Local charities need your help
The Conservative Government is focused on keeping our communities safe and prosperous while aligning itself with the interests of Canadian families. With the rapid population growth in Nepean-Carleton, it is more important than ever to promote community organizations that take care of our families and those in need.
Harvest House, located on Ramsayville Road in Ottawa’s Greenbelt, is one such organization. Serving men between the ages of sixteen and thirty, Harvest House is focused on rehabilitating young men who suffer from addiction in order to reintegrate them as productive members of society. Relying on emotional and financial support from the community, this professional facility houses, teaches, trains and mentors over fifty young men at once through a policy of abstinence and faith.
The Canadian Guide Dogs for the Blind (CGDB) has their National Training Centre located in Manotick. This is another valued community organization in our riding that has far-reaching influence. The National Training Centre provides assistance to visually impaired individuals from across Canada. It relies on dedicated volunteers as well as donations received from individuals, corporations, service clubs, foundations and fundraising events.
As an organization entirely separate from the Ottawa Food Bank, the Barrhaven Food Cupboard cares for local families in need throughout the year. It is run by volunteers through the Barrhaven United Church and survives entirely on the assistance of caring members of the community for cash or food donations. The Food Cupboard recently announced that, due to a thirty percent increase in demand from last year, they worry they may not be able to meet further demand.
Recognized as the only working industrial heritage site within the boundaries of the City of Ottawa, Watson’s Mill is revered as an irreplaceable element of Manotick’s history. Thousands of tourists and residents from the Ottawa area have enjoyed this historic site, which brings both character and commerce to this unique and treasured region. The Mill itself, however, is in great need of repair. The exterior surface of the structure is compromised and a new roof is needed. Local events have been held to help fundraise, but more is still needed.
Since the 1970’s, the obesity rate in Canada has more than doubled, a ratio that is even more pronounced in our children. The Greco Foundation to Fight Obesity in Children is an integral community program promoting health and prosperity among those who are most vulnerable to unhealthy lifestyles. This charity has donated over $40,000 worth of fitness equipment, coaching services and nutritional consultations to families and to non-profit organizations working with low income families. The Foundation has also contributed $35,000 to help rebuild school play structures in our communities.
While I have listed only five organizations above, there are many other groups deserving your help. In this tough global economic climate, it is important that we help each other out and give back to our communities.
Pierre Poilievre
MP for Nepean-Carleton