12 Days of Sparks Gives 2021
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!
Centre 507 Outreach Program
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."
Centretown Emergency Food Centre
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
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
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.
Good Companions Senior's Centre
“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.”
Meals on Wheels
“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.”