Ottawa, ON – Today The Ottawa Mission celebrated the graduation of 32 students of its renowned Food Services Training Program (FSTP) trained at “Chef Ric’s”, the shelter’s social enterprise at 384 Rideau Street.

Amongst the graduates are two valedictorians, Ash Perry and Tae Hwan (Joseph) Park, who together demonstrate the wide range of people helped by the program.

In his 50s, Ash is grateful for the opportunity the FSTP has provided as he’s moved on from a recovery house towards stabilizing and relaunching his life. “Beyond the instruction and training… the small things, like the FSTP’s free grocery program, the life coaching, the employment resources, they weren’t actually small things… they were a godsend.”

In his 20s, Joseph knew that he wanted to break into the culinary industry but couldn’t find work. “…the common response I got was that they wanted someone with culinary training. I looked up culinary school but it was very expensive and wasn’t a realistic option for me.”

Now, Joseph has the training to launch his culinary career, where he plans to pursue a path of operating his own commercial food truck or restaurant. Beyond Ash and Jospeh, each and every FSTP graduate has a similar story of hope, perseverance, and transformation.

The FSTP was created by Chef Ric Allen-Watson, The Mission’s Director of Food Services. Homeless at age 14, he knows the power of paying it forward. Ninety percent of FSTP graduates go on to careers in the food service industry. This success is one reason for the incredible popularity of the program, with over 250 people applying for this cohort.

“When I started at The Mission in 2002, I saw myself in the faces of the people I served food to. While it was satisfying, it wasn’t enough. That’s why I started the FSTP: to help vulnerable people more by supporting them to become independent. And that’s why we’ll be expanding the program this fall to accommodate even more people who need help,” Allen-Watson noted.

The FSTP is funded entirely by donations. With both homelessness and food insecurity at record levels in Ottawa, this program is needed more than ever. “Our incredibly generous donors have changed so many lives in our community for the better by your continuing support for this program. On behalf of our students, thank you so much,” Ottawa Mission CEO Peter Tilley concluded.

About The Ottawa Mission
Since 1906, The Ottawa Mission has been serving the homeless, the hungry and the lost by providing food, clothing, shelter and skills. In 2024-2025, The Ottawa Mission provided emergency shelter to an average of 187 men every night and served an average of 3,312 meals every day.  The Ottawa Mission also provides to men and women health services, mental health and addiction treatment programs, hospice care, dental services, housing services, educational support, job training, spiritual care, and clothing to thousands in need in our community. In September 2020, The Ottawa Mission marked the one millionth hour that the shelter has been in existence since its founding in 1906. In 2019, the Mission became a housing-focused shelter reflective of its commitment to a home for everyone as a human right with the launch of a new housing department.

FOR INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Aileen Leo
Director of Communications
T 613.234.1144 x 305
C 613.712.3092
aleo@ottawamission.com

Ottawa, ON – During The Ottawa Mission’s annual Christmas meal, which was held on December 14 as well as the week prior to this date through the shelter’s food truck program, The Mission served 18,275 meals – a new record for a special meal service.

“It took 7000 lbs. of turkey, 3500 lbs. of peeled potatoes, 2000 lbs. of vegetables, 150 gallons of gravy, and 900 vegetarian quiches to ensure that those who turn to us for help this Christmas did not go hungry,” said Chef Ric Allen-Watson, Director of Food Services for The Mission.

Ottawa Public Health recently reported that the rate of food security has risen from 16.3% in 2019 to 2. “In my 22 years at The Ottawa Mission, I’ve never seen hunger this bad, Allen-Watson added.

Prior to the pandemic, The Mission served 495,360 meals annually. This past fiscal year, it served an astounding 1,208,935 meals, a 244% increase. “Our shelter continues to face unprecedented need in the wake of very serious challenges in a post-pandemic environment, the most shocking of which is the skyrocketing rate of hunger,” stated Peter Tilley, Ottawa Mission CEO.

In addition to a delicious meal, the Christmas gathering at The Mission also provided a sense of warmth and community to those in need who would otherwise be alone.

“While we’re pleased to be providing this special meal for both shelter guests and community clients, we remain very concerned about the shocking increase in hunger across our community. We look forward to working with all levels of government in 2026 to address those conditions which caused so many people in need to turn to our shelter for help, including poverty and growing income insecurity, a continuing lack of affordable and supportive housing, and other factors,” Ottawa Mission CEO Peter Tilley concluded

About The Ottawa Mission
Since 1906, The Ottawa Mission has been serving the homeless, the hungry and the lost by providing food, clothing, shelter and skills. In 2024-2025, The Ottawa Mission provided emergency shelter to an average of 187 men every night and served an average of 3,312 meals every day.  The Ottawa Mission also provides to men and women health services, mental health and addiction treatment programs, hospice care, dental services, housing services, educational support, job training, spiritual care, and clothing to thousands in need in our community. In September 2020, The Ottawa Mission marked the one millionth hour that the shelter has been in existence since its founding in 1906. In 2019, the Mission became a housing-focused shelter reflective of its commitment to a home for everyone as a human right with the launch of a new housing department.

FOR INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Aileen Leo
Director of Communications
T 613.234.1144 x 305
C 613.712.3092
aleo@ottawamission.com

Ottawa, ON – During The Ottawa Mission’s annual Thanksgiving meal, which was held on October 13^th as well as the week prior to Thanksgiving through the shelter’s food truck program, The Mission served 18,271 meals – a new record for a special meal service.

“It takes 7,000 pounds of turkey to feed everyone during our special Thanksgiving dinner,” noted Chef Ric Watson, Director of Food Services at The Mission. Also on the menu was: 3500 lbs. of peeled potatoes; 2000 lbs. of glazed fresh carrots; 150 gallons of gravy; and 900 vegetarian quiches. “This Thanksgiving meal count is yet another example of the shocking need for food in our community.”

Prior to the pandemic, The Mission served 495,360 meals annually. This past fiscal year, it served an astounding 1,208,935 meals, a 244% increase. “Our shelter continues to face unprecedented need, the most disturbing of which is the need for food. While we’re glad that we’re able to serve so many people in need, they should not have to choose between paying their rent and feeding themselves and their families” Allen-Watson added.

This is one reason why The Mission launched its food truck program. Beginning in September 2020 with one truck and five stops serving 500 meals per week, it now has two trucks which deliver over 11,500 meals per week at 41 community partner locations. This program is supported entirely by donations.

“Years ago, only people who were homeless or at risk of homelessness would come to us for a Thanksgiving meal. Now, we see so many people who would never have come to us before now turning to us for help, including seniors, families, low-income working people, students, and others,” Ottawa Mission CEO Peter Tilley noted.

“Food insecurity has risen from one in seven to now one in four households. Poverty, homelessness and food insecurity are serious public health issues. We at The Ottawa Mission are doing our part to address shocking increases in hunger and keep vulnerable people healthy through our meal program. Now more than ever, our team of staff, volunteers and service partners supported by our donors are working harder than ever to meet the increasing need in our community. We need real solutions to hunger in our community, including more affordable housing, which is a primary driver of food insecurity,” Tilley concluded.

About The Ottawa Mission

Since 1906, The Ottawa Mission has been serving the homeless, the hungry and the lost by providing food, clothing, shelter and skills. In 2024-2025, The Ottawa Mission provided emergency shelter to an average of 187 men every night and served an average of 3,312 meals every day.  The Ottawa Mission also provides to men and women health services, mental health and addiction treatment programs, hospice care, dental services, housing services, educational support, job training, spiritual care, and clothing to thousands in need in our community. In September 2020, The Ottawa Mission marked the one millionth hour that the shelter has been in existence since its founding in 1906. In 2019, the Mission became a housing-focused shelter reflective of its commitment to a home for everyone as a human right with the launch of a new housing department.

FOR INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Aileen Leo
Director of Communications
T 613.234.1144 x 305
C 613.712.3092
aleo@ottawamission.com

Ottawa, ON – As we head into the fall, planning is well underway for The Ottawa Mission’s annual Thanksgiving Dinner at its shelter, which will take place on Monday, October 13^th, and also from October 6 – 12 through its food truck program at 41 locations throughout the City of Ottawa.

The meal for shelter guests and community members will begin at 11:00 am in the Mission dining room. The Mission’s food truck program will also serve a full Thanksgiving meal to everyone who accesses this service the week prior to the October 13 meal.

On any given day, The Ottawa Mission serves about 3,000 meals to shelter residents and those in need in the community. Due to the shocking increase in hunger across our community, the shelter anticipates serving 16,000 – 17,000 meals this Thanksgiving.

“It will take about 7,000 pounds of turkey, or 700 to 800 turkeys, to feed everyone who comes to our special Thanksgiving dinner,” says Chef Ric Watson, Director of Food Services at The Mission. “Our kitchen volunteers and staff are working very hard to ensure that everyone will have a delicious turkey dinner by preparing for this very special event in advance.”

Also on the menu will be: 3500 lbs. peeled potatoes; 2000 lbs. glazed fresh carrots; 150 gallons of gravy, and 900 Vegetarian quiches.

This year because of the Canada Post strike, our donations have been severely affected yet again, which makes turkey donations even more critical. Frozen turkey donations can be dropped off between 7 am – 5 pm at the garage entrance to The Ottawa Mission at the corner of Waller and Besserer. Please ring the bell and a staff-person will arrive to receive your donation.

Monetary donations to support the Thanksgiving meal are also appreciated. People can support the meal by donating:

• Online: Visit ottawamission.com to donate directly.
• By phone: Call 613-234-1155, Monday to Friday, 8am – 4 pm.
• In person: Visit us at 35 Waller Street (parking on Daly, access at Daly and Waller)

About The Ottawa Mission

Since 1906, The Ottawa Mission has been serving the homeless, the hungry and the lost by providing food, clothing, shelter and skills. In 2024-2025, The Ottawa Mission provided emergency shelter to an average of 187 men every night and served an average of 3,312 meals every day.  The Ottawa Mission also provides to men and women health services, mental health and addiction treatment programs, hospice care, dental services, housing services, educational support, job training, spiritual care, and clothing to thousands in need in our community. In September 2020, The Ottawa Mission marked the one millionth hour that the shelter has been in existence since its founding in 1906. In 2019, the Mission became a housing-focused shelter reflective of its commitment to a home for everyone as a human right with the launch of a new housing department.

FOR INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Aileen Leo
Director of Communications
T 613.234.1144 x 305
C 613.712.3092
aleo@ottawamission.com

Ottawa, ON – For the second time in less than a year, a strike has stopped all mail delivery. For charities, the impact is particularly severe, affecting our ability to raise the funds needed to support increasing numbers of vulnerable people who depend on us. At The Ottawa Mission, donations account for 58% of our overall budget, with government support accounting for only 23%. Of this total, direct mail accounts for over one-third of all donations raised to support our clients.

The need for our services has never been greater. As noted in our annual Impact Report, in 2024 – 2025, we sheltered 1248 unique individuals and provided 1,208,935 meals across Ottawa to people who would otherwise go hungry. As more than a shelter, we offer many programs to help our clients rebuild their lives, including mental health and addiction treatment programs, health, hospice and dental care, housing services, educational and employment support, job training, spiritual care, and clothing to thousands in need.

As we approach the holiday season with Thanksgiving and Christmas just around the corner, we respectfully ask our kind and compassionate donors to consider these alternatives to ensure your donation reaches us without delay:

Online: Give here to donate directly.
By phone: Call 613-234-1155, Monday to Friday, 8am – 4 pm.
In person: Visit us at 35 Waller Street (parking on Daly, access at Daly and Waller)

Thank you so much for your generosity to help us provide essential services to so many in need.

About The Ottawa Mission
Since 1906, The Ottawa Mission has been serving the homeless, the hungry and the lost by providing food, clothing, shelter and skills. In 2024-2025, The Ottawa Mission provided emergency shelter to an average of 187 men every night and served an average of 3,312 meals every day.  The Ottawa Mission also provides to men and women health services, mental health and addiction treatment programs, hospice care, dental services, housing services, educational support, job training, spiritual care, and clothing to thousands in need in our community. In September 2020, The Ottawa Mission marked the one millionth hour that the shelter has been in existence since its founding in 1906. In 2019, the Mission became a housing-focused shelter reflective of its commitment to a home for everyone as a human right with the launch of a new housing department.

FOR INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Aileen Leo
Director of Communications
T 613.234.1144 x 305
E-mail: aleo@ottawamission.com

In the face of catastrophic levels of homelessness and food insecurity, Ottawa’s oldest and largest homeless shelter introduces new job training program to lift people out of homelessness

Ottawa, ON – Today The Ottawa Mission released its annual impact report outlining its support of record numbers of vulnerable community members over its past fiscal year.

“Over five years after Ottawa City Council declared a homelessness emergency, homelessness has reached unprecedented levels, with record numbers of people living in shelters and on the street. The lack of affordable and supportive housing, mental health distress, substance use, job loss, and high inflation for essentials such as food and rent, have stretched our shelter’s capacity to cope to the limit. This means that all emergency shelter beds and mats laid down on our chapel floor this past year were full,” CEO Peter Tilley noted.

In 2023, a record number of asylum seekers turned to The Mission for help. “There has been a decline in the number of newcomers who turn to us for help and occupy our shelter beds since that time, and we appreciate the efforts of the City of Ottawa to find alternate accommodation for these clients. Having said this, we continue to be at over 100% with all of our emergency shelter beds full. This means that we continue to have nine clients sleeping on mats in our chapel, 16 sleeping on chairs in our lounge, and also having to turn 10 clients away each night to find alternate accommodation,” stated Ashley Potter, Manager of Frontline Services.

The Mission also continues to cope with catastrophic rates of hunger across Ottawa, where food insecurity has risen from one in seven to now one in four households. “Before the pandemic, we served 495,360 meals annually. This past year, we served 1,208,935 meals. This is the third year in a row that we’ve served over one million meals, and this year’s meal number represents an increase of 244% from before the pandemic,” noted Chef Ric Allen-Watson, The Mission’s Director of Food Services.

In response to worsening hunger across Ottawa, The Mission launched its food truck program in September 2020. Beginning with one truck, five stops, and 500 meals per week, it has expanded to two trucks and 41 stops serving 11,000 meals per week. The Mission also provides groceries to clients who receive a meal. This past fiscal year, the shelter handed out 88,750 bags of groceries. “Many clients go hungry until our trucks come. This program also helps them feed their families since the cost of groceries has increased so much. In the words of Roger, one of our clients: ‘I’m a senior. My mobility is restricted. I’m lucky this stop is close. These meals help me survive.’ Many people have told us similar stories,” added Allen-Watson.

The Mission has a long history of innovative programs to help people rebuild their lives. This includes lifting people out of homelessness and helping them to stay in their homes. In 2024, the shelter launched its new Maintenance Services Training Program (MSTP). Modeled on The Mission’s very successful Food Services Training Program (FSTP), which has a 90% success rate of helping students secure employment in the food service industry, the MSTP is a no-barrier job training initiative designed to help people experiencing homelessness or on the brink of homelessness.

“This program equips students with the skills they need to secure and maintain meaningful employment as building superintendents. The MSTP combines academic and practical instruction, soft-skills development, mentorship, industry-standard certifications, placement opportunities, and comprehensive support for job retention after graduation,” noted Andy Higgs, Manager of Maintenance for The Mission.

“Our first cohort graduated five students this spring ready and eager to work, and I’m delighted to report that all five are working as building superintendents. And even better – we’re expanding this program for the next cohort to 12 students to help even more people in need,” Higgs added.

The Mission also achieved impressive results across its many other programs, including:

• Providing emergency shelter to 1,248 unique individuals.
• Successfully housed 270 clients.
• Providing 65 clients with mental health referrals.
• Helping 138 clients achieve their educational goals.
• Training 84 Food Service Training Program graduates, 72 of whom were employed at graduation.
• Supporting 107 Addiction and Trauma Services graduates on their journey to wellness and recovery and reducing their risk of relapse.
• Providing compassionate and evidence-based care through 3,469 primary care patient encounters, 34 new Hospice admissions, 395 dental care patient visits, and 85 ophthalmology and optometry patient encounters.
• Bringing comfort and solace to clients through our Chaplaincy services.

In April, in response to unprecedented levels of homelessness and food insecurity, The Mission issued a second major report with recommendations to municipal, provincial and federal governments to address the underlying causes of these conditions and will be implementing a concerted advocacy campaign this fall to advance these recommendations.

“Like hospital emergency rooms, emergency shelters are the entry point for so many people within the homelessness continuum of care. As the City of Ottawa’s own 2024 Housing Needs Assessment noted, if additional funding isn’t put into building homes, shelters and transitional housing, homelessness in Ottawa could increase by 58 per cent over the next decade. There could also be an additional 133,000 people at risk of experiencing homelessness during that time period. Given the overwhelming burden and magnitude of homelessness, we need to support people who are currently homeless while also tackling the root causes of homelessness,” Tilley concluded.

About The Ottawa Mission

Since 1906, The Ottawa Mission has been serving the homeless, the hungry and the lost by providing food, clothing, shelter and skills. In 2024-2025, The Ottawa Mission provided emergency shelter to an average of 187 men every night and served an average of 3,312 meals every day.  The Ottawa Mission also provides to men and women health services, mental health and addiction treatment programs, hospice care, dental services, housing services, educational support, job training, spiritual care, and clothing to thousands in need in our community. In September 2020, The Ottawa Mission marked the one millionth hour that the shelter has been in existence since its founding in 1906. In 2019, the Mission became a housing-focused shelter reflective of its commitment to a home for everyone as a human right with the launch of a new housing department.

FOR INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Aileen Leo
Director of Communications
T 613.234.1144 x 305
E-mail: aleo@ottawamission.com

Ottawa, ON – Today, The Ottawa Mission celebrated the graduation of 28 students of its renowned Food Services Training Program (FSTP) trained at “Chef Ric’s”, the shelter’s social enterprise at 384 Rideau Street.

One of these students is Julia Godin. Laid off from her previous employer last year, after applying for many jobs and receiving no offers, she came across the FSTP and applied. “But this time—I didn’t get a rejection, I got an opportunity. From my very first interview with Hilary, and that trial shift in the kitchen, I knew I had found the right place. For the first time in a long time, I felt like I was where I was meant to be,” she noted.

Another graduate is Evelyn Addison. Originally from Ghana, she relocated to Canada in January. “I was so impressed with this program. Beyond the skills and training they provided us; it was inspiring to learn from and attend lectures delivered by such a diverse range of people. It showed me how so many people from different – and difficult – backgrounds have been able to make it in this industry, and it gave me hope that I could do it too, she noted.

The FSTP was created by Chef Ric Allen-Watson, The Mission’s Director of Food Services. Homeless at age 14, he knows the power of paying it forward. Ninety percent of FSTP graduates go on to careers in the food service industry. This success is one reason for the incredible popularity of the program, with over 250 applications for this cohort.

“When I started at The Mission in 2002, I saw myself in the faces of the people I served food to. While it was satisfying, it wasn’t enough. That’s why I started the FSTP: to help vulnerable people more by supporting them to become independent. And that’s why expanded the program this fall to accommodate even more people who need help,” Allen-Watson noted.

The FSTP is funded entirely by donations. With both homelessness and food insecurity at record levels in Ottawa, this program is needed more than ever. “Our incredibly generous donors have changed so many lives in our community for the better by your continuing support for this program. On behalf of our students, thank you so much,” Ottawa Mission CEO Peter Tilley concluded.

About The Ottawa Mission

Since 1906, The Ottawa Mission has been serving the homeless, the hungry and the lost by providing food, clothing, shelter and skills. In 2023-2024, The Ottawa Mission provided emergency shelter to an average of 187 men every night and served an average of 3,103 meals every day. The Ottawa Mission also provides to men and women health services, mental health and addiction treatment programs, hospice care, dental services, housing services, educational support, job training, spiritual care, and clothing to thousands in need in our community. In September 2020, The Ottawa Mission marked the one millionth hour that the shelter has been in existence since its founding in 1906. In 2019, The Mission became a housing-focused shelter reflective of its commitment to a home for everyone as a human right with the launch of a new housing department.

FOR INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Aileen Leo
Director of Communications
T 613.234.1144 x 305
C 613.712.3092
aleo@ottawamission.com

YMCA residents and members, as well as people living and working nearby, can enjoy delicious low-cost food while supporting two important community organizations.

Ottawa, ON – With today’s opening of a second Chef Ric’s, located inside the YMCA of the National Capital Region, a new partnership between The Ottawa Mission and the YMCA is underway.

As Ottawa’s oldest and largest homeless shelter, The Ottawa Mission provides many emergency and longer term supports to help vulnerable people rebuild their lives.  Chef Ric’s, The Mission’s social enterprise established in 2021 on Rideau Street, offers delicious and affordable meals as well as catering services, with proceeds flowing back to help fund The Mission’s Food Services Training Program (FSTP). This second Chef Ric’s retail location within the YCMA’s Argyle Avenue location will serve the public, as well as YMCA members and residents.

The YMCA provides transitional and supportive housing to people in transition from homelessness, newcomers to Canada, and those living with physical, mental and/or substance use health challenges. The YMCA utilizes a Hub Model to supporting community, where a focus on increasing equitable access to services through a single location is prioritized. The addition of a second Chef Ric’s to the YMCA central location is part of this YMCA Hub approach.

This new partnership allows the FSTP to grow in scope and class size, with the YMCA space providing storefront retail experience, an expanded prep kitchen, and added classroom space for the FSTP program and its students.

Chef Ric’s is named after Chef Ric Allen-Watson, The Mission’s Director of Food Services and founder of the FSTP – a culinary job training program provided free to those at risk of homelessness. Homeless at age 14 himself, he knows the power of paying it forward. With over 400 graduates since the program was launched in 2004 and approximately 90% of FSTP graduates going onto careers in the food services industry, Chef Ric is grateful for the YMCA’s partnership. He shared:

“We are so excited about this new Chef Ric’s location, and thankful to the YMCA for generously providing this location to us at no cost. With rising levels of hunger and food insecurity, it’s more important than ever to provide nutritious and affordable food, just like we do here at Chef Ric’s.

“With this added space, we’ll also be able to increase our student intake from our current limit of 30 to 35 students per FSTP class, and graduate about 100 students per year. With around 250 people applying for the FSTP, this expansion is impactful and will change lives.”

This new Chef Ric’s location officially brings these two longstanding Ottawa institutions together. However, The Mission and the YMCA have been long linked through the vulnerable populations that they both serve. Mission CEO Peter Tilley touched on that connection:

“As the Food Services Training Program has evolved over its 20-year existence, our student intake has grown to include newcomers: asylum seekers and refugees determined to start a new life here in Canada. We’ve had FSTP students complete our program while living here in the Y’s transitional housing. We have each played our part in helping our vulnerable communities, and today, we’re teaming up to expand our reach. We’re so thankful that the YMCA has provided us with this wonderful location.”

Trevor McAlmont, YMCA CEO, spoke to the value of the partnership for those accessing the Y’s services:

“The YMCA is thrilled to be partnering with Chef Ric’s to provide affordable, healthy food options to our residents, clients, members, staff and neighbours. The YMCA makes it easy for our housing residents to receive support through a single access point hub that leads to wraparound supports, like job readiness, housing assistance, health and wellness, and more. Food services are a great addition to this model. With 250 people living in our Argyle Ave building and many more accessing our range of services, this food services partnership is another way we’re working to make services more accessible and easier to navigate.”

About The Ottawa Mission
Since 1906, The Ottawa Mission has been serving the homeless, the hungry and the lost by providing food, clothing, shelter and skills. In 2023-2024, The Ottawa Mission provided emergency shelter to an average of 187 men every night and served an average of 3,103 meals every day.  The Ottawa Mission also provides to men and women health services, mental health and addiction treatment programs, hospice care, dental services, housing services, educational support, job training, spiritual care, and clothing to thousands in need in our community. In September 2020, The Ottawa Mission marked the one millionth hour that the shelter has been in existence since its founding in 1906. In 2019, the Mission became a housing-focused shelter reflective of its commitment to a home for everyone as a human right with the launch of a new housing department.

About YMCA National Capital Region
Founded in 1867, the YMCA of the National Capital Region is a registered charity dedicated to building healthy communities. The organization is committed to nurturing the potential of children, teens and young adults, promoting healthy living and supporting vulnerable people within the community. The Y serves thousands of people across the Ottawa region each year. Focusing on inclusiveness and accessibility means people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities are served through all stages of life. To learn more, visit ymcaottawa.ca.

FOR INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:

For The Ottawa Mission:
Aileen Leo
Director of Communications
613.234.1144 x 305
613.712.3092
aleo@ottawamission.com

For the YMCA:
Heather Badenoch
Communications strategist
Village PR
613-859-8232
heather@villagepr.ca

Ottawa, ON – The Ottawa Mission, RBC and Growcer announced today a new initiative to grow healthy, fresh, locally produced greens for use in The Mission’s meal programs to serve to vulnerable community members across the City of Ottawa, using Growcer’s modular vertical farms.

This announcement is made possible by a $1.5 million donation from RBC to the Ottawa Community Foundation for the Food Resilience Foundation Fund, a donor-advised fund with Growcer that aims to empower Canadian communities to securely and sustainably produce and access fresh, nutritious, and healthy food year-round.

A portion of this funding is supporting an initiative with The Ottawa Mission that will enable them to grow their own food, create training opportunities and build resilience to the effects of climate change. By bringing food production closer to where it is consumed, this initiative is also helping to lower transportation emissions, reduce water usage and minimize food waste, in a more sustainable way.

“The Ottawa Mission is the city’s oldest and largest homeless shelter. Over each of the past three years we’ve served over one million meals per year to people in need. A greater number of people than ever before can’t afford to eat healthy food, which leaves them at higher risk of diet-related illness. We’re delighted that this initiative ensures access to nutritious local produce year-round which will help keep our clients healthy,” noted Ottawa Mission CEO Peter Tilley.

The engine of the initiative is two Growcer farms which can produce up to 20,000 pounds of fresh greens every year, displacing imports and enabling Ottawa Mission to source locally grown produce for its various meal programs.
Growcer is an Ottawa-based company making communities more food resilient with its hydroponic modular farms and food storage solutions. There are currently more than 125 farms across North America to date from Prince Rupert, B.C. to Churchill, Man. Its donor-advised fund with Ottawa Community Foundation supports its efforts to bring nutritious food production alongside education, skills development and affordability to the heart of Canadian communities.

“It’s been incredible to see the impact we can make in our own backyard when partners across sectors come together. Not only will this bring more local food, but we also hope to see Ottawa serve as an example for what other cities can accomplish to increase local food resilience with indoor agriculture. This is just the beginning of what passionate organizations across the country can do to make local food part of their daily lives,” says Corey Ellis, co-founder and CEO of Growcer.

RBC works to help address societal challenges that have the potential to undermine the ability of Canadians to thrive and prosper, and has identified three key areas where they believe they can have a meaningful impact: 1) supporting the transition to a net-zero economy; 2) equipping people with the skills for a thriving future; and 3) driving more equitable opportunities for prosperity. RBC’s continued support for Growcer will help to empower and educate Canadians on how to use vertical farming technology, and address food security.

“As part of our commitment to helping our clients thrive and communities prosper, we’ve identified food security as a critical need”, says Devinder Gill, RBC’s Regional President for Ontario North and East. “RBC’s recently announced global commitment of $10 million supports food-focused organizations that grow, store and provide healthy food to people in our communities at a time they need it most. We are thrilled to help make this possible in Ottawa with Growcer and The Ottawa Mission, the first of many such community initiatives.”

The Mission’s Growcer farm will supply local greens across all the shelter’s meal programs for shelter guests, community members needing meals, and its food truck program, which has grown from one truck, five stops and 500 meals a week, to now two trucks, 41 stops and over 10,000 meals a week.

The farm will also offer training opportunities for students with the shelter’s free Food Services Training Program (FSTP), supported by RBC Foundation, which provides graduates with the skills and experience to work in a commercial kitchen. For over 20 years, 90 per cent of graduates have found jobs in the industry. Now, The Mission will also offer FSTP students the opportunity to learn practical skills in sustainable farming, food production, and distribution by working within The Mission’s Growcer farm.

“As the cost of healthy food has gone up, this has made it harder for us to ensure that the people who depend on us have access to healthy food. Now, thanks to Growcer and RBC, people who turn to us for help will get the greens they need to stay healthy. And our FSTP students will have even more opportunities to learn about the food industry and find secure employment,” Chef Ric Allen-Watson, The Mission’s Director of Food Services, concluded.

About The Ottawa Mission
Since 1906, The Ottawa Mission has been serving the homeless, the hungry and the lost by providing food, clothing, shelter and skills. In 2023-2024, The Ottawa Mission provided emergency shelter to an average of 187 men every night and served an average of 3,103 meals every day. The Ottawa Mission also provides to men and women health services, mental health and addiction treatment programs, hospice care, dental services, housing services, educational support, job training, spiritual care, and clothing to thousands in need in our community. In September 2020, The Ottawa Mission marked the one millionth hour that the shelter has been in existence since its founding in 1906. In 2019, the Mission became a housing-focused shelter reflective of its commitment to a home for everyone as a human right with the launch of a new housing department.

About Growcer
Growcer enables communities to become more food resilient through its hydroponic modular farms and food storage solutions. To date, more than 125 Growcer farms across North America grow more than 10 million servings annually of nutritious greens year-round. Operators include retailers, schools, non-profits, as well as rural and Indigenous communities. Learn more about Growcer at www.thegrowcer.ca.

About RBC
Royal Bank of Canada is a global financial institution with a purpose-driven, principles-led approach to delivering leading performance. RBC are proud to support a broad range of community initiatives through donations, community investments and employee volunteer activities. See how at rbc.com/peopleandplanet.

FOR INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:

Aileen Leo
Director of Communications
613.234.1144 x 305
613.712.3092
aleo@ottawamission.com

Stephanie Gordon
Content and communications manager
Growcer
647.861.7723
stephanie@thegrowcer.ca

Erika Whitmee
Senior Manager, Marketing & Communications
RBC
613-218-5060
erika.whitmee@rbc.com

Ottawa – On Friday, The Ottawa Mission celebrated the graduation of the first cohort of students from its new Maintenance Services Training Program (MSTP), a free work-based learning program that provides instruction and hands-on training for students to become building superintendents upon graduation. The program was made possible thanks to a $95,200 Seed grant they received from the provincial government’s Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) in September 2024.

Designed to be a no-barrier, job training program, the MSTP gives people who are experiencing homelessness or are at risk of homelessness the skills necessary to obtain gainful employment. The program is built around a work-based learning model and teaches students tangible skills aimed at dealing with real situations they will experience as building superintendents. The program modules focus on skills such as minor repairs and maintenance such as plumbing, electrical, carpentry, dry wall, painting, fire safety, janitorial skills, and others.

The MSTP is modelled on the very successful Food Services Training Program (FSTP), another job training program successfully run by The Mission, which provides graduates the training and confidence to work in a commercial kitchen. Launched in 2004, over 400 students have graduated from the FSTP into new careers and lives in the food service industry.

With the successful graduation of the MSTP’s first five students, the program will now expand to 10 students beginning this fall.

Quotes
“Fighting homelessness requires a multifaceted approach that ensures that homeless people are put in a position of stability and health. Skills training is an essential part of the process of getting people back on their feet. Ottawa-Vanier is grateful to the Ottawa Mission for the altruistic work that they do, and the approval of this grant is good news.” – Lucille Collard, MPP for Ottawa—Vanier

“We are all so proud of these graduates and can’t wait to help even more people in need as we grow this program this fall.” – Lynn Landis, Director, Maintenance and Health Services, The Ottawa Mission

“Our goal with this new program is to emulate the success of the FSTP to lift vulnerable people out of poverty and homelessness into new careers and new lives. After five months of being in this program, these graduates have a newfound confidence in themselves that’s great to see.” – Peter Tilley, CEO, The Ottawa Mission

“For us, investing in training programs like the MSTP and FSTP is a concrete way to break the cycle of homelessness. It started with our support of providing the new location for the FSTP in 2021 with the establishment of Chef Ric’s at 384 Rideau Street. We’ve seen this program grow over the past four years and our support of the MSTP is a natural extension of this. We want to continue to support The Mission in their journey to help vulnerable individuals rebuild their lives.” – Lalit Aggarwal, President, Manor Park Holdings

“The skills that students learn are based on the real-life experiences that they will encounter as building superintendents. Program modules include minor repairs and maintenance such as plumbing, electrical, carpentry, dry wall, painting, fire safety, janitorial, WHMIS and other skills. Built around a model of work-based learning, the program partners with volunteer instructors to provide hands-on training and employment.” – Andy Higgs, Manager of Maintenance, The Ottawa Mission

“We are welcoming other newcomers into Canada, helping them to adjust to new lives and new communities here. We are all searching for ways to give back, to support our communities, our city, and our nation as a whole. The MSTP has provided us with the means to do so. To The Ottawa Mission, the Ontario Trillium Foundation, and all the supporters of this program, we are so grateful. You empowered us by giving us the resources we needed to succeed. I am so excited to see how this program can grow and help many more people in need.” – Abraham Akinwale, MSTP graduate and class valedictorian

About The Ottawa Mission
Since 1906, The Ottawa Mission has been serving the homeless, the hungry and the lost by providing food, clothing, shelter and skills. In 2023-2024, The Ottawa Mission provided emergency shelter to an average of 187 men every night and served an average of 3,103 meals every day. The Ottawa Mission also provides to men and women health services, mental health and addiction treatment programs, hospice care, dental services, housing services, educational support, job training, spiritual care, and clothing to thousands in need in our community. In September 2020, The Ottawa Mission marked the one millionth hour that the shelter has been in existence since its founding in 1906. In 2019, the Mission became a housing-focused shelter reflective of its commitment to a home for everyone as a human right with the launch of a new housing department.

About the Ontario Trillium Foundation
The Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) is an agency of the Ontario government with a mission to build healthy and vibrant communities across the province. Last year, OTF invested nearly $105M into 732 community projects and multi-sector partnerships. Projects aim to enhance economic well-being, foster more active lifestyles, support child and youth development, provide spaces for people to come together and connect, and create a more sustainable environment. Visit otf.ca to learn more.

FOR INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Aileen Leo
Director of Communications
T 613.234.1144 x 305
C: 613.712.3092
E-mail: aleo@ottawamission.com