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CELEBRATING OTTAWA’S VOLUNTEERS

The 2024 VOscars Volunteer Awards

Join us at the VOscars Volunteer Awards Gala on October 24 to celebrate all our finalists — and to hear the winners announced live!

The VOscars Volunteer Awards Gala is the highlight of the year for the city’s volunteers and non-profits. The 2024 VOscars Awards Gala will take place on Thursday, October 24 at the Preston Event Centre. 

This beloved annual event celebrates Ottawa’s vibrant volunteer spirit and gives special recognition to those individuals, organizations, and businesses who have made a difference in the community.  

Nominations in seven award categories were submitted by the public between April 15 and June 28. Read about this year’s finalists below — winners will be anounced live at the Gala!

“Year after year, day in and day out, Ottawa depends on volunteers to improve lives, break down barriers and create opportunities for people across our city. […] Volunteers represent the kind of quiet determination and heroism that inspires others to act.”

— Geoff Simpson, CFO Hydro Ottawa

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Announcing the 2024 Lifetime Achievement Award recipient:

Bharat Rudra

Photo headshot of Bharat Rudra in a circle frame.Bharat Rudra is the 2024 recipient of Volunteer Ottawa’s Lifetime Achievement Award, a prestigious honour recognizing his over 35 years of impactful and wide-ranging community service.

As the co-founder and volunteer President of TiE Ottawa for 23 years, Bharat has played a pivotal role in empowering countless local entrepreneurs and shaping the entrepreneurial ecosystem. He has also served as an advisor to the City of Ottawa Immigrant Entrepreneur Awards for the past decade. Bharat co-founded Dhadkan, a nonprofit that has significantly supported the Ottawa Heart Institute by raising over $10 million for heart disease research over ten years. His commitment to cultural engagement led him to initiate Ottawa’s first Punjabi radio show and establish the city’s inaugural Bhangra dance team, both of which have strengthened cultural ties and promoted heritage among Indo-Canadian youth. Bharat also served as Vice President of the Indo-Canadian Community Center and currently volunteers as a member of Algonquin College’s Board of Governors. Additionally, he has organized and supported several dozen charity events, including the notable ‘India Day’ with the Ottawa Senators, to integrate and celebrate Indo-Canadian culture within the broader community.

Bharat’s community service has been previously recognized with several awards, including the Order of Ottawa in 2020. A graduate of the University of Ottawa computer engineering program, Bharat is Vice-President of 123worx, an Ottawa-based software company.

Previous Lifetime Achievement Award Winners
2023 – Sarah Onyango
2022 – Marc Jolicoeur 
2020/1 – Jacquelin Holzman 
2019 – Dennis Jackson 
2018 – James McCracken 
2017 – Dave Smith
2016 – Coralie Lalonde 
2015 – Jim Durrell 
2014 – Barbara McInnes 
2013 – Grete Hale
2012 – Lawrence Greenspon 
2011 – Max Keeping

The 2024 VOscars Volunteer Awards

Outstanding Youth Volunteer Award

Outstanding Older Adult Volunteer Award

Leadership in Skilled Volunteering Award

Leadership in Corporate Volunteerism Award

Pathways to Possibilities Award

Outstanding Volunteer Program Award

Mayor’s Award for Volunteer Spirit

Outstanding Youth Volunteer Award Finalists

Award for: Individuals​

The Outstanding Youth Volunteer Award celebrates an Ottawa youth who has made a significant contribution to their community through volunteering.

Avery Laprade

Avery Laprade is a 2024 Youth Volunteer Award finalist nominated for her work with BBBSO at their Thrive Select Thrift Store, Family Services Ottawa, Relay for Life, and her leadership in volunteering at her school. In 2023, she held a crucial role in raising $51,000 for FSO’s Music on a Mission event supporting mental health in Ottawa.

Avery Laprade

Avery is a dedicated student, volunteer, athlete, and a loving friend and daughter. She devotes her time to volunteering through 3 main organizations: Family Services Ottawa, Big Brothers Big Sisters Ottawa, and Relay for Life. In 2023 Avery played a crucial role in gaining sponsors for FSOs Music on a Mission event that raised $51,000 that went towards Mental Health in Ottawa. Throughout the last 2 years Avery has volunteered for BBBSO’s social enterprise Thrive which funds the Mentor/Mentee program. Finally, through Relay for Life, Avery held an elevated position in 2024 to help her peers raise over $55,000 for The Canadian Cancer Society. 

Within her school career she has attended St. Patrick Elementary, St. Joseph High School, and Sacred Heart High School where she has put time into improving her schools and the surrounding community. Avery is the Vice President of Student Council and Chair of Relay for Life alongside many other roles. She was picked as the “OSCB Student” of Sacred Heart and represented her school through the Student Trustees. Being a Peer Ambassador and Peer Mentor, Avery helps new students around the school and mentors younger 7/8 students, helping them find the right paths for high school. She is seen as a leader in her community for all students and plans to continue this work through her final year of high school. 

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Kaitlin Bertin

Kaitlin Bertin is a 2024 Youth Volunteer Award finalist nominated for her quiet dedication to regular volunteering with the Ottawa Food Bank, which has been an inspiration to youth, co-volunteers, corporate groups, and staff. In addition to working weekly as a food sorting volunteer, Kaitlin also takes on a leadership role as a food sorting ambassador, helping youth and corporate volunteers make their own contributions. She has donated over 400 hours of her time this year, and 1,700 in the last five years.

Kaitlin Bertin

Kaitlin is twenty-three years old and has been volunteering for 3 years as a weekly food sorting volunteer at the Ottawa Food Bank. Kaitlin also takes on leadership roles as a food sorting ambassador, helping youth during youth sorting shifts and helping corporations when they come to the Ottawa Food Bank.  

According to her nomination, Kaitlin has shown quiet dedication to volunteering and has inspired youth, co-volunteers, corporate groups, and staff at the Ottawa Food Bank.  

Kaitlin loves Harry Potter, Archie comics, and baking and cooking. She loves to make people smile when they really need a smile. 

Read full bio

Sara Acharya

Sara Acharya is a 2024 Youth Volunteer Award finalist nominated for her ongoing work with children, including children with special needs. She has given 1,000 hours of her time in the last 3 years to organizations including Ausome Ottawa (now closed), the Boys and Girls Club of Ottawa, local food banks, and her school. This is Sara’s second year in a row as a finalist for this award.

Sara Acharya

Sara Acharya is a 16-year-old going into her final year of high school who finds so much joy in volunteering with kids — with and without special needs. Sara worked with autistic kids for almost 2 1/2 years and has now started to work with children without special needs and loves all elements of both opportunities. She has completed around 1000 community service hours in the past 3 years and can’t wait to continue her journey working with so many different people and learning so much along the way.  

When she's not working with children, she loves helping out at the Boys and Girls Clubs of Ottawa and helping out with food drives near the holidays for the less fortunate. During her time at Ashbury college (current high school) she created and helped launch the environmental club for the junior school so they can have a fun and engaging way to learn about the environment. This program has grown so much, and she can’t wait to see where it goes next. Personally, Sara can’t wait to continue her volunteering through university where she hopes to study in a concurrent education program to be a teacher. 

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Outstanding Older Adult Volunteer Award FInalists

Award for: Individuals

Sponsored by the Ottawa Branch of the National Association of Federal Retirees

The Outstanding Older Adult Volunteer Award is given to an older adult volunteer who has made a meaningful impact in the community through their volunteering.

Caroline Wilcox

Caroline Wilcox is a 2024 Older Adult Volunteer Award finalist nominated for her incredible work in a variety of roles supporting Foodsharing Ottawa for the last 3 years, including operations lead and communications team lead. Caroline’s dedication, leadership, and ability to inspire through action make her a true role model in the community. Her influence extends beyond the immediate organization, encouraging a broader culture of volunteerism and community service.

Caroline Wilcox

Caroline has been volunteering with Foodsharing Ottawa (FSO) since 2021. Retiring after almost 33 years in the federal public service, she helped FSO grow from an organization of 12 volunteers to over 80 volunteers.  A strong proponent of the 3 Rs (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle), reducing food waste is a cause that perfectly aligns with her values. In her current role, she is helping to spread awareness of the issues around food waste and of what FSO is doing in our community. In addition to volunteering for FSO, she loves to golf in the summer and volunteers with her ladies’ league as well as with the CPKC Women’s Open golf tournament. Originally from Montreal, Caroline now lives in Ottawa with her husband of 23 years. 

Within her school career she has attended St. Patrick Elementary, St. Joseph High School, and Sacred Heart High School where she has put time into improving her schools and the surrounding community. Avery is the Vice President of Student Council and Chair of Relay for Life alongside many other roles. She was picked as the “OSCB Student” of Sacred Heart and represented her school through the Student Trustees. Being a Peer Ambassador and Peer Mentor, Avery helps new students around the school and mentors younger 7/8 students, helping them find the right paths for high school. She is seen as a leader in her community for all students and plans to continue this work through her final year of high school. 

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George Thwaites

George Thwaites is a 2024 Older Adult Volunteer Award finalist who has been volunteering for 50 years, since he was a teenager. He was nominated for his leadership as a volunteer with Shelter Movers Ottawa, where he has touched many lives through both volunteering and mentorship and helps with an average of 5 moves a month.

George Thwaites

George has lived in the Ottawa area since 1978 after having grown up in Whitby, Ontario.   He and his wife, Line, live in Orléans where they raised their two now grown sons, Maxime and Sébastien.   George worked in both the federal public service and private sector for over 35 years before retiring in 2014.   

George has volunteered in his community since he was a teenager.  These roles included coaching and administering youth sports for over 40 years (e.g. Gloucester Dragons Recreational Soccer, Blackburn Minor Hockey), participating on school parent councils at École de L’Étoile de l’Ést and Garneau, and on Ottawa's park and recreation committee, and serving in different roles at Orleans United Church.  Since his retirement, he has volunteered with Ronald McDonald Family Room, Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario, the Ottawa Network for Education at various local elementary schools, on Queen's University Council, and at the Navan Curling Club.  He is currently actively volunteering with the Eastern Ottawa Resource Centre (Meals on Wheels), at Orleans United and with Shelter Movers Ottawa, where he has served as a Lead Mover for almost four years and completed over 150 moves.  

George also enjoys travelling the world, curling and writing poetry and short stories. 

According to her nomination, Kaitlin has shown quiet dedication to volunteering and has inspired youth, co-volunteers, corporate groups, and staff at the Ottawa Food Bank.  

Kaitlin loves Harry Potter, Archie comics, and baking and cooking. She loves to make people smile when they really need a smile. 

Read full bio

Joan Coulter

Joan Coulter is a 2024 Older Adult Volunteer Award finalist nominated for her lifelong volunteer work, including 44 years with the Girl Guides of Canada. Joan is described as “one of those ‘behind the scenes’ kind of volunteers” who happily do their work without needing recognition. We are thrilled to recognize her nonetheless.

Joan Coulter

Joan began volunteering in high school, following the example of her parents who were actively involved in their community. After university Joan came to Ottawa to work for the federal government and immediately became a volunteer leader with Girl Guides of Canada. Throughout her time with the government and subsequent years as a teacher, she led Guiding units at all age levels. Joan loves supporting and empowering youth to explore ideas and interests, develop confidence, and build teamwork and leadership skills; she never tires of seeing their excitement when they achieve a goal they felt was impossible. Joan also volunteers as a Girl Guide Trainer, leading workshops for youth and adults, and a Community Guider, supporting leaders in providing the best possible program for youth members.  

Throughout the years Joan has also led activities for children and youth at her church and volunteered at their Out of the Cold outreach program. When her own children arrived, she helped on their field trips and led a children’s choir, and they volunteered together at Out of the Cold and other events and fundraisers. Joan is currently a board member for a church camp and retreat centre that welcomes all people and helps with program support. 

Joan believes in the power of communities working together to support one another and tries to help others find fulfilment through volunteering. 

When she's not working with children, she loves helping out at the Boys and Girls Clubs of Ottawa and helping out with food drives near the holidays for the less fortunate. During her time at Ashbury college (current high school) she created and helped launch the environmental club for the junior school so they can have a fun and engaging way to learn about the environment. This program has grown so much, and she can’t wait to see where it goes next. Personally, Sara can’t wait to continue her volunteering through university where she hopes to study in a concurrent education program to be a teacher. 

Read full bio

Leadership in Skilled Volunteering Award Finalists

Award for: Individuals​

The Leadership in Skilled Volunteering Award is given to someone who regularly volunteers in a position that uses their professional skills. For example, an accountant who assists with yearly tax clinics, a carpenter who helps increase accessibility in Ottawa by building and installing ramps, or a communications specialist who designs outreach campaigns.

Diana Official

Diana Official is a 2024 Skilled Volunteering Award finalist nominated for her commitment to civic engagement as a means of contributing to the development of the English and French-speaking BIPOC community. Her volunteer work includes being program manager at the Atelier d’Innovation Social, co-founder of the non-profit Integration 101 BIPOC, and program coordinator for the Ottawa Black Film Festival, and operations director at the Haitian Chamber of Commerce. Her commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion drives her work, which she started at the age of 12.

Diana Official

As a finalist for the Leadership in Skilled Volunteering Award, Diana Official exemplifies exceptional leadership and dedication to community advancement. Starting at just 12 years old working alongside her Haitian father in his store, Diana learned the value of hard work and community support early on. Her leadership was further showcased as President of the Saint Paul University Student Association, where she executed impactful events like "Noirs à tue tête" and "Backlash," receiving recognition from Apt613, The Mainstreeter, Black Scene Ottawa, and The National Post. 

Diana's contributions extend beyond student leadership. As an effective member of the Haitian Chamber of Commerce, she has played a key role in fostering business and cultural connections within the community. In her role as curator of Creative Out Loud - Out Loud Creative - Créativité À Tue Tête, she has championed innovative projects that celebrate diverse artistic voices. Her second edition of Black Out Loud, known as "The Echoes of the Motherland," gained even more exposure, highlighting the remarkable talents within the community through art exhibits, poetry, culinary arts, and more. Diana has also toured across Canada to promote the screening of her films. 

Her commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion drives her work, using communication as an interdisciplinary tool to leverage her skills for community growth, and advocacy. Diana's vast experience and unwavering dedication over more than 10 years make her a worthy finalist for this prestigious award. 

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George E. C. Macdonald

George E. C. Macdonald is a 2024 Skilled Volunteering Award finalist nominated for his years of volunteering as a leader, speaker, mentor, and tutor. Whether using his experience to serve on a Board, do public outreach, or to act as an extra pair of hands wherever needed, his nomination says “his unassuming presence and gentle manner while continuously filling in various positions is noteworthy.”

George E. C. Macdonald

Lieutenant-General (Retired) George Macdonald served 38 years in the Canadian Forces, culminating his career as Vice Chief of the Defence Staff from 2001 to 2004. He then spent 12 years working in a consulting firm working on defence and security issues. 

Initially, George spent several years as an operational fighter pilot. Throughout his career, he held many leadership positions in Ottawa, and has served in Germany and Norway, and Colorado Springs, Colorado. 

George is a graduate of the University of Calgary and the National Defence College. He has been published on several topics, including change leadership, interoperability, knowledge management, defence procurement and advocacy. 

Since full retirement in 2017, he has focused on several volunteer activities in addition to being an avid golfer. He remains an active volunteer with the Barrhaven Food Cupboard, currently serving as Past President and other capacities. He was on the Council of the Barrhaven United Church for 12 years and continues on the executives of the Royal Victorian Order Association of Canada and the National Aviation Museum Society. He has been a presiding official for citizenship ceremonies and is a medical courier for the Ottawa Hospital. He has also been involved for about 18 years in language tutoring with People, Words & Change and is currently focusing on helping Ukrainians new to Canada. He is married to Melanie, and they have two children and four grandchildren. 

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Megan Bloskie

Megan Bloskie is a 2024 Skilled Volunteering Award finalist nominated for her work as the Board of Directors Treasurer with Dress for Success Ottawa. Megan was looking for a chance to use her professional skills to contribute to local causes, and when her colleague introduced her to Dress for Success, the mission of empowering women and gender non-conforming individuals strongly resonated with her. Her diligent and meticulous work has been an invaluable asset.

Megan Bloskie

Megan Bloskie grew up in the Ottawa Valley town of Barry’s Bay where she learned the importance of giving back to the community. Upon graduating from Brock University with a Bachelor of Accounting (Honours), she relocated to Ottawa and accepted a position with Hendry Warren LLP Chartered Professional Accountants. At Hendry Warren, the firm’s leaders encouraged Megan to contribute to the community and use her skills to serve on a board of directors in the city. 

After obtaining her CPA, CA designation and settling into her career, Megan was excited to take on a larger volunteer role within the Ottawa community. In the fall of 2018, she was honored to be appointed to the board of directors and elected as treasurer of Dress for Success Ottawa National Capital Region. In her role at Dress for Success, Megan leverages over 10 years of experience and expertise she has obtained working alongside business entrepreneurs and not-for-profit clients. Megan’s contributions support Dress for Success’ mission to empower women to achieve economic independence by providing a network of support, professional attire and the development tools to help women thrive in work and in life. 

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Leadership in Corporate Volunteerism Award Finalists

Award for: Organizations​

The Leadership in Corporate Volunteerism Award celebrates Ottawa businesses or employers who demonstrate social responsibility practices that support employee volunteering. The winner will have a comprehensive, successful employee engagement program to encourage employees to volunteer and give back to the community.

Adobe Canada

Adobe Canada is a 2024 Leadership in Corporate Volunteerism finalist nominated for their broad and ongoing impact in Ottawa communities with organizations like Ottawa Community Housing, Connected Canadians, Helping with Furniture, and the Ottawa Food Bank. In 2023 alone, Adobe Canada contributed 697 cumulative hours to volunteering in Ottawa.

Adobe Canada

Adobe Systems Canada Inc (“Adobe Canada”) is an American software company, based out of San Jose, California with Canadian headquarters in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. Adobe was founded in 1982 and is changing the world through personalized digital experiences. Adobe was founded on the simple idea of creating innovative products and for over 40 years now offers groundbreaking technology that empowers everyone, everywhere to imagine, create and bring any digital experience to life. Adobe Canada has more than 400 Canadian employees across the country and is proud contributor to our communities.  Adobe Canada plays a significant role in the Canadian tech landscape and is renowned for its suite of creative and digital tools, including industry leading applications like Photoshop, Illustrator, and Premiere Pro. Our Canadian office supports both local and national markets, offering tailored solutions and services that cater to regional needs. We are committed to diversity and inclusion, striving to reflect Adobe’s values in our workplace culture and outreach programs. Adobe Canada continues to contribute to the growth of creative industries supporting talent and businesses to achieve their digital goals.

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Ciena Ottawa

Ciena Ottawa is a 2024 Leadership in Corporate Volunteerism finalist nominated for their strong culture of giving back, which includes giving campaigns, employee volunteering, and helping to close the digital divide by providing digital tools, resources, and access to underserved youth and communities. Beyond this, since 2017 Ciena has engaged over 630 staff members and donated over 3000 volunteer hours to the Ottawa Food Bank to sort food or assist with growing fresh produce.

Ciena Ottawa

Ciena is a global leader in networking systems, services, and software. We build the most adaptive networks in the industry, enabling customers to anticipate and meet ever-increasing digital demands. For three-plus decades, Ciena has brought our humanity to our relentless pursuit of innovation. Prioritizing collaborative relationships with our customers, partners, and communities, we create flexible, open, and sustainable networks that better serve all users—today and into the future. 

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OXARO Inc.

Oxaro Inc. is a 2024 Leadership in Corporate Volunteerism finalist nominated for their ongoing support of Christie Lake Kids through employee volunteering and fundraising programs. By the end of 2024 they will have contributed over 1,000 hours of community service to Christie Lake Kids, just one of the many local organizations they support. Oxaro’s culture of volunteering goes right to the top, with the CEO and directors donating time alongside other employees.

OXARO Inc.

Where people, processes, and technology align – that’s the OXARO effect. We provide customized digital operations and cloud, digital, and organizational transformation consulting services to high-stakes, high-impact organizations. Previously RCGT Consulting, OXARO focuses exclusively on bringing the Canadian public sector leading tools and technologies while upholding stringent security, privacy, and compliance regulations.    

The Vaccine Injury Support Program (for the Public Health Agency of Canada), the Memorial Grant Program for First Responders (for Public Safety Canada), and the National Do Not Call List (for the Canadian Radio-Television and Telecommunications Association) are all OXARO-managed programs that impact Canadians coast to coast, each requiring an agile partner capable of operationalizing novel and innovative solutions.    

Our mission is to equip the public service with the tools they need to operate and maintain programs that increase the safety, health, and well-being of all Canadians, offering nationwide empowerment with dynamic solutions from modern government. 

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Pathways to Possibilities Award Finalists

Award for: Organizations

The Pathways to Possibilities Award celebrates an organization committed to making volunteering inclusive, equitable, and welcoming. The award recognizes those who have reduced barriers to volunteering (including volunteer roles on boards of directors) with thoughtful approaches to recruitment, screening, training, communication, and/or accommodations, to ensure volunteering can be a pathway to possibility for everyone.

Foodsharing Ottawa

Foodsharing Ottawa is a 2024 Pathways to Possibilities finalist nominated for their flexible and innovative volunteer-run volunteer program, which has grown in just a few years to over 80 passionate volunteers. By focusing on specific abilities rather than generic titles for volunteer roles, Foodsharing Ottawa makes their volunteer roles accessible to a broader base. By actively engaging with underrepresented communities on social media platforms, they foster a volunteer base that reflects the diversity of the city, empowering volunteers of all backgrounds to contribute effectively to initiatives.

Foodsharing Ottawa

Foodsharing Ottawa (FSO) is a volunteer-run nonprofit organization that has been promoting and providing alternative uses for surplus food. FSO has grown from 12 to 80+ volunteers in just 3 years. In support of food rescues, education and awareness campaigns, and community outreach, FSO welcomes energetic and passionate volunteers with varied skills and life experiences to learn and grow with us. We empower individuals and households to reduce food waste by sharing any food they will not use up on our Share it Don’t Toss it Facebook group.  On track to rescue over 60,000lbs (27,000+ kgs) of food from local businesses alone in 2024, we continue to grow our network to ensure all food is valued and never goes to waste. 

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Helping With Furniture

Helping with Furniture is a 2024 Pathways to Possibilities finalist nominated for their flexible and welcoming volunteer program where they work to find a role for anyone interested in volunteering. This all-volunteer-run organization offers flexible schedules, mentorship-style training, and a variety of communication channels to make sure that everyone finds their space.

Helping with Furniture

Helping With Furniture, an award-winning, registered charity entirely run by volunteers, provides gently-used furniture and household goods, refurbished bicycles and laptops to families and individuals in distress, to help them start new lives in Ottawa.  

For more than 18 years, HWF has been helping at risk populations, newcomers to Canada, refugee claimants who seek refuge from conflicts, natural disasters and other difficult circumstances and people fleeing domestic violence, relocating after house fires, struggling with mental illness or at risk of homelessness.  

Aidons avec des meubles (HWF) donne des meubles et articles de maison qui ne sont pas neufs mais de bonne qualité, ainsi que des vélos et des portables remis à neuf à des familles et à des personnes en difficulté pour les aider à commencer une nouvelle vie à Ottawa. 

Au cours des 18 dernières années, HWF a aidé les populations à risque, nouveaux arrivants au Canada, demandeurs de statut de réfugié qui tentent de fuir des conflits, des catastrophes naturelles ou d’autres situations difficiles, et des personnes voulant s’échapper d’une situation de violence conjugale, se réinstaller à la suite d’un incendie de leur logement, qui souffrent de maladie mentale ou qui sont confrontées à l’itinérance. 

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Jaku Konbit

Jaku Konbit is a 2024 Pathways to Possibilities finalist nominated for its dedication to running an accessible volunteer program, designed to be accessible and welcoming to those who might often be excluded, such as people with disabilities or those from marginalized communities. Jaku Konbit not only supports its volunteers but also ensures that the community they serve feels represented and empowered.

Jaku Konbit

Jaku Konbit is a prominent African-centered community and family-oriented organization based in Ottawa. Established in 2000, Jaku Konbit has emerged as one of Ottawa's most dynamic and proactive community-based entities. 

 At the forefront of Jaku Konbit's initiatives are the annual Ottawa Community Kwanzaa Celebration, a hallmark event and Ontario's largest African-centered, non-religious cultural celebration. The organization fosters the development of various impactful programs, including the "Greatness is Within Me Summer Camp," a transformative experience designed to empower Black youth and families, and the "Black Star Tutoring" program, providing educational support and guidance. 

Jaku Konbit also champions creativity and entrepreneurial spirit through the "Black Youth Entrepreneurs and Innovation" program. Recognizing the importance of intergenerational connections, the organization has introduced the "Call Me! Let's Chat" senior program, promoting dialogue and support within the community. Furthermore, the "Provincial Youth Outreach and Mentorship Program" creates opportunities for Black youth to engage actively and meaningfully in the Ottawa community. 

All our programs highly encourage the participation of volunteers. Through these diverse initiatives, Jaku Konbit is dedicated to building self-esteem, expanding horizons, and equipping Black youth and families with the skills and knowledge necessary to be influential contributors to the vibrant tapestry of the Ottawa community. With a focus on empowerment and community building, Jaku Konbit continues to make a lasting and positive impact on the lives of those involved with the organization. 

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Outstanding Volunteer Program Award Finalists

Award for: Organizations

Sponsored by YellowTree Grant Services Inc.

The Outstanding Volunteer Program Award is given to an organization in the Ottawa region that has built a successful, thriving volunteer program based on excellence in volunteer management principles and practices. Nomination for this award is open to all Ottawa-region nonprofits and charities.

Connected Canadians / Canadiens Branchés

Connected Canadians is a 2024 Volunteer Program finalist nominated for their thriving volunteer program which includes thoughtfully–designed volunteer roles, comprehensive onboarding, volunteer recognition, and open channels for feedback. They have onboarded over 425 volunteer mentors and the average volunteer mentor completes 25 mentorship sessions with CC clients, a strong testament to their well-designed program. 97% of their volunteers expressed satisfaction and a desire to continue volunteering.

Connected Canadians

Connected Canadians (CC) is Canada's largest digital inclusion charity that provides free technology training and support to older adults, fostering digital literacy skills and reducing isolation and loneliness. CC supports diverse demographics, including immigrant seniors, Indigenous seniors, LGBTQ+ seniors, low-income seniors, seniors living with dementia, and more. Through partnerships with senior-serving organizations and technology companies, CC provides one-on-one training, workshops, customized employee training and volunteering experiences. Many of CC technology mentors are newcomers to Canada, highly skilled in technology, who benefit from the conversational opportunities and Canadian workplace experience, while senior clients feel pride and connection in welcoming these newcomers into Canadian communities. Connected Canadians’ partners include Adobe Canada, Amazon Canada, Best Buy Health, Capgemini, Rogers and the National Gallery of Canada, along with over 150 communities across Canada. By 2030, CC's goal is for all older Canadians to have access to free technology training and support. 

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Pinecrest-Queensway Community Health Centre

PQCHC is a 2024 Volunteer Program finalist nominated for their well-organized volunteer program which recognizes volunteers as integral to their mission: their volunteers are subject matter experts, represent the communities PQCHC serves, break down language and cultural barriers, and allow the organization to be innovative and creative as it delivers programs and services. Through constant development, open feedback, and ongoing support and recognition, they harness the unique skill sets of volunteers in a variety of departments.

Pinecrest-Queensway Community Health Centre

Pinecrest-Queensway Community Health Centre (PQCHC) is a community benefit organization providing comprehensive primary healthcare and innovative community programming through our multiple service locations in Western Ottawa and through our regional programming. At PQ, we strive to meet the needs of the diverse communities we serve. We work in partnership with individuals, families, and community to achieve their full potential, paying particular attention to those who are most vulnerable and at risk. 

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Shelter Movers Ottawa

Shelter Movers is a 2024 Volunteer Program finalist nominated for their impactful volunteer program consisting of individuals from all walks of life — students, retired individuals, working professionals, newcomers. Since 2017, they have completed 1,350 moves in Ottawa and 95 moves in Eastern Ontario and are a driving force in helping everyone find a home that they feel safe in. Their flexible volunteer program allows people to make a difference with whatever amount of time they have to give.

Shelter Movers Ottawa

Shelter Movers Ottawa is a dedicated organization committed to making a positive and impactful change in the Ottawa-Eastern Ontario region. We are volunteer-powered and a registered charity. We provide free (no-cost) moving and storage services to individuals and families transitioning to a safer environment.  Our services include urgent exit assistance, police-escorted moves, and resettlement support to individuals and families fleeing abuse. We cannot emphasize enough the “volunteer-powered” aspect of our organization. Without compassionate and generous volunteers we would NOT be able to provide such a critical service in our communities. Our volunteers work in teams to help with moving and transporting a client's belongings to the desired location. With every move or storage visit, our volunteers actively contribute to supporting and standing with survivors as they transition to a life of safety. By collaborating with local businesses and community volunteers, we empower survivors as they make the courageous transition towards a life free of violence. To date we have been able to provide this service in communities within Ottawa, Lanark County, United Counties of Leeds and Grenville and Cornwall. We believe that together we can create communities that are safe for everyone! 

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Mayor’s Award for Volunteer Spirit Finalists

Award for: Individuals​

Sponsored by Algonquin College

This prestigious award is given to an individual who best exemplifies the spirit of volunteering in Ottawa through their significant community impact. This keystone award celebrates exemplary volunteering above and beyond the other categories. Nominations in this category must demonstrate significant time and/or impact to the nominee’s community through volunteering.

Karyl Jaanusson

Karyl Jaanusson is a 2024 finalist for the Mayor’s Award for Volunteer Spirit nominated for her tremendous impact and time donated to Dress for Success Ottawa, where her volunteerism has helped hundreds of women and gender-non-conforming folks across Ottawa achieve their career goals and move towards economic independence. She also warmly welcomes new volunteers and is always glad to teach new skills and make sure they feel comfortable and supported. Even during the Covid-19 lockdown, Karyl found ways to volunteer, logging more hours than any other single volunteer.

Karyl Jaanusson

Karyl Jaanusson is 75 years old and has been a volunteer at Dress for Success for about 9 years. She retired in 2016 after working as a pharmacist manager for over 40 years in the retail sector. 

Karyl's love for clothes and fashion brought her to Dress for Success after a friend invited her to tag along on a donation day. Dress for Success helps women and non-gender-conforming individuals prepare to enter the workforce by providing them with a wardrobe of gently used items along with other essentials such as resume writing, interview skills and career coaching among many other skills. 

Each client works one on one with a wardrobe consultant who helps them find appropriate work attire. 

Karyl’s work is behind the scenes working as a merchandiser with a team who go in every Sunday to keep the boutique neat and orderly as well as ensure that the donated clothes and accessories are in excellent condition. With other volunteers, she organizes and prices clothing and accessories that are sold in quarterly sales, and acts as a final arbiter of donations at their biweekly donation days. Karyl is also a volunteer member of the Health and Safety committee that meets monthly. 

Karyl's other interests are reading, puzzling, travelling and getting together with friends for movies, dinners, day trips or parties which she loves to organize. She has 2 senior cats (20 and 14) who enrich her life with their companionship. 

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Parmod Chhabra

Parmod Chhabra is a 2024 Mayor’s Award for Volunteer Spirit finalist nominated for his dedication to volunteering, his leadership, and for his work inspiring others to volunteer. He serves on the Boards of organizations including the Western Ottawa Community Resource Centre, the India Canada Association, and the Canadian Care & Share Association, consistently donating his time and talents to community service.

Parmod Chhabra

Parmod Chhabra is a devoted social worker and community leader dedicated to making a positive impact. Born in New Delhi, India, he moved to Canada in 1984 at the age of 23, leaving behind a career as a finance manager to pursue his true passion for social work. Over 32 years, he held various roles within the Ontario Ministry of Community and Social Services, contributing to policy and program development and managing government-funded projects in mental health, children and youth programs, and services for seniors. He took early retirement in 2019 from his position as Financial Analyst to fully dedicate himself to helping and supporting others in Ottawa. 

Parmod founded the Canadian Care & Share Association (CCSA) to assist community members during the pandemic, providing essential goods and services to those in need. He currently serves as President of both CCSA and the Hindu Community in Ottawa. Additionally, he is a Director at the Western Ottawa Community Resource Centre, a non-profit supporting vulnerable communities. His past roles include serving as President of the India Canada Association, where he enriched Ottawa's cultural diversity through various events. 

In recognition of his exceptional community service, Parmod has received multiple Ontario Volunteer Service Awards for his over 20 years of dedication. He is married to Sheela Pawar-Chhabra, who shares his passion for community service. Parmod is also a proud grandfather to three young children who keep him busy in his spare time. 

In summary, Parmod Chhabra is a highly respected social worker and community builder committed to improving the lives of others. His impressive career in social services, extensive community involvement, and dedication to diversity and inclusion make him a valuable asset to any community. Parmod's unwavering dedication continues to positively impact countless lives. 

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Wayne French

Wayne French is a 2024 finalist for the Mayor’s Award for Volunteer Spirit nominated for his extensive commitment to volunteering and his support for a better Ottawa. In addition to more than 30 years of service with the Kiwanis Club, Wayne joined the Ottawa Community Housing Foundation at its inception and remains a board member. He donates his time to a wide range of other Boards and causes and is a passionate speaker and advocate. His nomination states, “his visionary leadership and strategic insights have left an indelible mark on our city’s landscape”.

Wayne French

Wayne was born, raised, and educated in the Ottawa area. He married his best friend Firma, who has been the spark in his life for the past 53 years. They have three children, six grandchildren, two step grandchildren and two great grandchildren. 

Wayne has been a businessperson in the Ottawa community for fifty-five (55) years & is currently Director of Public Affairs for Waste Management of Canada. 

Wayne’s first volunteer interest was that of a Cub Leader in his son’s group. Soon after, the Church discovered his talent for people & he ended up on their Board... 

Wayne joined Kiwanis in 1987 & progressed to the challenge of President of the Kiwanis Club of Ottawa in 2015. Their vision is “Children Priority One” & so he has participated in years of raising funds & volunteering in community service for children & adults who are less fortunate in our city. 

Today, he holds positions on several Boards and currently is the Chair on the Board of the Ottawa Community Housing Foundation working with fellow directors and staff to raise funds to support programs for children, youth, parents, and seniors in the Ottawa Housing community. We work for a community of over 10,000 families and 10,000 children that live on or below the poverty line. Working for more than a decade as a director and chair of the OCHF board, Wayne says “I have been gifted in receiving more to my life than I feel I have given.” 

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How Are Finalists and Winners Selected? 

During the nomination period, members of the public were invited to submit nominations for the seven award categories. Nominations are reviewed by a committee of the VO Board of Directors and local leaders in the non–profit space. Three finalists are selected in each category. All finalists will receive a complimentary ticket to the Awards Gala on October 24. Winners will be announced live during the Gala.

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Thank you to our 2024 sponsors!

Presenting sponsor: Export Development Canada

Lifetime Achievement Award sponsor: Dr. Dipak Roy, D-TA Systems Inc.

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Welcome Reception sponsor: Carleton University

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Community Award Sponsors

Mayor’s Award for Volunteer Spirit Sponsor: Algonquin College

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Outstanding Older Adult Volunteer Award Sponsor: The Ottawa Branch of the National Association of Federal Retirees

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Outstanding Volunteer Program Award Sponsor: YellowTree Grant Services

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Supporting Sponsors

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Be a Sponsor - Support Volunteering in Ottawa

Interested in sponsorship opportunities for the 2024 VOscars? Connect with us at [email protected] to talk. 

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A Look Back at the 2023 VOscars

Watch the 2023 VOscars Awards

Watch the 2023 VOscars Volunteer Awards Ceremony on YouTube courtesy of Rogers TV!

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2023 Award Winners

2023 Lifetime Achievement Award: Sarah Onyango

Our 2023 Lifetime Achievement Award recipient is Sarah Onyango, an outstanding community builder and media personality recognized for her extensive volunteer work and leadership, especially in Ottawa’s African and Caribbean communities. Sarah has been an active local volunteer since 1993 with organizations such as Black History Ottawa, United Way East Ontario, the Ottawa Local Immigration Partnership, The Legacy Voices Institute, and CHUO. Her volunteer work as a broadcaster, emcee, leader, translator, and communications specialist has been recognized with many awards, including the United Way/Centraide Ottawa Community Builder Award in both 2008 and 2011.

Sponsored by Community Radio Fund of Canada.

Mayor’s Award for Volunteer Spirit: Elizabeth Heatherington

Elizabeth Heatherington was nominated for her years as a community builder in Rideau-Rockcliffe Ward and beyond. She has touched the lives of countless people through her work with ELTOC, The Ottawa Mission, Beechwood Cemetery, Cornerstone Shelters for Women, and many more. 

Sponsored by United Way East Ontario.

Outstanding Youth Volunteer Award: Rae Landriau

Rae Landriau was nominated for their outstanding volunteer work with over 15 organizations in the last 6 years, including work as co-founder of Create Change Collective. Rae is a graduate student at Carleton University pursuing a MSc. in physical geography and is passionate about sharing their love of science and nature with others through environmental education and art. 

Sponsored by Algonquin College.

Outstanding Senior Volunteer Award: Shirley Whitford

Shirley Whitford was nominated for her incredible dedication to Rideau-Rockcliffe Community Resource Centre programs. A finalist in 2022 as well, Shirley is described as “like family” at the Centre and donates 40 hours a week to a huge variety of programs. 

Sponsored by The Council on Aging of Ottawa.

Leadership in Skilled Volunteering Award: John Peters

John Peters was nominated for his long-time commitment to the Shepherds of Good Hope, including a central role in the founding of the SGH Foundation and ongoing pro bono legal advice. As of May 2023, SGH now has more people in community housing than in the shelter — a pivotal achievement of the Foundation. 

Sponsored by Perley-Robertson, Hill & McDougall LLP.

Leadership in Corporate Volunteerism Award: Engineers Canada

Engineers Canada was nominated for their excellent culture of volunteering and community support including donations, Employer Supported Volunteering, and teambuilding group volunteer activities. 

Sponsored by Export Development Canada.

Pathways to Possibilities Award: Nerio Guerrero and Jennifer Hughes Doucet, CCI Ottawa Conversation Circles volunteers

CCI Ottawa Conversation Circles volunteers Nerio Guerrero and Jennifer Hughes Doucet are co-finalists. Without their support and leadership, this important volunteer-run program for newcomers to Ottawa would not be possible. 

Sponsored by the Ottawa Board of Trade.

Outstanding Volunteer Program Award: Hospice Care Ottawa

Hospice Care Ottawa is a finalist for the 2023 Outstanding Volunteer Program Award, nominated for their highly successful bilingual volunteer program. Over 450 volunteers support a broad range of free services for hospice residents, from gardening and caregiver support through fundraising and administrative work. These highly engaged volunteers are kept in the loop with monthly newsletters and celebrated annually. 

Sponsored by YellowTree Grant Services Inc.