The Grand Effort
The Council on Aging of Ottawa relies on our many gracious donors to sustain and expand our education and advocacy work of improving the quality of life of older adults living in Ottawa.
This year we are humbled by the generous support of our donors, sponsors, Board, staff and volunteers who made this first-ever participation in The Grand Parade fundraising initiative a grand success.
The COA Grand Parade raised over $26,000 in a fun and friendly outdoor walk and BBQ. It was wonderful to see others in person while friends had the opportunity to reconnect, share a meal, earn a t-shirt and win some prizes, all before the snow flies and while respecting COVID safety guidelines. Often it gave us an occasion to guess ‘who is that person behind that mask, glasses and ball cap?’
Grand Parade donations have energized the advocacy and education efforts of the COA volunteer action committees in the areas of Francophone Affairs, Health, Housing, Income Security, Social Inclusion and Transportation.
A huge thank you to each and everyone who made a grand effort in the Grand Parade!
The 12 Teams
- All A Board, made up of COA Board members, led by President Alex Roussakis, raised $ 4, 898.13. Way to lead!
- The Executive Directors, comprised of current and former staff and led by none other than Executive Director Sarah Bercier, raised $4,134.66.
- The Active Soles brought together Smart Aging leaders and participants, led by Judy Bedell, raised $2,780.
- The Iron(ing) Women, led by Sandra Chatterton, Chair of the Smart Aging Committee, did things a little differently, walking and swimming to raise $2,395.
- The Aim Fitness Challengers, led by Meg Stickl, owner of AIM Fitness, walked the walk with us at the Rideau Hub to raise $1,820.
- The Walkley Walkers, led by Fran Hadley and friends from Holy Cross Parish, raised $1,515 and started an ongoing walking group in the process!
- Bearbrook “Too Inspired to be Tired” led by Judie Wheeland, Sales Advisor at Bearbrook Retirement Residence, took a walk in their neigbourhood and raised $1,394. Awe-inspiring stuff when you hear that one of the walkers is 103!
- Le Brunch Bunch, made up of Kathy Yach and John Johnson, two former COA Presidents, raised a very respectable $1,325. We hope to see more of the COA Presidents’ Alumni at next year’s event!
- Snow Moles / Taupes des neiges, led by Kathy Riley, one of the Snow Moles Community Leaders, are tireless crusaders for better walking conditions in Ottawa. This time they put their foot power to work, raising $1,120.
- Sole Men, led by John Deacon and made up of members o the Ottawa Centre Men’s Shed, raised $805 and took a walk at Shirley’s Bay.
- Fierce Runway Walkers, another small but mighty team, led by Gloria Sanchez Cuevas, raised $445.
- Célébration COA/ CSV, collected donations from those who wanted to support the cause in general. These anonymous donors helped us raise and additional $639.
The Sponsors
