable Campaign (GCWCC). William Baker, Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer of the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) and the 2009 National GCWCC Chair, revealed this year's goal for the National Capital Region - an impressive $20.5 million.
United Way Ottawa invests record-breaking $26.8 million in community
Tuesday, May 26, 2009, Ottawa - This morning United Way/Centraide Ottawa announced it is investing $26.8 million in the community through agencies, programs and initiatives for 2009*. This exceeds investments from 2008 by $1.3 million.
Leadership Table on Homelessness launches 10-year plan, announces placement of 100 people in first year
Friday, May 22, 2009, Ottawa - This morning, the Leadership Table on Homelessness (LTH) announced that, through the support of the City of Ottawa, Ottawa Community Housing and the Centretown Citizens Ottawa Corporation, 100 chronically homeless people in our community will be placed in supportive housing within the next few weeks. The LTH also released Destination: Home, a plan for our community to address and eliminate chronic homelessness.
United Way Ottawa announces final 2008 community campaign results of $31,094,525
Tuesday, May 19, 2009, Ottawa - United Way/Centraide Ottawa announced the final results of the 2008 Community Campaign at its annual general meeting this afternoon. Surpassing the $31 million goal, a record-setting $31,094,525 was raised thanks to the dedication and generosity of supporters throughout the community. At the meeting, United Way/Centraide also welcomed new members to the board of directors and thanked the outgoing members who have invested their time and expertise into this community.