Latest news with #OCH
CTV News
3 days ago
- General
- CTV News
24-hour pack-a-thon assembling 2,000 backpacks full of school supplies for kids
Volunteers pack backpacks full of school supplies for families living in Ottawa Community Housing. Aug. 8, 2025. (Camille Wilson/CTV News Ottawa) Ottawa Community Housing (OCH) volunteers are packing more than 2,000 backpacks in a 24-hour pack-a-thon. Around 100 volunteers will assemble thousands of school supplies for children and youth living in OCH communities. The Pack a Sack program helps to relieve low-income families that often make less than $2,000 per month from the financial hardship of buying school supplies, averaging about $100 per child. The backpacks are filled with school supplies, lunch bags, water bottles, pencils, markers and geometry sets, providing students from junior kindergarten to Grade 11 with all they need to have a successful school year. More than $60,000 worth of supplies were distributed in 2024, with even more expected to be distributed this year. Backpacks will be delivered to families on Tuesday.
Malaysian Reserve
16-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Malaysian Reserve
New Era Cap Expands Josh Allen Partnership, Grants Equity and Awards Him the Title "Director of Billustration"
Buffalo Bills Quarterback Teams Up with New Era® and Buffalo's Oishei Children's Hospital for Exclusive 9FORTY® Billustration Team Cap for the 2025 NFL Season 'Director of Billustration' Film LINKED HERE'Director of Billustration' Photos LINKED HERE BUFFALO, N.Y., July 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — New Era Cap, the international sports and lifestyle brand, is proud to announce that Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen is expanding his long-standing partnership with the company, becoming the first ambassador to receive an investment stake in the company and earning a new title as its first-ever 'Director of Billustration.' This is a renewed partnership as Allen has been a New Era ambassador since his rookie debut campaign in 2018. This new role will allow Allen to blend his love of the game, the city of Buffalo, and giving back to the community through an exclusive 9FORTY® Billustration Team Cap that was designed by the 2024 NFL Most Valuable Player. In collaboration with Buffalo's Oishei Children's Hospital (OCH) and the Patricia Allen Fund, Allen will wear nine different 9FORTY® Billustration Team Caps that have been specially customized by OCH patients during the tunnel fit walk at each Bills home game. After each game, the cap Allen wore will be auctioned off to the public with proceeds going to the Patricia Allen Fund. The Patricia Allen Fund benefits the critical care teams at OCH, with 100% of donations directly used for the care of Western New York's children and families. 'Buffalo has become home for me and giving back to the community through my partnership with New Era means a lot,' said Allen. 'The long-term partnership we have built over the years is personal. New Era has believed in me since I was a rookie, and I believe in the brand and where we are going. In my new role as Director of Billustration, I want to create something that connects football, fashion, and the amazing kids who inspire me every day.' The initiative marks a new chapter in New Era's longstanding support of Buffalo's sports culture and philanthropic community. 'Josh has been a valued member of the New Era family since his rookie season and we are beyond excited to deepen our partnership and expand our future together,' said Chris Koch, CEO at New Era. 'His new role at the company and unique vision will continue to strengthen our core values to be a progressive, authentic, and disruptive brand, while we find creative ways to give back to the local Buffalo community and beyond.' The exclusive 9FORTY® Billustration Team Cap was inspired by a hand drawn Buffalo Bills logo that Allen created. This viral moment was built into a two-minute film from New Era featuring Allen to announce the news of his new 'Director of Billustration' role. Allen filmed the content at New Era's corporate offices in Buffalo with appearances by Mark Maidment (SVP, Brand), Jesse Ladoue (Director, Marketing), Steve Gallo (General Manager, North America) and Andrew Cianflone (VP, Human Resources). The short film launched today, on July 16 (7/16), to help celebrate the city on 716 Day and show the commitment and pride that Allen and New Era have for the Buffalo community. Allen authenticated his new role as 'Director of Billustration' at New Era with the creation of his first ever professional LinkedIn page. The page will continue to amplify Allen's creative leadership role at the company, while sharing news of upcoming initiatives, projects, and product launches. The limited edition 9FORTY® Billustration Team Cap, in both a white and blue version, is available for public purchase and launches exclusively online today at ABOUT NEW ERA CAP: Since 1920, New Era Cap has been hand-crafting the finest headwear in the world. Today, with an expansive portfolio of global licenses, the addition of apparel and accessories lines, and 1,000+ worldwide retail store network, the brand is a market leader rooted in sports and an influencer of street and lifestyle culture around the world. The company is headquartered in Buffalo, NY, and its products are sold in more than 125 countries. For more information on New Era's global offices and partnerships, visit and social channels @neweracap. PRESS CONTACT: Marc SausaBerk Communications for New Era Cap, LLC newera@ Lauren MenacheNew Era Cap,
Ottawa Citizen
06-07-2025
- Health
- Ottawa Citizen
Kavanagh: Complex housing needs can't just be left to the city
Article content On June 6, the City of Ottawa's auditor general, Nathalie Gougeon, and deputy auditor general Joanne Gorenstein tabled a compelling report on supportive housing. It points to a growing reality: The rising demand for affordable and supportive housing, combined with the rising complexity of health, mental health and/or substance use issues presents our greatest opportunity to improve outcomes and efficiency. Article content Article content If we integrate health and housing systems more effectively — properly align service delivery and funding mechanisms — we can better support individuals who are unstably housed or living in supportive housing. Article content Article content Supportive housing providers in Ottawa — such as Ottawa Salus, Options Housing, John Howard Society, Shepherds of Good Hope, Cornerstone Housing for Women and others — do exceptional work supporting people with complex needs. But they require greater funding to address high-acuity clients. Article content As chair of Ottawa Community Housing's (OCH) Board, I know our team also does exceptional work housing people. But approximately 12 per cent of tenants struggle to live independently and require more than just a roof over their heads; they require on-site or health and social supports as well, what are referred to as 'wraparound' services. Community housing was not designed and is not funded for this. That's why OCH's Complex Care Housing Strategy and new partnerships such as the Matthew Perry House are so critical: They bring together health and housing to reduce chronic homelessness and keep people stably housed. Article content Article content Article content Supportive housing — and community housing with embedded supports — are proven solutions. They reduce homelessness, hospital visits and emergency service use. It's cost-effective and it works. Article content On June 11, Ottawa Council passed my motion to send the auditor's report to both provincial and federal health and housing Ministers. Our message is clear: We are aligned on the need for sustained and increased funding and coordinated action to strengthen supportive housing and broader health and housing systems. Article content If we are to meet the moment, we cannot keep asking cities and non-profits to do this work without the resources to do it well. We can only scale up with provincial and federal government support.
Ottawa Citizen
10-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Ottawa Citizen
Gray: How Ottawa is building affordable housing for older artists
Article content Our city has painstakingly built a vibrant creative culture, whether it is our wonderful summer music festivals, our striking Ottawa Art Gallery, our diverse theatre scene, our city orchestra. We've all benefited … but while the arts workers may have enormously satisfying creative years enriching their communities, as they age they discover a hard truth: the 'golden years' are far from golden. Article content Article content Work opportunities dwindle. Health deteriorates. Homelessness threatens. Dedicating oneself to the arts rarely allows the artist to accumulate savings and never guarantees any security in old age. As a member of The Writers Union of Canada (TWUC), I know how often my fellow authors, as they age, find themselves in difficulties. In fact, TWUC administers a special fund for those in need. Article content Article content But a handful of far-sighted cities have found a way to provide decent homes for senior arts workers that allows them to continue to express themselves while building an inclusive creative community for a whole neighbourhood. The first city to do this was Toronto in 1993, then Vancouver in 2006, Stratford in 2013 and very soon Ottawa. Article content Already under construction in the heart of Little Italy is PAL Place, an 86-unit apartment building specifically for older residents who have been active in the arts. This six-storey building is part of Ottawa Housing Corporation's Mosaïq development with 273 new residences from Phase Two joining the existing 140 from Phase One. PAL's units, like those elsewhere in the development, will be rented at both market and below-market rates. Article content Article content PAL Ottawa, the driving force behind PAL Place, is a volunteer organization of local people like me who love the arts; PAL Ottawa has already raised $1.7 million towards a goal of $2 million. These funds will be available to pay for a 2,500-sq.-ft. creative arts space in PAL Place as well as to provide additional financial assistance to residents who need it. Article content Article content PAL Ottawa's contribution will add a whole new dimension to this development and neighbourhood, because it makes PAL Place more than an affordable housing development. It will also be a dynamic centre of cultural activities, hosting performances, exhibitions, poetry readings and community gatherings. The creative space in PAL Place in Ottawa will be an arts hub not just for Mosaïq residents but for the whole neighbourhood. Article content PAL Place is modelled on the very successful experiences of the PALs in Toronto and Vancouver. It is based on an approach from Ottawa Community Housing (OCH) to PAL Ottawa, in which OCH suggested a partnership. The two organizations signed a memorandum of understanding with the expectation that 40 per cent of the units would be below-market rates. OCH is the landlord and PAL Ottawa has a 20-year renewable block lease and the responsibility to bring in residents from its growing list of more than 200 applicants, many of whom already meet the city's criteria for subsidized housing. This is the first time a charity has partnered with the city in this way.
Business Upturn
26-05-2025
- Business
- Business Upturn
News Release: Ottawa Community Housing Launches First-Ever Volunteer Engagement Impact Report
Ottawa, May 26, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — May 26, 2025 – Ottawa, ON – Ottawa Community Housing (OCH) has released its inaugural Volunteer Impact Report, celebrating an estimated $428,249 in community value generated through volunteer projects in 2024. The report outlines the contributions of Corporate Volunteers, staff and tenants. As well as the far-reaching impacts volunteers have on OCH communities. Corporate Volunteers Fuel Local Impact More than 40 corporate groups contributed their time and resources in 2024, often as part of their Corporate Social Responsibility efforts. Their work supported community initiatives – from constructing garden beds and beautifying outdoor spaces to supporting food programs and wellness events, helping reduce social isolation, promote connection, and enhance shared spaces across the city. 'Everyone deserves to feel proud of where they live,' said a volunteer from Export Development Canada who helped plant 60 trees in Overbrook. 'It's a true privilege to contribute to that.' Tenants at the heart of Community Building Supported through OCH's Community Development team, tenant volunteers continue to make an incredible difference in their neighbourhoods. In 2024, tenant-led efforts supported more than 2,000 events across 77 communities. Twenty-seven tenant leaders helped coordinate and support impactful corporate volunteer projects, demonstrating the power of community collaboration. Supporting Community Through Team Engagement OCH staff play a key role in supporting volunteer initiatives – helping to coordinate logistics, strengthen relationships with partners, and ensure that projects align with tenant priorities. In 2024, OCH staff supported a record 25 community-building projects through OCH's Employee Engagement Program, reinforcing its commitment to community engagement and OCH's values of Collaboration, Accountability, Respect and Excellence. As the 2025 season gets underway, OCH is looking to expand its network of volunteer partners to support even more tenant-focused initiatives. Organizations interested in getting involved are encouraged to connect with OCH to explore upcoming opportunities. Quotes: 'The Volunteer Engagement Program was established to foster pride in our communities. As we drive innovation and growth within the program, we are thrilled to see a multitude of generous community groups stepping forward to participate. The impact of these projects generates a powerful ripple effect throughout the Corporation. Thank you to the 10,000 volunteers who have given their time to OCH and continue to give each year.' Stéphane Giguère, Chief Executive Officer, OCH 'The Volunteer Engagement Program is fundamentally about making meaningful connections that change lives. Through its diverse initiatives, we pursue one clear goal: to create a significant impact. From small acts of kindness to substantial building projects, volunteerism embodies the fusion of compassion and action.' Mehdi Louzouaz, Manager, Volunteer Engagement, OCH -30- About Ottawa Community HousingOttawa Community Housing offers approximately 15,550 homes to about 33,000 tenants, including seniors, families, individuals, and people with disabilities. These homes are located in various communities throughout Ottawa and house a diverse population with different languages, cultures, and ethnicities. OCH is Ottawa's primary community housing provider, managing two-thirds of the city's housing portfolio and ranking as the second largest in Ontario. In 2025, OCH earned recognition for the eighth consecutive year as one of the National Capital Region's Top Employers. | X | LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram | Bluesky By the numbers from 2011 to 2024:
