Thank You to City of Ottawa Staff Volunteers

On Saturday, September 26, over 100 Community & Social Services staff volunteered their time to create positive change in the community. Volunteers came together for the Ottawa Family Shelter Forward Site and worked side by side to virtually transform a parking lot into a beautiful playground. Volunteers also put their gardening skills to work and the front of the shelter boasts beautiful flowers and greenery. What a welcome addition for both shelter and community residents!


When I first visited the shelter a couple months ago, a young boy was playing alone on the concrete floor. He was tucked up against a wall with a handful of marbles with adults sidestepping him as they got on with their day . . . there was no place for him to play. So I deeply thank the volunteers for building this playground for him and the other young children who will enjoy it for years to come.


I have many people to thank, as this project could not come together without the dedication and commitment from many caring individuals and community agencies:

• Ian Hill, volunteer CEO from LTBK for his call to action and inspiration


• Kool-Aid for the Smile Award


• Jessie, Mike, Dan and Paula from LTBK who attended our build – thank you for your help and expertise with the Live Feed and video


• Jamie and Sean from Belair Recreational Products Inc. for their hard work and guidance


• Sue, tireless Project Manager, and other executive committee members who worked on the event for several months


• Site reps and team leads who raised awareness and successfully lead Build Day


• Mo, a very animated Kool-Aid mascot, who was a HUGE hit with the kids and volunteers


• City of Ottawa branches namely Communications, Design & Construction - Buildings/Facilities & Parks, Public Works, and Legal Services for their help and collaboration in making this event a reality


• Somerset West and Pinecrest-Queensway Community Health Centres for the celebration cupcakes and contribution of a foosball table to another family shelter site

I am so proud to be General Manager of the Community & Social Services department. Please take a moment and visit our photo gallery of the volunteers in action and kids’ smiles.

I leave you with some kind words we received from the volunteers:

• Just wanted to say thanks so much; that it was a great day! My first volunteering through the City, being new, it was really great to be a part of it.

• LET THEM BE KIDS will be a day that I will never forget, the smiles of the VOLUNTEERS while they were working and the smiles of the CHILDREN while they were playing will be engraved in my memory forever.

• Had a GREAT Time!!! Nice to participate in such a well-organized function, which will bring much joy to many!!!! Also nice to see some old friends and young ones too.

• I think staff got as much enjoyment out of it as the kids will get in the future.

• The day of the project could not have been better. Everything was so well organized, the kids were ecstatic, and staff were proud to be part of such great day. I'm glad I had the opportunity to have a small part in an amazing experience that I know touched many lives.

• Had a great time and it was nice to see everybody collaborate - a very nice team effort.

• I would like to thank you and your amazing team for all the hard work and dedication put forward in organizing Ottawa's "Let Them be Kids Day". Because you were willing to get involved, we had the opportunity to be involved in an amazing experience that allowed us to give back to our community.
  

Janice Burelle
A/General Manager
Community & Social Services Department
City of Ottawa

Update from Ottawa

Very exciting things are happening at the Ottawa Family Shelter – Forward Site!

* The site has been cleared and the retaining wall built for the playground
* Playground equipment has arrived and the pre-installation is in the works
* 100+ City of Ottawa Community & Social Services staff have volunteered to take part in the national Let Them Be Kids Day Across Canada
* Residents from the shelter are also eager to help out
* Team Leads have been identified to guide volunteers in the day’s activities with registration, food service, gardening, children’s activities and of course, the playground build
* During the build, the Somerset West Community Health Centre will offer fun activities for the kids who are temporarily staying at the shelter. The kids will participate in the opening ceremony and cupcake celebration

The children at the shelter are eagerly anticipating their new playground!

Looks like the weather for Saturday will be a mix of sun and clouds with a high of 18 degrees. Perfect weather to build a playground!

City of Ottawa Employees Making A Difference

The staff of the City of Ottawa, Community & Social Services department is inspired to make a difference in our community. On September 26, City staff will participate in “Let Them Be Kids Day Across Canada” and volunteer their time to help build a playground at an Ottawa family shelter. Ottawa will be one of 13 communities bringing fun and play to children and families,

This Ottawa Family Shelter Site:
Temporary shelter for an average 60 children per day
Currently has no outdoor play area

Existing Back Area of Shelter

Prototype of Future Play Structure

Our Vision:
To create and enhance play, growth and leisure opportunities in Ottawa’s family shelters

Our Desired Outcomes:
1. For the children, the creation of the playground will:

• Further the vision that “All children have the right to play!”
• Provide a safe and fun environment that engages children of all ages
• Promote physical activity, socialization and cooperative play

2. For the parents, the creation of the playground will:

• Create an inviting place for parents that encourages the supervision of children
• Provide an opportunity for families to engage in play together
• Provide a venue that promotes socialization, collaboration and the exchange of ideas / information

3. For Community & Social Services staff, the creation of the playground will:

• Keep the spirit of the Social Services Conference alive by providing a tangible way to make a difference in our community
• Provide staff with an opportunity to work side by side volunteering time and talent
• Enhance our understanding of the family shelter environment
  

Let Them Be Kids is an all-volunteer organization crated to build community capacity on the grassroots level, while building playgrounds, skate parks and fitness parks across Canada. These projects leave a legacy of community members who are inspired and better equipped to lay a strong foundation for a brighter tomorrow.