Gratitude on the Move!
This season, OCYI staff reached out to 16 of our partners, known together as the Ottawa Coalition of Community Houses, to see what items were needed most by the clients they serve. After a big shopping trip, OCYI staff set out to spread some holiday cheer!
Travelling from house to house, to deliver bundles and treats, gave us a wonderful opportunity to meet with hardworking staff members in person, say hello to clients, and witness each mighty little hub in action.
Located in low income communities across the city, each house offers resources and accessible services such as child and youth programming and daycare. Most houses provide food and some offer meals, groceries, personal hygiene items, diapers, and warm clothing. Functioning as beacons for neighbours of every age, these cheery and welcoming spaces are also a source of safety and respite to those dropping by after school, or just to say hello.
OCYI is grateful to the Ottawa Coalition of Community Houses for their partnership and for supporting children and youth across the city. This year will again be one of scarcity and need for many families who rely on the houses. We encourage others to join in donating to these precious community resources throughout urban Ottawa. To get in the spirit, check out the photos below and find the one nearest to you!
If you are looking for a local place for your year end donations, consider the community houses. You can donate to the Ottawa Coalition of Community Houses here, or to the individual houses as described below.
| House | Wish List | Donation Link |
| Banff Avenue Community House |
Large diapers or pull up size 6, laundry soap, soap bars, cleaning supplies, feminine products, deodorant, toothpaste, toothbrushes, shampoo/conditioner, dates, cooking oil, canned
salmon, cornmeal, flour, and sugar
|
Donate |
| Blair Court Community House | Small bottles of laundry soap, family friendly soap, toothbrushes | Donate |
| Britannia Woods Community House | Shampoo, body wash, deodorant, toothpaste, toothbruses | Donate |
| Caldwell Family Centre | Size 5 & 6 diapers and pull-ups, laundry detergent | Donate |
| Carsons Community House | Deodorant, toothbrushes, toothpaste, shampoo, winter hats/mittens/scarves, socks | Donate |
| Confederation Court Community House | Soap, shampoo, deodorant, lotion, toothbrush, toothpaste | Donation info on website homepage |
| Debra Dynes Family House | Travel size hand lotion, mittens and gloves, toothpaste, toothbrushes, winter socks | Donate |
| Foster Farm Family House | Shampoo, body wash, deodorant, toothpaste, toothbrushes | contact directly to donate |
| Lowertown Good Neighbours Community House | Shampoo, body soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes, toilet paper | Donate |
| Michele Heights Community House | Toothbrushes, toothpaste, shampoo, bodywash, deodorant, lotion | contact directly to donate |
| Morrison Gardens Community House | Hats, mittens, gloves, scarves | contact directly to donate |
| Pinecrest Terrace Community House | Size 5 & 6 diapers and pull-ups, toothpaste, toothbrushes, shampoo, bodywash, deodorant, lotion | Donate |
| Rochester Heights Community House | Diapers, baby clothes, children's books, puzzles, children's winter clothes (hats, scarves, gloves, mittens), peanut-free granola bars | Donate |
| Russell Heights Community House | Toothbrushes, toothpaste, shampoo, bodywash, deodorant, lotion | contact directly to donate |
| Strathcona Heights Community House | Adult diapers, children's hats and mittens | Donate |
| Winthrop Court Community House | Diapers (sizes 2, 3, 4, 5, 6), diaper wipes, heavy winter socks, toothpaste, shampoo, deodorant, laundry soap | contact directly to donate |
This story is part of the December 2022 Ovation. This story is also available in French.