Community Involvement

Heritage Club’s motto is “people helping people,” and By-Town chapter’s primary focus in choosing organizations to benefit from chapter support is that the charity exists to help people. Some charities work with animals to provide therapy to people in need. Other examples might include mental health support groups, or groups offering activities for children with life-threatening or chronic illnesses. Or organizations involved in bringing sport to children with special needs or arts programs to young and old. In choosing a charity, the chapter’s Executive Committee considers the following criteria:

  • Is the charity small enough that it can benefit from our level of contribution?
  • Is it a local, community-based charity?
  • Does it provide services to people within our community or city?
  • If it is part of a larger organization, will the funds be used locally?
  • Does the charity operate within the social services sector, i.e. is its focus on providing basic needs and support to people?
  • Is it a registered charitable organization?

Members in good standing for the current and past year may submit organizations for consideration each year. Typically the executive asks for nominations in the winter and announces the successful organizations at the AGM in April. Since 2017, the chapter has had sufficient funds to enable it to award two or three $500 donations each year.

As well, the By-Town chapter joins many other Heritage Clubs in supporting, through an annual golf tournament and other events, the Canada Post Community Foundation for Children.

Click here for the Foundation’s information brochure.

By-Town’s Causes of Choice for 2023 are:

This year we were thrilled to receive eight nominations from members and are very pleased to be able to support four of them! Congratulations to:

On behalf of all By-Town Heritage Club members, a cheque for $500 was sent to each charity. We’ll post more information on the good work done by your support soon…

By-Town’s Causes of Choice for 2022 were:

We are pleased to announce this year’s charity support… We normally support two charities – with a $500 donation to each – each year. However, this year we had three very compelling charities nominated by members and voted to support all three. Congratulations to the Rockland Help Centre (nominated by Luc Guevremont), Victoria’s Quilts (nominated by Carmelle Lecourtois) and Furry Tales Cat Rescue (nominated by Gail Curran). We think this a wonderful group of charities, doing amazing work, and we couldn’t pick just two! On your behalf, each charity received $500 to support their great work in our community. 
 

By-Town’s Causes of Choice for 2021 were:

ALS Society

Suggested by: Lise Jette

The ALS Society of Canada works with the ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) community to improve the lives of people affected by ALS through support, advocacy, and investment in research for a future without ALS. They are a registered charity that receives no government funding – all services and research are funded through the generosity of donors. They assist people and families living with ALS, offering home visits to discuss individual and family needs, providing information and education, and connecting users to other healthcare providers and community supports. They also run support groups for people living with ALS as well as respite for caregivers.

Shepherds of Good Hope

Suggested by: Judith Faubert

The Shepherds of Good Hope make a difference in the lives of Ottawa’s homeless and most vulnerable citizens — and in our community. They aim to develop pragmatic solutions that help those in need renew their sense of worth, dignity and community. Every day, Shepherds of Good Hope help stabilize people through their specialized shelter programs; provide permanent homes with on-site, around-the-clock support in supportive housing facilities, and serve thousands at their kitchen and drop-in centre.

By-Town’s Causes of Choice for 2020 were:

 A $500 donation to the Aphasia Centre of Ottawa. This organization was submitted by members France and Luc Picard. Using a broad range of community-based and family-focused interventions, the ACO enhances the capability of people with aphasia and their families to continue living healthy lives and remain in their homes. Professional staff and trained volunteers provide communication therapy, counselling, ongoing support, and advocacy.

A $1000 donation to both the Ottawa Food Bank and the Gatineau Food bank. A suggestion was made to support organizations of community importance during the COVID-19 situation. Food banks have been hit particularly hard by the COVID-19 crisis, with more residents turning to them for help. Both organizations are extremely grateful and send their thanks to the By-Town Heritage Club members. 

Typically, we have the recipients of our community involvement support join us at a lunch to receive their funds and share some information about their group. Given the COVID-19 social gathering restrictions, we do not know when we will be able to make this happen. However, all organizations have received their funds. 

By-Town’s Causes of Choice for 2019 were:

Shelter Movers Ottawa: Shelter Movers is a volunteer-based organization that provides moving and storage services at no cost to women and children experiencing abuse. Shelter Movers collaborates with community partners in Ottawa and Toronto to help families transition to a life free of abuse. This charity was nominated by member Tim McGurrin. Wendy from Shelter Movers attended our May lunch to receive their donation.

Ancoura is a small Ottawa charity that provides a nurturing and fulfilling environment for persons living with mental illness, through permanent, affordable housing and a supportive community. This charity was nominated by member Ray Gervais. Erik Sparling, Ancoura General Manager, attended our November lunch to receive their funds. 

 

By-Town’s Causes of Choice for 2018 are:

Suzart Productions (nominated by Heritage Club member and Suzart Board member Arlene Watson) is a non-profit musical theatre company specializing in affordable entertainment for the entire family. Suzart presents a chance for everyone–particularly youth–to enjoy musical theatre at an affordable price. Since 2003 the company has been delighting Ottawa audiences by staging local productions of many Broadway shows, showcasing Ottawa youth and talent.

Kristopher Tharris, President of Suzart Productions, receives a $500 donation from By-Town Heritage Club president Claude Bruneau and Heritage Club member Arlene Watson.

 

Backpacks for the Homeless (nominated by Heritage Club member and organization volunteer Tim McGurrin) fills backpacks with essentials like mittens, hats, socks and toiletries and gives them to homeless people in Ottawa. They provide not only material help, but also raise awareness of the day-to-day challenges of being homeless.

Ron Pitre, from Backpacks for the Homeless, receives a $500 donation from By-Town Heritage Club president Claude Bruneau and Heritage Club member Tim McGurrin.

By-Town’s Causes of Choice for 2017 are:

VETS Canada:

Veterans Emergency Transitions Services is committed to helping homeless and at-risk veterans reintegrate into civilian life. A grassroots movement, VETS Canada began in Halifax, with volunteers helping homeless and at-risk veterans reintegrate into civilian life. This movement has grown into a federally registered non-profit charity that has hundreds of dedicated volunteers across the country. They work within the community to identify homeless veterans and quickly re-establish the bond of trust that exists between soldiers. In Ottawa, the organization’s Boots on the Ground hits the streets monthly, armed with backpacks full of supplies and toiletries, to look for vets in need. Learn how to help here.

Jeff Murphy, from Vets Canada, accepts a donation from By-Town Chapter President Claude Bruneau and member Diane Pitre.

Gatineau Social Pediatric Centre

The Gatineau Social Pediatric Centre empowers families, and others involved with children, to ensure children are treated with respect and dignity. The Centre welcomes vulnerable, at-risk and children battling illness, to help them to restore their health and hope, and develop to their full potential. The Centre de pédiatrie sociale de Gatineau organizes many activities for children to support their full development. On those occasions, hundreds of volunteers offer their time and expertise to CPSG – if you’d like to help, learn more here.

 

By-Town President, Claude Bruneau presents a cheque to Marlene, a volunteer from the Gatineau Social Pediatric Centre. Member Pierre Lemieux, also pictured, recommended the organization.

Canada Post Community Foundation

With five years of fundraising and grants under its belt, the Canada Post Community Foundation is meeting its promise to deliver a brighter future for Canadian children and youth. In 2016 The Foundation granted almost $1.2 million in vital support to 125 community organizations across Canada. From breakfast programs, anti-bullying initiatives, camps for children living with serious illnesses, early literacy programs, crisis lines, health programs, recreational programs or special education programs, each program supported helps that community with their most vital resource—their children. Members who wish to volunteer for the Foundation can participate in its annual grant review process – helping to determine where the Foundation’s funds should be allocated. An email invitation will be sent to all members during the application review process each spring.

2016 Najda Refugee Sponsor Group and Canada Post Community Foundation

Najda Refugee Sponsors update:

In 2016, By-Town Chapter lent its support to Najda Refugee Sponsors, a local community group working toward sponsoring a Syrian family displaced from their homes by war conflict. Together, By-Town members raised some $1,000 for Najda’s cause.

In early May 2017, after more than a year’s wait, Najda was finally assigned a family! The Hajj Ahmads – husband Moutie, wife Kawthar, and their four-year son Maysam Moutie – are expected to arrive in the summer to start a new life in Canada, and preparations are underway in earnest. If you would like to assist with such daytime tasks as applying for a bus pass, driver’s license, shopping, arranging for telephone service, setting up a bank account, getting kids enrolled in school, etc., your time would be welcomed. If you wish to help out, please contact Marjolaine Provost at mamamarjo@gmail.com to indicate your interest or for more information.

2015 – Canada Post’s Community Foundation 
2014 – Canada Post’s Community FoundationLiveWorkPlay 
2012, 2013 – Canada Post’s Community Foundation, Ottawa Therapy Dogs
2010, 2011 – Canada Post’s Foundation for Mental Health 
2009 – Hospice at May Court 
2008 – Ottawa’s Seven Women’s Shelters
2007 – Rogers House