Ottawa Community Housing (OCH) is bringing together people in the month of December through dozens of events aimed at building stronger connections in the city.
Ottawa’s largest low-income housing provider planned 35 community events until Dec. 31. Many of them are organized by OCH partners, but are run by volunteers in city-owned facilities making them accessible to everyone. The goal is to help include people from diverse backgrounds and experiences while having fun along the way.
This weekend there is a Christmas breakfast at Confederation Court from 9 a.m. to noon on Dec. 14. A pancake breakfast is also happening at 1455 Clementine Blvd. from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on Saturday.
Christmas Bingo at 2100 Russell Rd. will take place between 6:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. on Dec. 15.
“Together, we create spaces where families can connect, share meals and feel supported during the holiday season,” Brian Gilligan, Chief Community Support, said in an email. “These events are more than celebrations, they bring hope, foster belonging and build a stronger sense of community.”
While many of the events focus on bringing people together during difficult times, some also benefit bigger organizations that impact people outside of OCH buildings. On Dec. 6 the Snowflake Breakfast in Vanier raised $55,000 for the Partage Vanier Food Bank. OCH volunteers joined to serve over 1,000 meals.
“OCH Saff also packaged over 450 meal boxes that were delivered to residents in the Vanier community including OCH tenants at 280 Montfort St.,” an email from OCH reads.
To keep operational costs low — “thus maximizing community impact” — volunteers and OCH staff support the event.
It is not just the holidays where events like these are planned. According to OCH thousands of events, meetings and activities have taken place this year, bringing people together in the city.
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