Table of Contents
- An achievement to be proud of
- Working together to keep people warm this winter
- Lasting effect of economic downturn hurts Ottawa’s most vulnerable
- Who you gonna call? In first year, 20,000 people in Ottawa dialed 2-1-1!
- Call for nominations for 2010 Employer Excellence Awards
- Special offer to see John McDermott with special guest Prairie Oyster’s Russell De Carle at Centrepointe Theatre
An achievement to be proud of
Thousands of people who receive support will continue to benefit from the community’s generosity, thanks to a record-breaking United Way Ottawa campaign.
Amid thunderous applause and jubilant cheers when the $30.7 million achievement total was revealed December 2 at the Shenkman Arts Centre, campaign chair Jamie McCracken remarked on how the results will translate into “a big helping hand for so many people.”
He went on to say at the achievement celebration that United Way will continue to work hard to reach its campaign goal of $31.7 million. “We will continue to work hard for every dollar that is left because we know how many lives we can change with those dollars,” he told the 500-plus crowd.
There is still time for people to play a part in this year’s community campaign and to help United Way reach its goal. To make a donation, please call 613-228-6767 or click here.
Working together to keep people warm this winter
United Way Ottawa, Enbridge Gas Distribution and Hydro Ottawa have reunited again this year to support the 2009-2010 Winter Warmth Program. This program provides financial assistance to low-income families and people finding it difficult to pay their natural gas and electricity bills.
“We are delighted once again this year to work with Hydro Ottawa and Enbridge on this important initiative that has helped so many families in need,” said Michael Allen, President and CEO of United Way. “The leadership of these organizations has helped to keep the lights and heat on for hundreds of families in Ottawa. Our community has benefited greatly from their commitment to this program.”
United Way oversees the program, which is delivered through a network of local agencies and centrally administered by the Salvation Army Ottawa Booth Centre. Hydro Ottawa and Enbridge Gas Distribution are the funding utilities for the Ottawa program. Families and people needing financial assistance to pay their heating and hydro bills can find information about the Winter Warmth Program at their nearest community organization or by contacting the Salvation Army Ottawa Booth Centre at 613-241–1573, ext. 257.
Lasting effect of economic downturn hurts Ottawa’s most vulnerable
On November 25, United Way Ottawa released From Obstacles to Innovation: The Impact of the Economic Downturn on Ottawa’s Social Service Sector.
To determine the continuing effects of the economic downturn on the social service sector, United Way Ottawa, in partnership with the Ottawa Chamber of Volunteer Organizations, Volunteer Ottawa and 211 Ottawa, surveyed a sample of Ottawa’s social service agencies, their clients, and funders and grant-makers for these agencies. The community scan found that, over the past nine months, agencies have seen a sharp increase in demand for their services and programs.
“A striking 84 per cent of agencies saw a rise in demand across all demographic groups,” said Karen Diguer, Senior Director, Planning and Evaluation, United Way. “The largest increase came from the areas of children and youth, new Canadians and immigrants, people with mental health issues and women.”
Agencies have responded to the demand by increasing partnerships with other agencies – for example, the recent merger between Nepean Support Services and Western Ottawa Community Resource Centre - and sharing materials, resources and space. “They are turning obstacles into opportunities,” said Karen. “United Way is assisting with web resources, facilitating collaborations and partnerships between agencies and, with the guidance of a roundtable of executive directors and non-profit leaders, discussing ways to adapt to the increased demand and to strengthen the resiliency of the sector in the long term.”
To see the full report, visit our Resiliency Resources section.
Who you gonna call? In first year, 20,000 people in Ottawa dialed 2-1-1!
This fall marks 211 Ottawa’s first-year anniversary. 211 is an information and referral service that connects callers to a full range of community, social, government and health service information in Ottawa. United Way Ottawa led a broad group of stakeholders in bringing this service to Ottawa and continues to support the initiative According to the Community Information Centre of Ottawa (CICO), which manages 211, the service has received more than 20,000 calls since its launch (see full report here).
An invaluable supporting 211 partner is the Government of Ontario, which pledged a $13 million commitment last year to ensure people can reach the services they need — from affordable housing and health services for seniors, to support for new Canadians or the francophone community.
“211 is a valuable tool for keeping Ottawa residents connected to their community,” said Madeleine Meilleur, MPP of Ottawa-Vanier and Minister of Community and Social Services. “For a community to be great, it has to be great for all. 211 is a lifeline for everyone, linking them to the community services and organizations that make Ottawa the safe, healthy and supportive city it is.”
“Without a doubt, 211 is an essential service in our community, one that plays a significant role in enhancing the quality of life of residents,” said Michael Allen, President and CEO, United Way. “Beyond that, the calls received by 211 offer United Way an extraordinary glance into our city and the people who call it home by providing data concerning emerging trends and patterns of need.”
United Way congratulates the staff and volunteers at CICO for a successful first year. With efforts under way to increase service hours to 24/7 and to expand into the rest of Eastern Ontario, the future is bright for all of those who benefit from the service right here in our community.
Dial 2-1-1 today – untangle life’s challenges.
Call for nominations for 2010 Employer Excellence Awards
Since 2008, local employers who recruit and retain skilled immigrants have had a chance to showcase their efforts by competing for an Employer Excellence Award. The awards are sponsored by Hire Immigrants Ottawa (HIO), a community-based initiative that brings together employers, immigrant agencies and stakeholders to create employment opportunities for skilled immigrants in the Ottawa area. HIO’s partners include United Way Ottawa, the City of Ottawa, LASI World Skills, Le Regroupement des gens d’affaires de la Capitale nationale, Ottawa Centre for Research and Innovation, and Ottawa Chamber of Commerce.
Employers enter according to their size: small employer (fewer than 100 employees); mid-size employer (100 to 500 employees); and large employer (more than 500 employees). They also choose one of two categories: recruitment; or retention of skilled immigrants in the workplace.
Last year’s recipients were:
- Recruitment of skilled immigrants – University of Ottawa, and Human Resources and Skills Development Canada
- Retention of skilled immigrants – Citizen Advocacy of Ottawa and l’Association pour l’intégration sociale d’Ottawa.
HIO is now accepting applications for the 2010 Employer Excellence Awards from employers in the National Capital Region.
For more information and to download an application form, visit www.hireimmigrantsottawa.ca. The deadline for submissions is February 8, 2010.
Special offer to see John McDermott with special guest Prairie Oyster’s Russell De Carle at Centrepointe Theatre
December 19 at 8:00 pm & December 20 at 3:00 pm
Join beloved Canadian tenor John McDermott for “A Musical Tribute to Our Veterans,” to salute the men and women who have served, given their lives for our country and continue to serve. John is delighted to have Russell De Carle from Prairie Oyster as his special guest for the Centrepointe concert and upcoming tour dates.
The tribute is all about Canadians supporting Canadians. Fans of John McDermott can help to make a difference and show that they care about our brave men and women in the Canadian Forces by purchasing tickets for his tour.
It is in this spirit that United Way is pleased to offer $5 off your ticket purchase. To arrange for tickets with this offer, please quote the promotion code “THANKYOU” when you call 613-580-2700, or enter online at www.centrepointetheatre.com .