As the 6th Annual ODBF Shiver ’N Giver Fundraising Drive continues, supporters are invited to warm their hearts this winter raising funds for local charities. The fundraising drive has raised more than 65% of its goal and donations will be accepted until February 28, 2022!
To-date, supporters have helped ODBF raise nearly $15,000 in support of The Snowsuit Fund, Lotus Centre for Special Music Education, Youth Services Bureau and Tim Hortons Foundation Camps! Funds raised will help these local charities in providing programs and services to children and families in need throughout the National Capital Region.
“The strain of the pandemic continues to be a serious challenge in our community, but together we can make a difference.” says ODBF Director of Fundraising, Shelley Freake-Smyth. “Our dedicated fundraisers, generous donors, are here to meet these needs, and ODBF is happy to partner with these incredible charities to help make an impact in the National Capital Region”, adds ODBF CEO, John Brooman.
ODBF is calling on everyone in the National Capital Region for its support for these very deserving local charities:
The Snowsuit Fund is an Ottawa-based charity that raises funds for the purchase and distribution of new, quality-made snowsuits to needy children, 15 years and under. ODBF will be supporting the distribution of winter toques with every snowsuit. In a typical season, The Snow Snowsuit Fund will distribute 16,000 or more new snowsuits to qualifying families.
The Lotus Centre for Special Music Education is a leader in increasing access to adapted music education and serving the special needs community and providing accessible music programming to individuals of all ages. ODBF will be supporting their Mini-Music Camp for children developmentally aged 5-18 serving children and adults with a wide range of physical and developmental disabilities, including autism spectrum disorder, down syndrome, and cerebral palsy. Mini-music camps run 3 Sunday afternoons per month from September – June, and 4 Sundays per month in July-August. Campers enjoy an afternoon exploring different types of music, instruments, and music stories. There will also be time for outdoor play, stories, snacks, and social time with peers!
Youth Services Bureau of Ottawa (YSB) has assisted tens of thousands of young people to find jobs, return to school, learn life skills, find shelter, choose a better path and feel hope for the future. YSB is one of the most important lifelines for youth at-risk in Ottawa. Every day, in every part of the city, as young people face difficult choices and life-changing events, they support them and their families. For many who walk through YSB’s doors, it is the first place they feel safe, and feel a sense of belonging.
ODBF will also be supporting Tim Hortons® Foundation Camps, Camp des Voyageurs Tim Horton in Quyon, Quebec who are helping to create brighter futures for youth in the National Capital Region. A leader in youth development programming, Tims Camps support youth from low-income homes between the ages of 12 to 16 – an important developmental time that helps shape who they will become as adults. Through a multi-year, camp-based program, youth learn skills like leadership, resilience and responsibility, which empower them to believe in their potential. Youth are supported to thrive when they return home, to excel in post-secondary education, to succeed at work and to contribute positively to their communities.
ODBF is thankful for everyone who has contributed so far and invites you to support the fundraising drive to reach its goal. Fundraising continues through February 28th. Donations can be made here or by texting ODBF to (613)-703-5852.
