May 10th, 2013

Youth Futures Participants Lead a Major Volunteer Event

On Saturday, May 11, the residents of Ottawa Community Housing’s Confederation Court will welcome 100 volunteers to their Walkley Road community. Based on discussions with community members, Youth Futures participants have recruited 100 volunteers to repair and paint fences, paint the ground level of the Community House and conduct a spring cleaning of the community.

With support from Ottawa Community Housing staff and Danny Gariepy, an independent community volunteer, the Youth Futures participants have organized this event from the ground up. This includes the enlistment of sponsorships and in kind donations from Dulux Paints, Loblaws, OCH Foundation for Healthy Communities, Walmart, and private donors for event materials and hospitality.

The Youth Futures program is a partnership between The City of Ottawa, Ottawa Community Housing and The University of Ottawa. It provides an opportunity for youth from low income households to achieve personal success and engage as leaders in their communities. The program’s schedule includes: leadership training, community volunteerism, paid summer employment, University and College introduction and experience.

Media are invited to attend the event. An opening ceremony will take place at 9:45 a.m. with a BBQ luncheon at 12:30 p.m. at 2483 Walkley Road.

About Youth Futures

In partnership with The City of Ottawa, Ottawa Community Housing and The University of Ottawa, Youth Futures is a FREE program, offering youth the chance to develop their leadership skills, gain meaningful work experience and become familiar with the post-secondary opportunities across Ottawa.

About OCH

Ottawa Community Housing Corporation is the largest social housing provider in Ottawa, and the second largest in Ontario. It provides almost 15,000 units to over 32,000, seniors, parents, children, singles and persons with special needs in 164 communities.

For additional information please contact:

Susan Therien

Manager, Corporate Communications Ottawa Community Housing

Tel: 613-520-2277

Cell: 613-296-2651

susan_therien@och.ca www.och.ca

Ottawa Community Housing Corporation – 39 Auriga Drive – Ottawa – ON K2E 7Y8