CELEBRATING LOCAL COMMUNITY SPIRIT
The 2023 VOscars Volunteer Awards
The VOscars Volunteer Awards is the highlight of the year for the city’s volunteers and nonprofits. The 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 2023 VOscars Awards Gala took place on Thursday, October 26 at the Sala San Marco, 215 Preston Street, Ottawa.
Nominations for the 2024 VOscars Awards will open in Spring 2024.
Watch the 2023 VOscars Awards
Watch the 2023 VOscars Volunteer Awards Ceremony on YouTube courtesy of Rogers TV!
“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, speaking at the 2022 VOscars
2023 Lifetime Achievement Award
Every year Volunteer Ottawa presents its prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award to an outstanding Ottawa citizen who has devoted their life to giving back to the community. We are excited to announce this year’s winner: Sarah Onyango!

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.
Previous recipients include:
- 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
Sarah Onyango
Our 2023 Lifetime Achievement Award recipient is Sarah Onyango, an influential figure in Ottawa’s media scene since the 1990s who tirelessly volunteers her time with the local African and Caribbean communities. A translator and communicator by trade, Sarah has hosted “Fontonfrom” on Rogers TV since 2003, “Afrika Revisited” on CHUO 89.1 FM since 2002, and “Black on Black”, also on CHUO 89.1 FM, since 1998. She is a graduate of the University of Ottawa in Translation (1987).
Sarah has been volunteering in Ottawa since 1993, working with organizations such as Black History Ottawa, United Way East Ontario, the Ottawa Local Immigration Partnership, and The Legacy Voices Institute. She has received many awards for her work, including the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2012, the Queen Elizabeth II Canadian Platinum Jubilee Emblem in 2023, and the Ontario Black History Society’s Mathieu Da Costa Award in 2016. She has twice been recognized with the United Way/Centraide Ottawa Community Builder Award (2008 and 2011). She was included on the list of 100 Accomplished Black Canadian Women for 2018 and in the Outstanding Black Women in Canada list by SHIFTER in 2023.
Volunteer Ottawa is honoured to present Sarah Onyango with the 2023 Lifetime Achievement Award for her incredible community-building work in Ottawa. We look forward to celebrating her achievements at the VOscars Awards Gala on October 26, 2023.
Watch MP Yasir Naqvi's welcome video for 2023!
“It is absolutely thrilling that Sarah Onyango is the recipient of the 2023 Lifetime Achievement Award. Sarah is a staunch advocate for racial equity, and has done tremendous work within the arts, culture, and youth spaces of Ottawa’s Black community. Through her various roles within Black History Ottawa, Black Ottawa Scene, her weekly radio show and more, Sarah has made significant contributions to our community through her advocacy, advancing education, and providing opportunities for dialogue. We are incredibly grateful to Sarah and how she has helped shape and create a more understanding and inclusive community. Congratulations!”
— Yasir Naqvi, Member of Parliament for Ottawa Centre
2023 Sponsors
Thank you to our 2023 sponsors for making the VOscars Awards Gala possible!
Interested in being a sponsor in 2024? Contact [email protected] to talk.
Overall Event Sponsor
Lifetime Achievement Award sponsor
Entertainment sponsor

Welcome Reception sponsor

Media sponsor

Community Award Sponsors
Mayor’s Award for Volunteer Spirit

Table Sponsors
2023 Winners and Finalists
Winners of the 2023 VOscars Volunteer Awards were announced live at the VOscars Gala on October 26, 2023 at Sala San Marco. Thank you to all the amazing nominees, finalists, and winners!

Mayor’s Award for Volunteer Spirit
Sponsored by United Way East Ontario.
This prestigious Award is given to an individual or group of individuals who exemplify the spirit of volunteering in Ottawa through their significant community impact. This keystone award celebrates a commitment to volunteering that goes 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

Elizabeth Heatherington
Elizabeth Heatherington
Elizabeth was born in England but grew up in Ottawa. She worked for Parks Canada as a junior archeologist and later as a Protocol Officer for Global Affairs Canada. Her husband was a foreign service officer posted to countries in Southeast Asia and Eastern Europe and during this time she volunteered teaching English as a Second Language, assisted Canadian families serving overseas for the first time and volunteered to help with Canada’s refugee babylift from Vietnam in 1975.Returning to Canada she continued to volunteer with ELTOC (English Language Tutoring for the Ottawa Community), was a weekly ‘news reader’ at a Seniors Residence, a mentor for Wounded Veterans Canada, and helped with remedial reading at a local school.Through Volunteer Ottawa she became a tour guide for Heritage Ottawa and Beechwood Cemetery and is very happy to see how many people like to discover so much history in their own neighbourhoods. From 1998-2017 she won awards for creative fundraising from United Way Ottawa at Global Affairs Canada.During COVID she delivered groceries for Ottawa Cares and continued to organize walking tours of her local community for outdoor exercise during that difficult period.For many years she has walked for The Ottawa Mission in the Coldest Night of the Year Event- and thanks to supporters was in the top five fundraisers in 2023.She still co-chairs the Annual Charity Bazaar at St Bartholomew’s Church to raise funds for Cornerstone Shelter for Women, and the Church Refugee Committee, where she is an active member. She also volunteers for Laurentian IODE, leading events to support The Inuuqatigiit Centre for Inuit families in Ottawa.She has also served on several boards including the Rideau Rockcliffe Community Resource Centre, ELTOC, Elmwood School and Schools overseas.She continues to enjoy being a community volunteer- and thanks Volunteer Ottawa for posting many opportunities. It is great to be a small part of the thousands of hours that Ottawans and Canadians donate each year!
Runner-up

Foodsharing Ottawa
Foodsharing Ottawa was nominated for their agile and entirely volunteer-run food rescue program spending 100+ hours a month rescuing and delivering food in Ottawa. Their volunteer pool has grown in the last three years from 12 to over 80.
Foodsharing Ottawa
Foodsharing Ottawa has been rescuing surplus food in Canada's capital since 2015. Our mission is to reduce the amount of food that gets thrown away in our community by providing and promoting alternative uses.
Founded by a group of volunteers that are passionate about reducing food waste, we have grown in the last 3 years from 12 volunteers to over 80. About half our volunteers work on the front lines, rescuing surplus food from local businesses such as grocery stores and restaurants, and donating it back to the community where it’s needed. We donate most of our rescued food across 30+ organizations, including local charities such as food banks and shelters. The other half of our team works “behind the scenes” to provide practical information about ways to reduce food waste, through our Social media channels, and community presentations. We even host a Facebook group called “Share it - Don’t Toss it” that enables households to offer food they won’t be able to use up to other members in their community instead of throwing it away. We're passionate about supporting fairer, more sustainable ways of distributing, using and disposing of food.
Through this work we are helping to reduce the environmental impact of food waste and contributing to address food insecurity in our community.
Runner-up

OMRA Shelter Corporation
OMRA Shelter Corporation was nominated for their essential work supporting small refugee families in Ottawa. This all-volunteer organization raises funds and provides rent subsidies as well as vital services like English tutoring and furniture moving.
OMRA Shelter Corporation
Our Mission
OMRA Shelter Corporation is a not-for-profit, totally volunteer run organization that provides monthly rent subsidies from 3 months – 4 years to newcomers to Canada. The OMRA subsidies are for refugees who are permanent residents or asylum seekers and who have been in Canada less than two years.
OMRA began in 2001 when a newcomer mother and 5 children were unable to find a rental unit. OMRA bought a townhouse for that family. In the following years, OMRA purchased 3 more units and until 2016, we provided homes for larger families at subsidized rates. In 2017, we changed the OMRA model and began to support smaller families in private landlord-owned properties. This meant that OMRA went from providing monthly rent subsidies for 4 families to supporting approximately 35 families/year.
Why We Do It
Safe, affordable housing is one of the most important factors for the integration of the newcomer into Canadian society. However, exorbitant housing costs cause financial hardship and the threat of homelessness prevents security and stability for people who have already fled danger. Federal and provincial social assistance, on which newcomers rely while they learn English or French and get established, cover only a fraction of housing costs. The average rent for a 2-bedroom apartment in Ottawa in January 2022 was $1800, but the shelter allowance for a family of three was only $700.
Our Program
The OMRA clients choose the area of the city and the apartment they want, but the rent must be one that will still be affordable after the OMRA subsidy ends. The purpose of the rent subsidy is to give the newcomer a longer period of time to adjust to life in Canada, to learn English and to find employment.
OMRA has developed two further services which complement the rent subsidy program. These are managed by our volunteer board and the actual work is done by about 25 other volunteers.
One is the OMRA basic furniture supplies program whereby each client is given a start-up kitchen, bedroom and bathroom supply package when moving into the apartment. Volunteers collect, deliver and set up furniture in the new apartment.
The second service provides settlement support to families through OMRA’s volunteer mentoring and tutoring program. Volunteers visit clients once, twice and sometimes three times a week to teach English and to help with any settlement questions the clients have.
In 2023, the subsidy budget is $150,000 and OMRA will to be able to offer subsidies to about 35 small families. Because larger families receive adequate allowance through the Child Tax Benefit Programs, OMRA limits its support to singles, childless couples, and families with one or two children.
OMRA fundraises through donations and the monthly sale of grocery cards. Supporters of the grocery-card program include seven faith-based organizations, as well as several groups of friends, co-workers, and clubs. To participate in the grocery card fundraiser, contact [email protected]
To learn more about OMRA and the people we serve, visit our website https://omraottawa.org

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

Rae Landriau
they/them
Rae Landriau
Rae is a graduate student at Carleton University pursuing a MSc. in physical geography, researching legacy drilling waste sites in the western Canadian Arctic. Rae is passionate about sharing their love of science and nature with others through environmental education and art, which has led them to publish a 40 page activity book called Running Water, with support from Ocean Wise and funding Ocean Bridge program to distribute copies for free. Rae is currently working on their second book for publication later this fall, along with other community resources for local climate action. Volunteering in the community gives Rae a sense of joy and fulfillment, which is why they try to volunteer as much as possible, from being a leader of a girl guide unit, helping plan events on campus for graduate students and developing educational resources and campaigns to launch through the community-based organization they founded, Create Change Collective. Rae has worked hard to develop partnerships with the Inuvialuit Regional Cooperation, Youth Climate Lab, Ottawa Riverkeeper, Apathy is Boring, Taking it Global, Ocean Wise, the Ottawa Art Gallery, Youth Action Now, the Jane Goodall Institute of Canada, Reimagine 17 and many other youth-led organizations at Carleton University, the University of Ottawa and throughout the city. They believe that we can accomplish so much when we work together and that developing partnerships are a key way to amplify our effect!
Runner-up

Sara Acharya
Sara Acharya
I'm Sara, a high school student driven by volunteering and watching kids grow through different programs. Within my school and the community, I strive to make a positive impact, Whether its supporting individuals with autism through Ausome Ottawa, or fostering a love for the environment through many different clubs and activities at my school. Both in and out of school, I take action to incite meaningful change. During summers, I am committed to my passion for working with kids as I engage in various youth camps, such as the Rideau Sports Centre and several day camps at my school. I want to help children from a multitude of backgrounds grow, learn, and feel empowered. This passion is more than just a hobby; my dream is to pursue a teaching career one day. I am determined to continue nurturing young minds as I believe education is an essential pillar of a flourishing society. Additionally, I run an environmental club for younger students at my school, promoting eco-consciousness and sustainability. As I journey through high school, I eagerly embrace each new volunteer opportunity that comes my way as a crucial and fulfilling part of my life. Every small action I take reminds me of the individual potential for big change, and I'm excited to see where my volunteering journey leads me next.
Runner-up

Adil Amarsi
Adil Amarsi was nominated for his many volunteering activities, including Junior Volunteer Lead at the Ismaili Community Centre, as Flight Sergeant at the RCAC, and leadership in local food drives and community park clean ups. Adil is pursuing an undergraduate degree in Health Sciences at McMaster University this fall.
Adil Amarsi
Adil Amarsi graduated from Bell High School in June 2023. At Bell, Adil received the honour roll and silver medal award yearly and obtained the DELF B2 French certification. He also co-headed the Bell Chess Club and the Bell Music Council. Adil is pursuing an undergraduate degree in Health Sciences at McMaster University this fall.
Adil is a passionate volunteer who loves helping others in various capacities. Since September 2017, he participated in the Royal Canadian Air Cadet program, where he was awarded the RCAC Service Medal for his service. At cadets, he was a Flight Sergeant, a volunteer, and a mentor to junior cadets. Additionally, Adil was a member of the RCMP National Youth Advisory Committee, where he helped develop effective strategies and resources to address salient issues affecting Canadian youth (in areas such as addiction, mental health, reconciliation, healthy relationships, and discrimination). Adil is one of the recipients of the 2022 Ontario Volunteer Service Award. The Government of Ontario sponsors this award to volunteers with at least five years of service who help Ontario thrive. In 2022, Adil also received a certificate from John Fraser (MPP for Ottawa South) recognizing his volunteerism.
While serving as the co-head of the Music Council at his high school, Adil and his peers poured countless hours to ensure that students would have healthy and creative platforms to express themselves in the COVID years. Adil also helped organize many charity events in his school.
When Adil’s local community centre had to implement strict health and safety measures to run safely during the pandemic, he became a youth volunteer lead and trained others to help ensure operations could continue. With guidance from the Health and Safety Committee of the centre, he helped enforce measures related to social distancing, masking, cleaning of high-touch surfaces, and registration. These measures helped to ensure that community events could continue to take place.
Apart from volunteering, Adil loves playing the piano and the flute, reading, playing chess, watching the news, and swimming. His parents say that he has an old soul. Martin Luther King Jr., one of Adil’s greatest inspirations, once said: “Somewhere along the way, we must learn that there is nothing greater than to do something for others.” With these words in mind, Adil is honoured and humbled to be a finalist for the Outstanding Youth Volunteer Award. He hopes to continue making a difference as he moves on to his next stage of life, now both as an adult and a university student.

Outstanding Senior Volunteer Award
Sponsored by The Council on Aging of Ottawa
The Outstanding Senior Volunteer Award is given to an older adult volunteer who has made a meaningful impact in the community through their volunteering.
WINNER

Shirley Whitford
Shirley Whitford
Ms. Shirley Whitford is part of the Rideau-Rockcliffe Community Resource Centre family. Everyone at the centre knows her. Her laughter, energy, and bright personality brings sunshine to our days. She’s witty and always has great ideas, loves to learn new things, funny, hard-working and incredibly dedicated to our centre, making her a pleasure to work with and fun to be around. She is so dedicated that she’s always devastated when we are short of work or closed for a holiday. We often have to kick her out when the centre closes! She volunteers on average 40 hours per week with the Administration department, with Social Harvest caring for micro greens and the community garden, sorting clothes and donations for the community through our Gifts In-Kind program, helps at the Food Truck even on cold winter days, and helps with Youth events and delivers free hot meals to her neighbours after her shifts. She’s affectionately known as Sophie’s adopted grandma. We love and cherish her. We often feel lost when she’s not around. Thank you, Shirley, you are the best volunteer we could ever ask for. The centre would never be the same without you, and because of her help we can offer more to our community members.
Runner-up

Ann Lambert
Ann Lambert was nominated for her integral role in supporting individuals struggling with mental health and/or physical challenges through over 20 years of volunteering with Ottawa Therapy Dogs. Ann’s ongoing support for OTD’s mission includes both public and behind-the-scenes work. Ann is pictured here with therapy dogs Bracken, Lark, and Milly.
Ann Lambert
I grew up in England and went to college to become an elementary school teacher. When I came to Canada in 1967, I taught at a downtown school in Ottawa. It was here that I met my husband in 1970. We celebrated our 50th wedding anniversary 2 years ago. I have a daughter and a son and 7 grandchildren.
I have always been an animal and nature lover and I have always loved Golden Retrievers. I got my first one in the mid 70's and then I was hooked! I have been breeding them for 40 years. Our Golden Retriever club used to visit seniors homes and give obedience demonstrations. We were also often asked to volunteer to visit seniors who were bedridden, so I would take my Golden up to visit. It was very rewarding to see the smiles on the patients’ faces. I remember a lady who was sitting on her bed and my Golden jumped right up beside her, which brought a big smile to her face! The nurse said the lady never smiled, so she obviously loved the dog cuddling her. From then on, I wanted to be an official therapy dog team, so when it was possible we got tested. My dogs and I visited the Perley Rideau Veterans’ Health Centre for several years as well as various other seniors’ facilities. My second love is spending time with children, so when it was possible to be tested to work with children, I jumped at the opportunity. I started visiting CHEO 20 years ago and going into schools to help children read with the Reading Education Assistance Dogs (R.E.A.D.®) program. The children love to cuddle as they read to the dog. I currently have 3 active Ottawa Therapy Dogs - Bracken, Lark and Milly.
When I am not volunteering, I live on 50 acres in the country which allows me to enjoy my other hobbies - photography, bird watching and gardening. I also love to make nature treasure hunts for my grandchildren. They love doing these, and have come to expect them when they visit! I am pleased they are becoming good bird watchers and love to be outside, just as I do.
Runner-up

Howard A. Lithwick
Howard A. Lithwick is described in his nomination as an “unsung hero”. This Ottawa native was nominated for extensive work with groups like The Kiwanis Club of Ottawa, Heart of the City, and Hillel Lodge and for his ongoing mentorship of youth.
Howard A. Lithwick
Howard Lithwick was born on May 21, 1947, and has lived his entire life in Ottawa, except when he was at university. He attended Fisher Park High School, then McGill University for his undergraduate work, followed by Queen’s University for Law School. He was called to the Bar in 1974 and has been practicing law since then.
Howard has been married to his wife, Carol, for over 52 years and they have two sons and three amazing grand-daughters.
Howard joined the Kiwanis Club of Ottawa in 1976 and it is through that Club that he began working with youth at the high school and university levels and he has continued to do so to the present day. It has been an honour and privilege for him to work with these wonderful, caring, young women and men who have truly enriched his life. These youth groups have organized an annual fundraiser for Toy Mountain, a spaghetti dinner for charity, the Heart of the City Piano Program which provides piano lessons to public school students who would, otherwise, never have the chance to receive such a learning experience and a volunteer program at the Perley and Rideau Veterans’ Health Centre, to name just a few of the projects with which they have become involved.
One of Howard’s favourite hobbies is playing the piano and the guitar.

Leadership in Skilled Volunteering Award
Sponsored by Perley-Robertson, Hill & McDougall LLP
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 consultant who designs outreach campaigns.
WINNER

John Peters
John Peters
John has been on the Board of Directors of Shepherds of Good Hope since 1993. He has served as Chair and Vice-Chair of the Board as well as Chair of the Human Resources Committee, which he continues to contribute to as a member. John is now an Officer Emeritus on the Shepherds of Good Hope Board.John was instrumental in the creation of the Shepherds of Good Hope Foundation, which has actively raised significant and much needed funds for Shepherds of Good Hope for over 20 years. John is currently a Director of the Shepherds of Good Hope Foundation Board, and served as Chair from 2006 to 2016.Under John’s stewardship, Shepherds has become the second largest provider of community and social housing in the City of Ottawa. In fact, since December 2022, Shepherds of Good Hope has more people in supportive housing than in their transitional shelter programs.John has received both the Gordon F. Henderson Award from the County of Carleton Law Association (2007) and the Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers from the Governor General of Canada (August 2017) in recognition of his work with Shepherds.By day, John is a partner at Gowling WLG practising in the Advocacy Department and in particular, the Employment, Labour and Equalities Group, where he assists clients, both small and large, navigate the ever-changing landscape of provincial and federal employment law.
Runner-up

Aidan Fritz-Millett
Aidan Fritz-Millett was nominated for his ongoing work with Christie Lake Kids’ Leaders in Training program. Using experience from his career in social work, Aidan connects with youth and helps them discover their strengths. Aidan says, “It is my vision for my life to make a powerful, positive, lasting impact on the lives of others.”
Aidan Fritz-Millett
"It is my vision for my life to make a powerful, positive, lasting impact on the lives of others. I am a social worker in Ottawa supporting youth facing homelessness and mental health challenges. I have also for the past 13 years been a volunteer youth mentor. For me the essential qualities of a mentor are to be caring, consistent and present: values that I look to live out each week of programming with Christie Lake Kids - Leaders in Training (LIT). Since starting with CLK I have worked alongside our amazing coordinator Elisha and fabulous mentors to create safe spaces for youth in grades 9-12 to explore identity, goals, community and hope for the future. I have had the opportunity to apply my professional training in conflict resolution, suicide prevention, goal setting and group facilitation in support of our youth. It has been one of the greatest joys of my life to support youth through highschool on the exciting, scary and winding journey to finding their path, a bright future and becoming their most authentic selves. Every week is a different adventure helping to equip skills like communication, budgeting, conflict, advocacy, and slowing down, giving presence and open space to young voices that have something to say. Working with youth is not for everyone, but I hope that everyone can find something that makes them come alive the way youth work does for me.
The song "Just Like You" - Joyner Lucas describes the kind of impact I hope to make on the life of every young person I meet:
Look, I love how you handle your own
Glad you are the king to your own castle
You handle life when it's thrown at you
Never curl up, never fold fragile,
I need you to be here, regardless
Teach me how to be there for my kids
Show me how to be fearless often, I need real guidance
I'm not scared of options, because of you
I've got a clearer conscience, because of you
I'm not scared of monsters, because of you
I'm not afraid of failure
My life was blurry, you made it clearer"
Runner-up

Sylvia Renaud
Sylvia Renaud was nominated for over 20 years of work with Kids on the Block Ottawa as a puppeteer, trainer, and Board Member, and coordinator. Her nomination notes “she does it from her heart with no desire for recognition”, but we are glad to recognize her.
Sylvia Renaud
I am proud to be a volunteer as a Puppeteer, Trainer, Board Member and Past Coordinator with Kids on the Block Ottawa - a disability awareness and acceptance program for children of all ages.

Leadership in Corporate Volunteerism Award
Sponsored by Export Development Canada
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

Engineers Canada
Engineers Canada
On behalf of the country’s 12 provincial and territorial engineering regulators, Engineers Canada is advancing Canadian engineering through national collaboration. For over 80 years Engineers Canada has provided expertise, services, and tools to help shape the direction and growth of the engineering profession in Canada, to establish consistent high standards, and to inspire public confidence. We accredit undergraduate engineering programs, support mobility of engineers across Canada, and advance a more equitable, diverse and inclusive profession. We promote the value of the profession to the public while facilitating collaboration and creating opportunities for national support and advocacy. We look ahead and anticipate future challenges and changes. Throughout it all, we remain dedicated to supporting the responsibility of engineers to protect the public and their commitment to solving the world’s most important challenges. Au nom des 12 organismes provinciaux et territoriaux de réglementation du génie et avec eux, Ingénieurs Canada fait avancer le génie canadien grâce à la collaboration nationale. Depuis plus de 80 ans, Ingénieurs Canada fournit de l'expertise, des services et des outils pour aider à façonner l’orientation et la croissance de la profession d'ingénieur au Canada, pour établir des normes élevées et cohérentes, et inspirer la confiance du public. Nous agréons les programmes de génie de premier cycle, soutenons la mobilité des ingénieurs dans tout le Canada et faisons progresser la profession pour la rendre plus équitable, plus diversifiée et plus inclusive. Nous faisons la promotion de la valeur de la profession auprès du public tout en facilitant la collaboration et en créant des occasions de soutien et de représentation à l'échelle nationale. Nous sommes tournés vers l'avenir et anticipons les défis et les changements futurs. En toute circonstance, nous restons déterminés à soutenir la responsabilité qu’ont les ingénieurs de protéger le public et leur engagement à résoudre les défis mondiaux les plus importants.
Runner-up

The Ottawa Gatineau Hotel Association (OGHA)
The Ottawa Gatineau Hotel Association (OGHA) was nominated for their ongoing support for the Shepherds of Good Hope. They have regularly donated much-needed supplies and volunteer hours since 2021 and coordinate to respond to emergency needs.
The Ottawa Gatineau Hotel Association (OGHA)
The Ottawa Gatineau Hotel Association (OGHA) is the voice of the hotel industry in Canada’s Capital Region. OGHA has 61 member hotels representing over 10,000 rooms and employing over to 6000 people. OGHA is governed by a voluntary Board of Directors elected by the membership. “Our mission as an association of hoteliers in the Ottawa-Gatineau region is dedicated to enhancing industry profile, service excellence and tourism growth.” Although the association is made up of competing hotels, OGHA members work closely together on issues of public policy, membership services and charitable events to increase the profile of the industry and prosperity of the industry.
Runner-up

Royal Bank of Canada
Royal Bank of Canada was nominated for their dedicated support of Christie Lake Kids’ Canoe for Kids program. This year alone, 50 RBC volunteers donated nearly 300 hours to supporting low-income children and youth at this annual event.
Royal Bank of Canada
RBC is a global financial institution with a purpose-driven, principles-led approach to delivering leading performance, and creating value for our clients and communities.

Pathways to Possibilities Award
Sponsored by the Ottawa Board of Trade
The Pathways to Possibilities Award celebrates an organization or individual who empowers those in our community who face barriers, using volunteering to create new opportunities and expand horizons. The award highlights the capacity of volunteering to enhance skills, gain experience and increase social cohesion by recognizing an individual or organization whose leadership has helped newcomers, youth in need, and other marginalized groups find a pathway to opportunity.
WINNER

Nerio Guerrero and Jennifer Hughes Doucet
CCI Ottawa Conversation Circles volunteers
CCI Ottawa Conversation Circles
The Catholic Centre for Immigrants welcomes newcomers to Ottawa, helping with settlement and integration into Canadian society and building a more welcoming community in Ottawa.CCI’s Conversation Circles are fundamental programs that focus on providing newcomers an opportunity to improve English and French language skills and build confidence. Led by a dedicated team of volunteers, Conversation Circles bring together newcomers, both virtually and in-person, from diverse backgrounds to practice language skills at various levels, from beginner English or French to employment language or practicing for a first job interview in Canada.Building language skills and confidence is an important first step in many newcomers’ integration, and CCI’s dedicated team of community volunteers leading Conversation Circles has had an incredible impact supporting newcomers in achieving their goals and building a stronger, more welcoming community in Ottawa.
Runner-up

Dancia Kendra Susilo
Dancia Kendra Susilo was nominated for her dedicated work with a number of organizations, including volunteer recruitment and advocacy for groups like The Missing Link Project and the Centretown Community Health Centre. She donates an astonishing 25 to 60 hours a week.
Dancia Kendra Susilo
Dancia Kendra Susilo is an entrepreneur, humanitarian, and social activist. She focuses on public education and policy development to ensure those born into unfavourable situations have access to resources that can allow them to develop the skills required to progress in life in an equitable manner. Her business focuses on organizational effectiveness such as brand development, DEI, strategic planning, and more. Last year, she won CharityVillage's "Most Outstanding Impact Award" nationally in the nonprofit sector and this year, she is a candidate for FORBES 30 Under 30 in the Social Impact category (North America).
Susilo has been an avid volunteer since she was 5. She used to volunteer at senior homes, Parishes, mental health organizations, and healthcare organizations. Since moving to Ottawa in 2016, she has volunteered at: uOttawa to make ASL more accessible by providing free ASL classes; Runway for HOPE and Ray of Light to fundraise for mental health by producing/performing music and modelling; The Missing Link Project to alleviate youth poverty by becoming their acting Executive Director and donating her company's services; Kiwanis to improve the lives of children by working with Key Clubs and joining the Communications/PR Committee; and Centretown Community Health Centre to make healthcare accessible by serving on the Quality Improvement Action Team. She previously sat on the Board of Directors at Ottawa Victim Services and is now an active Board Director at Ecology Ottawa, Ottawa Canadian Film Festival, and GAPAP.
Although Susilo has a broad variety of interests and passions, her main focus has been mental health. She was 11 when she became a mental health advocate and public speaker. She gave her first speeches on "Suicide and Depression" and "Eating Disorders." Since then she has worked with the York Catholic District School Board to fight against mental health discrimination and implemented initiatives and resources for youth mental health. She became the youngest writer/editor of Psych2Go Organization, later managing the magazine division. She became one of Ottawa's "Faces of Mental Health" and was interviewed by Dare to be Vulnerable. She has also recently become a Community Champion for Unsinkable. Susilo has released two books, a short film, and multiple songs about mental illness, and is working on her third book. She has peer-reviewed publications and presentations with the British Psychological Society and is currently obtaining her MSc in Psychology and Neuroscience through King's College London, UK.
When Susilo isn't working or volunteering, she loves to play board games, host puppy parties, make art, and meet new people. She lives with her puppy, Chipper, and her fiance, Chris McDonald. Together they are planning their retirement within the next vicennial. Upon retirement, Susilo plans to write more books and dedicate more time towards volunteer initiatives.
Runner-up

The Tenant Volunteers of Ottawa Community Housing Corporation Communities
The Tenant Volunteers of Ottawa Community Housing Corporation Communities are finalists for the 2023 Pathways to Possibilities Award for their collective contributions to building healthier, safer, more vibrant and inclusive communities every day. While individuals have been recognized before, this nomination includes all OCH tenant volunteers.
Tenant Volunteers of Ottawa Community Housing Corporation Communities
Ottawa Community Housing Corporation (OCHC) communities are home to more than 32,000 residents. Hundreds of those residents volunteer hours of their time and share many strengths and skills to build healthier, safer, more vibrant and inclusive communities every day. Because of their efforts, residents have greater access to services and supports, have increased digital equity, have support for food security, and have stronger and more rewarding social connections, enjoy beautiful community celebrations and meals, and have greater pride in the place they call home. These examples name just a few impacts of their contribution to the community.
As residents themselves, OCHC’s tenant volunteers are mindful of the challenges their neighbours might be managing. They use their lived experience to develop initiatives which are truly responsive to their fellow residents’ needs and wishes for their community. Through their contributions, residents are empowered, and barriers to participation are reduced. OCHC greatly values this partnership in community building.

Outstanding Volunteer Program Award
Sponsored by YellowTree Grant Services Inc.
The Outstanding Volunteer Program Award is given to a not-for-profit organization in the Ottawa region that has built a successful, thriving volunteer program based on excellence in volunteer management principles and practices. Though this award has been reserved for VO members in the past, in 2023 the nomination is open for all Ottawa-region nonprofits and charities.
WINNER

Hospice Care Ottawa
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.
Runner-up

Active Newcomer Youth Ottawa
Active Newcomer Youth Ottawa is a returning finalist from 2022 nominated again this year for their volunteer program which helps provide a culturally safe space where immigrant and newcomer youth and children in Ottawa participate in social programs to increase their social inclusion and promote mental wellness.
Active Newcomer Youth Ottawa
The Active Newcomer Youth Ottawa (ANYO) organization came as a result of a PhotoVoice project organized by the Social Planning Council of Ottawa (SPCO). The PhotoVoice project made the co-founders realize the lack of accessible social-based programs, especially for immigrant and newcomer youth, and the impact it has on the mental wellbeing of the youth. Our organization mainly provides a culturally safe space where immigrants and newcomer youths and children in Ottawa participate in social programs to increase their social inclusion and promote mental wellness. Our programs include the free summer and winter soccer programs themed “Coping Mental Health Through Soccer”, Fifa Virtual leagues, art and music talent house, and the Immigrant Experience podcast. Across our programs, we are seeing great success in peer leadership and mentorship, increased mainstream service delivery, and improving the mental wellness of our participants.
Runner-up

The Door Youth Centre
The Door Youth Centre was nominated for its ongoing strong volunteer program which ensures that The Door is a facility both by, and for, young people. In the words of one volunteer, “The Door Youth Center has given me plentiful opportunity to learn and develop skills, providing words of encouragement and motivation.”
The Door Youth Centre
Our Vision and Mission
Our vision is one of a welcoming place where young people acquire the knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors that help them realize their full potential and participate actively in their communities. Our mission is to provide integrated social and developmental activities within an accessible, safe, and supportive environment.
The programs of The Door are founded on voluntary participation. Activities are structured to maximize the opportunity for young people to engage in terms of their unique development capacities and needs. Every program operates within a framework designed to:
- Strengthen personal knowledge and skills.
- Promote healthy behaviors and lifestyles.
- Develop interpersonal skills and practices of understanding, tolerance and inclusion.
- Contribute to a sense of civic responsibility and engagement in community.
Who We Are
The Door was modeled after The Door New York, a youth centre located in the heart of New York City. Art Stinson, the former head of the School of Social Work at Carleton University felt that there was a need to offer a place for youth to interact with other young people, to make new friends and to access services. It was this vision that led to opening of The Door in May 1994.
The centre has evolved and is primarily a place for youth to access educational and employment support, health promotion and recreational programs. We also work to establish links to other youth-oriented programs and services throughout the community. Most important, it is a place where youth can feel good about themselves and their place in the community!
The Door is the only youth centre in the Centretown West area, thus fulfilling a need that is otherwise unmet. Working with youth in our city we see youth that may have a stable home environment and others may be high-risk. They come from a variety racial and ethnic backgrounds, some of them new Canadians. There is a range of gender diversity and also those who identify as members of the LGBTQ2S+ community. The Door is a place youth can benefit from a safe environment to learn, contribute and share or simply enjoy a safe place to hang out with friends.
Each youth is expected to help out in some small way at the centre, whether it’s taking out the garbage, cooking dinner, working the front desk, basketball court, and/or participating in the decisions about how The Door operates on a day-to-day basis. This ensures that The Door is truly a facility of and for young people.
How Are Finalists and Winners Selected?
During the nomination period, members of the public are invited to submit nominations for the seven award categories. Nominations will be reviewed by a committee of the VO Board of Directors and local leaders in the nonprofit space. All finalists will receive a complimentary ticket to the Awards Gala on October 26. Winners will be announced live during the Gala and presented with their award.