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. Winners will be added to this page after the Gala.

The VOscars Volunteer Awards Gala is the highlight of the year for the city’s volunteers and non-profits. 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.  

The 2024 VOscars Volunteer Awards Gala took place on October 24, 2024 at the Preston Event Centre. Click here to see the winners and runners-up. Thank you to everyone who submitted a nomination, to all our amazing sponsors, and of course — thank you to all the volunteers helping to build community in Ottawa!

The 2025 VOscars Volunteer Awards Gala will be on October 23, 2025 at the Preston Event Centre. Nominations for the 2025 VOscars Volunteer Awards will open in Spring 2025. 

“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

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

2024 VOscars Winners and Finalists

Outstanding Youth Volunteer Award

Award for: Individuals​

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

WINNER

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.

Finalist

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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.

Finalist

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.

Outstanding Older Adult Volunteer Award

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.

WINNER

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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.

Finalist

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.

Finalist

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.

Leadership in Skilled Volunteering Award

Award for: Individuals​

Sponsored by Perley-Robertson, Hill & McDougall LLP/s.r.l.

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.

WINNER

36

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, the founder of Out Loud Creative, 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.

Finalist

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.”

Finalist

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.

Leadership in Corporate Volunteerism Award

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.

WINNER

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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.

Finalist

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.

Finalist

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.

Pathways to Possibilities Award

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.

WINNER

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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.

Finalist

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.

Finalist

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.

Outstanding Volunteer Program Award

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.

WINNER

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Connected Canadians / Canadiens Branchés

Connected Canadians is a 2024 Volunteer Program finalist nominated for their thriving volunteer program which includes thoughtfullydesigned 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.

Finalist

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.

Finalist

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.

Mayor’s Award for Volunteer Spirit

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.

WINNER

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”.

Finalist

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.

Finalist

48

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.

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 nonprofit 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.

Thank you to our 2024 sponsors!

Presenting sponsor: Export Development Canada

Lifetime Achievement Award Sponsor: OakWood

Welcome Reception sponsor: Carleton University

Media Sponsor: Rogers

Entertainment Sponsor: Accenture

Dessert Sponsor: HydroOttawa

Community Award Sponsors

Mayor’s Award for Volunteer Spirit Sponsor: Algonquin College

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

Leadership in Skilled Volunteering Award Sponsor: Perley‑Robertson, Hill & McDougall LLP/s.r.l.

Outstanding Volunteer Program Award Sponsor: YellowTree Grant Services

Supporting Sponsors

Dentons

HeartFelt IT

JustServe

Interested in sponsorship opportunities for the 2025 VOscars? Connect with us at [email protected] to talk.