The Ottawa Senators Foundation recently hosted an evening of profound community spirit and generosity. The Ignite Hope Telethon, held live at the Canadian Tire Centre on Tuesday, December 9, surpassed all expectations by raising a remarkable over $168,000. These vital funds are dedicated to supporting children, youth, and families across the Ottawa region through various charitable programs.
Stories of Resilience Take Centre Ice
The telethon's power was magnified by the inspiring personal stories shared throughout the broadcast. Each narrative underscored the transformative impact of community support.
Lucy Jolicouer, an 11-year-old hockey player with severe epilepsy, demonstrated incredible determination. After undergoing multiple brain surgeries, she triumphantly returned to the ice with her teammates from the Capital City Condors, an adaptive sports team.
Fourteen-year-old Gabby Bellinger shared her experience with the Roger Neilson Children's Hospice (RNCH) grief camp, which she attended after losing her father. The program provided her with crucial connections and friendship, leading to a cherished moment where she dropped the ceremonial first puck at the game.
Newcomer Norah-Felicie Fosso, 10, found confidence and community through sports with the organization Their Opportunity. In a moving reflection, 31-year-old Julia Bland credited youth therapy and cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) at The Royal Ottawa with saving her life, noting she is now thriving and preparing to graduate from Algonquin College.
Generous Donations Fuel Community Impact
The success of the fundraiser was driven by significant contributions from local businesses and foundations. In a surprise moment, Andy Lonie of The OutCare Foundation presented a $50,000 donation to RNCH CEO Megan Wright.
Megan Paterson, COO of Kinaxis, arrived with a $20,000 cheque. Other notable donations included $7,500 from Canadian Bank Note, presented by Brad Weir, $5,000 from BMO via Jeff Hill, and $5,000 from Otto's BMW, with Bill Metcalfe pledging additional funds for every Senators power-play goal.
A Night of Heartfelt Volunteerism
The telethon phone banks were staffed by dedicated volunteers whose personal connections deepened the event's meaning. Tamy and Evan Bell, who lost their son Griffin to cancer, answered phones to help raise funds for other families facing similar challenges.
Sisters Olivia and Anna Melnyk returned for their second telethon, bringing energy and smiles. Ottawa Senators alumni Laurie Boschman, the franchise's first captain, brought levity to the broadcast desk between calls.
The event was expertly hosted by TSN's Claire Hanna, who interviewed participants like Gabby Bellinger and Norah-Felicie Fosso alongside Randy Gill of Their Opportunity. The broadcast served as a powerful reminder that when a community rallies together, it can ignite hope and build brighter futures for its most vulnerable members.
