Statement on the Canada Post Strike

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