The Ottawa Dragon Boat Foundation (ODBF) is proud to announce its recipient charities for the 2025 ODBF Pledge Challenge and to begin its fundraising in support of these essential local programs.
The ODBF Pledge Challenge is the foundation’s annual summer campaign which raises funds for local charities who are providing essential programs and services to thousands of people in Ottawa. Funds will be raised through June 30 for Bruyère Health Foundation, Matthew House Ottawa, Children’s Aid Foundation of Ottawa, Tim Hortons Foundation Camps, Youth Services Bureau, Unbroken Recovery One Rep at a Time, and Bereaved Families of Ontario (Ottawa Chapter).
ODBF is awarding a combined total of $59,050 to organizations serving Ottawa’s most vulnerable communities. ODBF will distribute grants to five partner charities at $10,000 each, plus additional funding for two emerging initiatives:
“Our heartfelt congratulations go out to all 2025 grant recipients,” said Shelley Freake, ODBF Director of Fundraising. “These organizations embody resilience and compassion. We’re proud to amplify their impact as they serve our most vulnerable neighbours.”
2025 Pledge Challenge Recipients
- Bruyère Health Foundation – $10,000
- Matthew House Ottawa – $10,000
- Children’s Aid Foundation of Ottawa – $10,000
- Tim Hortons Foundation Camps – $10,000
- Youth Services Bureau – $10,000
Additional Grants
- Unbroken Recovery One Rep at a Time – $6,000
- Bereaved Families of Ontario (Ottawa Chapter) – $3,050
How your donation will help…
Bruyère Health Foundation — $10,000
ODBF will be supporting the Mother Bruyère Legacy Fund, established in 2021, provides up to $700 per patient each year to cover essential items—such as wheelchair ramps, specialized walkers, medical equipment, clothing, toiletries, and transportation—allowing low‑income patients to return home safely and with dignity. In 2025, the Fund introduces its new Patient Wish Program, granting individualized wishes (up to $700 annually) to enhance emotional well‑being, from attending cultural events to fulfilling final comfort requests. The 2025 grant will ensure continued support for Bruyère’s patients and residents as they recover and reclaim independence.
Matthew House Ottawa — $10,000
ODBF will be supporting Matthew House Ottawa, serving homeless refugee claimants arriving without sponsorship, Matthew House operates 21 homes and has supported more than 204 individuals in 2024 alone. With demand rising, Matthew House plans to open additional homes—each requiring approximately $15,000 for setup (furnishings, utilities, repairs, and supplies)—to meet the anticipated need of at least 300 refugee claimants by year‑end. The 2025 pledge will underwrite vital operational costs, ensuring newly arrived families secure safe, stable housing as they begin rebuilding their lives in Canada.
Children’s Aid Foundation of Ottawa — $10,000
ODBF will be supporting Children’s Aid Foundation of Ottawa. Contrary to common misconceptions, 91% of child‑welfare services in Ottawa support children not in foster care, leaving at‑risk families without prevention resources. The Foundation’s prevention program provides beds, clothing, disability‑specific items, and access to camps, sports, music lessons, and tutoring—services unavailable elsewhere. In 2023, the program enabled 178 children to attend summer camp, 125 to receive essential items, 52 to access enrichment activities, and 48 to participate in team sports. The 2025 grant will expand this critical support, keeping vulnerable children safely at home and fostering their long‑term development.
Tim Hortons Foundation Camps — $10,000
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.
Youth Services Bureau — $10,000
The Youth Services Bureau (YSB) delivers counselling, outreach, and life‑skills programs for young people facing homelessness, mental‑health challenges, and family breakdown. With this pledge, YSB will expand its drop‑in center’s capacity—adding evening group workshops on coping skills and peer support—serving an additional 150 youth over the next 12 months.
New Initiative Grants
Unbroken Recovery One Rep at a Time — $6,000
This funding will launch a peer‑led yoga program for individuals in addiction recovery. By training up to five instructors, underwriting insurance, conducting targeted outreach, and partnering with local studios, the program will foster mindfulness, reduce anxiety, and build healthy coping strategies within an inclusive, community‑focused model.
Bereaved Families of Ontario (Ottawa Chapter) — $3,050
To enhance hybrid grief support programming, this grant will purchase a Meeting Owl 4+ video‑conference system, enabling seamless transitions between in‑person and virtual sessions. The upgrade ensures participants who prefer face‑to‑face connection can attend locally, while elderly, disabled, or rural families continue to engage from home—regardless of Ottawa’s unpredictable weather.
“Year after year, our community and supporters rally to raise critical funds for Ottawa’s charities,” said Antony Cooper, ODBF Director of Operations, Marketing, Sponsorship. “These 2025 pledges reflect our commitment to health, safety, and empowerment—ensuring every dollar makes a tangible difference in the lives of those who need it most.”
ODBF extends heartfelt gratitude to its paddlers, sponsors, and volunteers for their dedication. Together, we continue a tradition of community spirit, competition, and compassionate giving.
