The 12 Days of Sparks Gives returns for our second year.
In small ways, we can make big change.
Our Sparks Gives initiative endeavors to support the needs of our local community by providing funding to help organizations that passionately work to improve the lives of those in the closely surrounding community of Sparks Street.
To show our sincere appreciation for the work our core organizations do, and the integral services they provide residents and visitors, we are contributing a cash donation and are pleased to offer additional partnership support to them in 2022.
Through our programs, festivals, and events, Sparks Gives will continue to identify and support the ever growing & ongoing needs of our neighbours. These organizations are truly the heart of our downtown core.
Join us in giving a warm welcome to our 2021-2022 Partners:
In showing our support, we will be doing Twelve Days of #SparksGives where each of the above organizations will receive their cash donation between December 6-17, 2021.
The Sparks Street BIA will continue to partner with these organizations in 2022 and we look forward to assisting in the promotion of their valuable initiatives.
This program has been made possible with thanks to our Sparks Street BIA Board of Directors.
Learn more about these great organizations below!
Good food is just the beginning of Centre 507's mission. "Building community involves restoring dignity, fighting isolation and inspiring hope. Centre 507 seeks to create a vibrant network which engages community members in healthy living, recreation, wellness education and preventative care. From harm reduction, tax help, haircuts, gardening, tailoring to a trip to the art gallery or access to computers, and art classes, Centre 507 is a dynamic environment offering services to equip our community to stay integrated and lead fulfilling lives."
The Centretown Emergency Food Centre is located at 507 Bank Street in the basement of Centretown United Church and serves those in need of food within their catchment. "While the nature of our clientele has shifted over the years as the demographics of our catchment area have changed, demand for food from people living on social assistance, with disabilities and on low-income jobs has remained throughout the years. In particular, the Centre now serves a higher number of newcomers and children due to the recent increase in amount of subsidized housing available for families in Centretown. The Food Centre is run by our Manager with the help of part-time staff and a team of dedicated volunteers. During COVID-19, the Food Centre has adapted its hours and service model to respect public health regulations and to protect clients, staff and volunteers from infection."
Cornerstone Women's Shelter's Vision is that 'Every woman has a safe and affordable home in a community which supports her to reach her full potential.' "Cornerstone provides emergency shelter and supportive housing for a diversity of women. Our services are offered in an environment which promotes dignity and a sense of hope. We are committed to public education and advocacy, and strive to increase safe, supportive housing and to end homelessness."
Dalhousie Food Cupboard’s Mission is ‘To provide emergency food and ease the financial burden of our neighbours who are unable to secure a steady supply of groceries. Our serving area is bounded by Lyon Street (east), Breezehill Avenue (west), the Ottawa River (north), and Carling Avenue (south). Dalhousie Food Cupboard is a registered Canadian charity, and a Community Food Bank operating in collaboration with the Ottawa Food Bank.’ They are dedicated to serving their clients with consideration and respect.
“The Good Companions, a non-profit multi-service seniors’ centre, provides opportunities for individuals to participate in social, recreational, educational and volunteer activities and benefit from social and health services. Our mission is to promote and support the well-being, independence and zest for living of seniors and adults with physical disabilities in the greater Ottawa area through providing a congenial, stimulating, visible, accessible, safe and supportive centre, physical facilities and programs, and through providing services to seniors in their own homes.”
“For over 50 years, Meals on Wheels, a not-for-profit agency, has been dedicated to providing nutritious meals, daily check-ins, and comfort with a smile. Our daily hot meal program and weekly frozen meals paid services are available on both a short-term and long-term basis to eligible clients: Seniors, Adults who are chronically ill, Adults living with a disability, Adults convalescing from surgery or illness, and Adults undergoing medical treatment.”
"On June 18th, 2009, Operation Go Home changed its name to Operation Come Home in an effort to better articulate our mission and mandate to the community. Over the years we have grown into an innovative organization that offers a multitude of comprehensive programs and educational opportunities to clients. Located in downtown Ottawa, Operation Come Home helps hundreds of at-risk and homeless youth access the services and support they need in order to make positive changes in their lives."
OCH currently has an Amazon Wishlist you can donate to!
“Since our inception, we’ve evolved beyond emergency support to provide all the tools people need to rebuild their lives, extending mercy, dignity and compassion to all who enter our doors. With homelessness on the rise, housing has been declared an emergency in Ottawa. That’s why The Mission addresses immediate needs while collaborating with community partners to prioritize long-term solutions for poverty and homelessness. Our wide array of programs and services enable people to improve their lives and build brighter futures.”
"The Salvation Army’s Christmas Kettle Campaign is one of Canada’s largest and most recognizable annual charitable events. In addition to the critical fundraising impact of the Campaign, the Christmas kettles boost the Army’s visibility and awareness. In fact, there are more than 2,000 kettle locations across Canada that support a wide range of Salvation Army programs. For many Canadians, the Christmas kettles are their only point of contact with The Salvation Army all year. According to public opinion polling, more than half of all Salvation Army donors list “giving to a Christmas kettle” as their primary method of giving to The Salvation Army. Furthermore, the Army relies on the co-operation of numerous retail partners to ensure the ongoing success of this campaign. Continued goodwill from these retail partners is critical."
“Our clearly-identified outreach van with its Salvation Army markings is a familiar sight on the streets of Ottawa. We use the van to transport homeless and at-risk people from the streets to safe, appropriate shelter. Appropriate shelter can include taking clients to harm reduction units and withdrawal-management services. Our Street Outreach staff provide services that nurture your physical, emotional, mental and spiritual requirements. We offer those services in a non-discriminatory manner.”
“Today, we foster hope and reduce harm in Ottawa by supporting people experiencing homelessness and vulnerable adults. Through our specialized services, programs and partnerships, we help to address challenges with mental health, addictions and trauma.”
“Our annual virtual holiday fundraiser returns! Jingle for Hope returns again this year on Tuesday Dec. 7th at 7pm. Join us as we share inspiring and heartfelt stories of how people just like you have made a positive impact on so many individuals who live right here in our community. Register for free today!”
“Somerset West Community Health Centre (SWCHC) is a non-profit, community-governed organization. We were established in 1978 and are located in the heart of Chinatown. We support people and communities to enjoy the best possible health and well-being by providing health and social services. We do this by removing barriers to accessing services for people who are vulnerable because of their age, income, ability, sexual orientation or gender identity, and language or culture. We work alongside community members to make our neighbourhood and our city an even better place to live.”
“The Drug Overdose Prevention and Education (DOPE) Response team project provides evening outreach to isolated people who use drugs in the Centretown, Carlington, and Somerset West Community Health Centre neighbourhoods. This team connects directly with people in the community that are at risk of overdose, providing provide resources, peer support, overdose prevention, and more. This team is primarily staffed by Community Workers, who are staff with lived or living experience of substance use and provide peer-based harm reduction supports and services. This project is funded by the Substance Use and Addictions Program of Health Canada.”
“Founded in 1960, the Youth Services Bureau of Ottawa (YSB) is one of the largest and most comprehensive non‑profit agencies serving youth in this community. More than 350 caring professionals work from 20 locations across the city to deliver a vast range of programs and services that support at‑risk youth and their families. YSB is a registered charity. We are committed to providing a safe, non-judgmental and accessible environment where individuals 12 years and older can pursue their life goals and be encouraged in making informed decisions. YSB is a multi-service agency that provides services in French and English in employment, health and housing, mental health, youth engagement and youth justice. We work in partnership to develop, deliver and advocate for better conditions, services and opportunities for youth and families.”
Thank you to all our wonderful Sparks Gives partners for all you do for our local community!