“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” Galatians 6:9

Much to be thankful for this Thanksgiving

As we head into the fall, I continue to be profoundly grateful for your unwavering support of the most vulnerable members of our community – a task that has been made all the more challenging throughout the pandemic.

Each day, more people turn to us for help. It’s comforting to know that we can continue to provide vital assistance to those in need, thanks to your support. 

Your kindness touches so many here at The Mission, like Suzanne in our Hospice. Left homeless and in poor health during the pandemic, she found comfort from the “angels” who work there. And Forough, a new Canadian and graduate of our Food Services Training Program who achieved her dream of making her living by cooking for others. And last but not the least John, a talented artist and musician who turned to us after so many support programs for people with addictions in the community closed, due to Covid-19.

I hope you’ll enjoy reading their stories in this edition of our newsletter. On behalf of those we support, thank you for your kindness.

With Gratitude,

Suzanne is a lively 72-year-old woman in our Hospice. Born in Ottawa, she worked as an Executive Assistant at a retirement residence. While she enjoyed supporting seniors, she began seeking opportunities for career growth, continuing to work at the residence while training for a new career in social services. As her career progressed, she became passionate about helping people, because “people need to be treated with compassion”. 

Although otherwise healthy, Suzanne experienced a stroke at age 48, continuing to work as she recovered. In 2017, she suffered a major stroke that left her paralyzed on one side and moved into long-term care to recover. To this day, she cannot stand without difficulty and relies on a wheelchair.

In 2020, Suzanne moved to a retirement residence with her cat, whom she adored. However, disagreements with management led to her expulsion, something even more jarring since it took place at the height of the pandemic, when evictions were supposedly suspended. Alternate accommodation fell through, and she became homeless, finally finding refuge at a sister shelter, and then transitioning to supportive housing.

 In 2021, Suzanne’s health declined, and she came to The Ottawa Mission’s Hospice for support. During this time, she developed a twisted bowel requiring surgery, but fortunately recovered.

Thank you Suzanne, for trusting us to look after you.

A year ago we opened Chef Ric’s, where the tradition of nourishing food and a sense of caring begun by the Kardish family at the former Rideau Bakery is now carried on by Chef Ric and his team. Here, our Food Service Training Program (FSTP) students begin their journey toward new careers, a sense of accomplishment and finally independence. Community members can buy healthy and affordable food to feed their families, and our expanding catering business provides delicious food options across our city, with revenues going back into The Mission’s many programs. 

This sense of compassion, kindness and journey to independence was truly apparent in the March 2022 graduation ceremony of our FSTP students. 

When graduating students received their diplomas, they spoke of their connection to their fellow student Rachel. Rachel had secured a position in the food service industry, but sadly passed away a few weeks before the ceremony. Rachel’s portrait and a candle were placed on an empty chair, and her parents spoke movingly of what the program meant to her. It was a poignant and heartfelt reminder of the real difference this transformative program can make, even during the most difficult times. 

Another graduate of the program was Forough. Originally from Iran, Forough arrived in Canada in July 2021 and began volunteering in The Mission’s kitchen shortly after that. “I wanted to make a career and do what I love. Working in the kitchen helped me prepare for the FSTP. I knew what I wanted and this program opened a new window for me.” Now, Forough is working at a local restaurant and couldn’t be happier. Congratulations, Forough and all graduates! 

Another important activity at Chef Ric’s is the meal preparation for our food truck program. Beginning in September 2020 with one truck, five stops and 500 meals per week, it has now grown to two trucks, 31 stops and 7,000 meals per week! Every day people line up to receive the meals they need from our food trucks. People with walkers, in wheelchairs, and with their children. People who never worried about feeding themselves and their families until the pandemic, now come to our truck just to survive.

Your support means the difference between being fed and going hungry for so many in our community. On behalf of those who depend on us, thank you.

Rita and Lucian Blair have always been grateful that their lives have been full of abundance. But, they’ve also been mindful that there are many others in their community who are far less fortunate. That’s why Lucian and Rita have been donors to The Ottawa Mission for eighteen years. 

After many years of giving something each month, each has chosen to remember The Mission with another kind of gift — a legacy in their will.

Today, the Blairs are happily retired.  Lucian spends time with his piano, making playlists for his friends, reading, and home maintenance.  Rita is an avid bird watcher and enjoys gardening.  They keep abreast of The Mission’s activities and are happy to encourage their neighbours and friends to support The Mission as well. 

When asked what he would say to someone who is considering leaving a legacy gift to The Mission, Lucian is emphatic.  “Just do it!” he says. The Mission does wonderful work that meets urgent needs.  It is an organization most worthy of our help.”

Gifts in wills are a critically important source of revenue that fund meals, shelter, healthcare, employment training and so many other vital services. Perhaps a gift in your will is a way that you can extend your compassion and love beyond your own lifetime?

On behalf of those we serve,  thank you Lucian and Rita, for your generous support of The Mission in so many ways for so many years.

John is a quiet, thoughtful man of 60 years. A former building technician, he worked in properties across Ottawa.

Growing up, John lived with parents who suffered from mental illness and alcoholism. His own struggles with alcohol caught up with him, and five years ago he booked into The Mission’s Stabilization program.  

As part of his journey to recovery, we also helped him find subsidized housing and eventually, employment. Staff at our DYMON health clinic stabilized his diabetes, and our education team helped him achieve professional credentials such as WHMIS and working at heights. 

John also relies upon our community meal program, which provides groceries as well as meals to clients. “My cupboard is full” says John. He truly welcomes these “little extras” in tough times.

The closure of support programs during Covid-19 proved isolating for John, and earlier this year he spiraled into a depression and booked in to The Ottawa Mission’s addiction programs, open to shelter guests. “When I’m here, I take care of business,” he says with a shy smile.

A talented man, John finds release in art and particularly enjoys drawing horses. He also enjoys playing his guitar.

John is grateful for the compassion and professionalism of Mission staff. “They respect confidentiality, which is important for trust.”

Thank you John, for allowing us to help you on your journey to recovery.