The Ottawa Dragon Boat Foundation (ODBF) is proud to announce the recipient charities of the 2026 ODBF Pledge Challenge and to officially launch its annual summer fundraising campaign in support of essential local programs.
The ODBF Pledge Challenge raises critical funds for Ottawa-based charities delivering frontline services to thousands of residents across the city. Funds will be raised through June 30 in support of: Boys and Girls Club of Ottawa (Walk This Way program), Nutrition Blocs (Hot Breakfast/Summer Nutrition Program), The Partage Vanier Food Bank, Roger Neilson Children’s Hospice (Young Grievers Camp), Tim Hortons Foundation Camps.
ODBF is awarding funding to organizations serving Ottawa’s most vulnerable communities.
“Each of these organizations represents the very best of our city — compassion in action, practical solutions, and measurable impact,” said Shelley Freake, ODBF Director of Fundraising. “Through the 2026 ODBF Pledge Challenge, we are proudly investing in youth development, food security, grief support, and healthy living initiatives.”
2026 Pledge Challenge Grant Recipients
Boys and Girls Club of Ottawa
For over a century, BGC Ottawa has empowered youth aged 6–18 through free programming in 31 neighbourhoods. Funding will support the Walk This Way initiative – a goal-oriented wellness program engaging youth in weekly training walks leading to Ottawa Race Weekend.
Nutrition Blocs
Nutrition Blocs works to eliminate food insecurity for school-aged children in Ottawa by providing hot, nutritious, culturally appropriate meals where children learn and play. With one in four children living in a food-insecure household, the organization delivered over 100,000 hot meals in 2024–25 through its flagship programs.
The Partage Vanier Food Bank
Operated by the Vanier Community Service Centre, Partage Vanier provides food and essential supplies to residents in need, alongside wrap-around social supports. Clients have access to intervention workers who assist with employment services, newcomer support, youth and family programming, and legal services.
Roger Neilson Children’s Hospice
Since 2006, Roger Neilson Children’s Hospice has provided pediatric hospice palliative care and grief services across the Ottawa region. Funding will support the 2026 Young Grievers Summer Camp — a three-day overnight camp offering recreational activities combined with structured grief education and emotional support. Held at Christie Lake Kids, the camp is free of charge to ensure accessibility for all families.
Tim Hortons Foundation Camps
Funding will support Camp des Voyageurs Tim Horton in Quyon, Quebec, serving youth aged 12–16 from low-income homes across the National Capital Region. Through a multi-year camp-based program, youth build leadership, resilience, responsibility, and confidence — equipping them to succeed in education, employment, and community life.
“The ODBF Pledge Challenge reflects what makes Ottawa’s dragon boat community so powerful — teamwork, generosity, and a shared commitment to lifting others,” said Antony Cooper, ODBF Director of Operations, Marketing & Sponsorship. “This focus on strengthening food security, youth leadership, mental health, directly translates into opportunity, stability, and hope.”
ODBF extends heartfelt gratitude to its paddlers, sponsors, and volunteers. Together, the ODBF community continues a tradition of spirited competition and compassionate giving.
