Community Builders of the Year 2015

Gala Recipients

Bryan Murray

Community Builder of the Year

Ottawa Senators players have two jobs: Give everything you have on the ice and be a big part of the community. These are values Bryan Murray has instilled in the team and the values that have earned him the honour of 2015 Community Builder of the Year. Murray began his career as athletic director and coach at Macdonald College and has since worked for six different professional hockey clubs, currently serving as the Executive Vice-President, General Manager, President of Hockey Operations and Alternate Governor for the Ottawa Senators. His commitment to giving, community betterment and the pursuit of excellence are traits that have marked the entire hockey community and every city that he has worked in over the years.

Under Murray’s leadership, the Ottawa Senators organization has seen success both on and off the ice. By instilling the value of community in the team early, players including Daniel Alfredsson, Mike Fisher, Wade Redden, Jason Spezza, Chris Phillips, Chris Neil, Erik Karlsson, Bobby Ryan and Kyle Turris and many, many, more have spent countless hours working to help build a better city for us all. Never one to take the credit, Murray stayed away from the spotlight preferring to focus on the team and winning hockey games. That was until last July when he was diagnosed with colon cancer. Instead of keeping the diagnosis private, Murray chose to share his story to raise awareness and encourage others to get checked. The public battle Murray is waging against his disease has made him an example of unselfishness, perseverance and dedication. He exemplifies the qualities of a community builder by working tirelessly and passionately to better our community.

Jane Bachynski

Volunteer of the Year

As a long-time supporter of United Way Ottawa and other community organizations, Jane Bachynski has truly demonstrated her steadfast commitment to our community. Since 1992, she has given hundreds of hours of her time volunteering for United Way including serving as Co-Chair of United Way’s Leadership Giving Committee and, more recently, as Founder and Chair of spark, a women’s giving initiative. During United Way’s community campaigns, Jane also visits many workplaces to speak to donors about her support and work with United Way. She also gives a tremendous amount of her time as a board member for the Boys and Girls Club of Ottawa and as a member of the fundraising committee of the Ottawa Network for Education. In addition to this work, in 2003 Jane helped to create a national philanthropic program for her law office Borden Ladner Gervais LLP (BLG), called “BLG Reads to Kids” for which she presently serves as its National Chair. Jane is one of the more than 300 volunteer readers at BLG who goes into schools in economically disadvantaged communities each week to read to children.

Dress for Success

Belonging to Community Award

Cindy Simpson & Nancy MacNider

Growing up Great Award

Cindy Simpson, Executive Director of Youville Centre, and Nancy MacNider, Executive Director of St. Mary’s Home, have dedicated their lives to help children and youth in our community grow up great.

As a highly skilled educator, Cindy spent 20 years as a teacher, and 13 years as a principal in the Ottawa Catholic School Board and has spent the last four years at Youville Centre as the Executive Director. Cindy has been recognized for her leadership role as a Catholic educator by receiving the Director of Education Commendation in 2008. She was a United Way canvasser for 20 years, she sat on the United Way Steering Committee for 15 years, and she was the United Way Campaign Co-Chair at the Ottawa Catholic School Board for 4 years. Cindy is often heard saying that over the years she has learned more from her students than she has taught them. This could not be more true than at Youville Centre.

Nancy’s professional skills in Public Health Nursing provided a strong foundation for her very specialized community focus on at-risk adolescent pregnancy and on improving the outcomes for the children of teen parents. Nancy has been the Executive Director of St. Mary’s Home since 1985 and has been a catalyst in local, provincial and national initiatives aimed at mitigating the risk factors facing these young moms and dads and their infants. Nancy is particularly proud of the strong shift in emphasis onto Infant Mental Health and Secure Infant Attachment that is part of the therapeutic focus of St. Mary’s Home with our young moms and dads.

During their careers, these two women have helped thousands of young women and their new families. Both Cindy and Nancy are united in their work to support the mental health and parenting needs in Ottawa. They are everyday heroes in our city.

Alliance to End Homelessness

Turning Lives Around Award

The Alliance to End Homelessness (ATEH) helps turn lives around by taking action to end homelessness in Ottawa – inspiring action, generating knowledge and informing a community-wide effort. Through initiatives such as ATEH’s annual progress report card and stakeholder engagement, by convening Ottawa’s involvement in the national 20,000 Homes Campaign, and by leveraging partners’ knowledge and experience in research and public education projects, the organization has helped raise awareness of how our community can mobilize to address – and end – homelessness. ATEH and its staff work tirelessly to help build a community where individuals and families are able to connect with needed support, such as emergency shelter, addiction and mental health resources and long-term housing. ATEH plays a pivotal role in bringing different local champions, representatives from different Canadian cities and other key stakeholders together to help address the issues related to homelessness in Ottawa. They are true heroes helping to tackle one of our city’s most pressing problems.

Chief Charles Bordeleau

Ambassador Award

CSIS

Best Government of Canada Workplace Charitable Campaign Award 2014

Due to the nature of its business, the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) often works “in the shadows” to ensure national security. But every so often, CSIS has the opportunity to openly support the community and shine some light on the distinctly human side of the organization. While charitable giving on the behalf of CSIS employees has been consistently high, the 2014 Government of Canada Workplace Charitable Campaign (GCWCC) was the agency’s most successful campaign to date. CSIS’s theme “Agents of change in our community” challenged over 3,000 employees to enhance their professional mandate to protect Canada and Canadians with a personal commitment to impart positive change through various charitable organizations and initiatives. CSIS employees enthusiastically responded to the call. For many, participating in the GCWCC is a true extension of the work done at CSIS. It was near the end of the campaign when Canada experienced two national security incidents. CSIS employees were working around the clock, yet they never forgot the importance of giving. Their national headquarters transcended expectations by raising $393,936 and surpassing their goal by 20 per cent. Nationally, CSIS raised $483,069 in total – coming out of the shadows to set another new organizational record.

ESRI Canada

Community Impact Award

Esri Canada is being recognized for its commitment to community and to United Way’s community campaign. Each year, they hold an enthusiastic campaign and not only match, but double employee donations. Their annual Esri Canada golf tournament in support of United Way Ottawa brings together over 100 business partners, associates and clients to help raise funds. Additionally, their campaign participation rate has gone up from 57% in 2013 to 71% in 2014, showing incredible and increasing support. Esri Canada provides world-class enterprise geographic information system (GIS) solutions and they also generously provide this software to United Way free of charge. This technology has allowed United Way to efficiently find solutions to community issues and report on its impact.

Program Recipients

Mustafa Popalzai

Mustafa has volunteered with several community organizations such as the Catholic Immigration Center, Volunteer Ottawa, Correctional Services Canada and the Afghan Youth Basketball Team. Mustafa founded and managed the basketball club, which aimed to bring the Afghan youth in the community together while promoting a healthy lifestyle. Mustafa has been an active member of the community for many years and continues to be an everyday hero.

Peter Rock

Peter Rock, or the “The King of Elgin,” as he is often called, is a long-time volunteer and committed community member. Peter has been a fundraiser for the St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee for 33 years, as well an active member of the Irish Society of the National Capital Region.

Elizabeth Manley

Canada’s Sweetheart, Elizabeth Manley, is a former competitive figure skater and Olympic silver medalist. She is dedicated to raising awareness about mental health issues, as well as raising funds through her charity event Elizabeth Manley and Friends. Elizabeth is also a member of the Cancer Foundation Courage Campaign Presidents’ Advisory Circle in Ottawa ambassador of the Health Council of Canada, and spokesperson for the Alzheimer’s Society of Ottawa and the Winners Walk of Hope.

Tim Sheahan

Tim Sheahan is long-time volunteer, coach and director of the Bell Warriors Football Club. In addition to football, the Bell Warriors teaches youth to become future leaders and active members of their community. Tim’s selfless dedication and contagious enthusiasm is nothing short of inspiring. Through his work, he has encouraged youth to believe in themselves and learn to embrace their passion for sport and life.

Richard Cotnam

Richard is a hero in our community, but most importantly he is a hero to Scott, his match at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ottawa. Richard has given Scott life skills, from fixing something in his garage to getting a summer job. Thanks to Richard’s support, Scott will graduate in the spring of 2016 with a high school diploma and a lasting friendship with Richard.

Daniel Brunette

Daniel is a man of dedication and passion. He has given countless hours to many community organizations such as the Cameron Highlanders of Ottawa Foundation, the Boys and Girls Club of Ottawa, and the Bhawani Anantaraman Memorial Foundation. During his time as President of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP), Daniel not only increased membership to over 200 people, but he also increased the presence of AFP in public policy discussions and helped bring the Diversity and Inclusion consultations series to Ontario.

Nalin Bhargava

Nalin has been a community leader for many years and has been involved with several local charity and nonprofit organizations, including the Outcare Foundation, the Sens Foundation, the Canadian Cancer Society, the Ottawa Health Institute, United Way and his very own Bhargava Family Foundation established in 2006. Nalin is also the founder and key organizer of the Maharja’s Ball, which has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for the community.

Parkdale Food Centre

Parkdale Food Centre provides emergency food assistance, support and education to their community members in need. They also provide cooking classes and a library with a variety of books, which helps create a sense of community among their clients and neighbours. Parkdale Food Centre has created a welcoming, supportive and safe environment for everyone that comes through their door. They provide more than just food–they create a sense of worthiness and inclusion for all who visit.

Larry Hill

Larry is the former Ottawa Deputy Police Chief and President of the Board of Directors at the Catholic Centre for Immigrants and is an original member of the Britannia Woods Community Houses Board of Directors. Larry has gone above and beyond to help develop community programs and services to ensure that the Community of Brittania Woods is a safe and inclusive community for groups such as low-income residents, immigrants, homeless, LGBTQ and aboriginal peoples. His dedication to his community along with his accepting and trusting attitude has made him a community pillar in Ottawa.

Melanie Fulop

Melanie has been an important volunteer in Ottawa for several years. She is currently the Government Relations Chair for the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) where she informs the Chapter members about public policy issues that relate to philanthropy and fundraising. Some of Melanie’s efforts include volunteering for the Canadian Red Cross as a First Aid Services Team (FAST), United Way Ottawa as a speaker and has also held the chair of membership position for the AFP for almost two years.

Cecelia Taylor

Cecelia is a true community builder, working alongside members at LiveWorkPlay to build a more accepting and inclusive community network. LiveWorkPlay is a community-based organization with the mission to help people with intellectual disabilities with housing, employment and social-recreational life.Cecelia was the board chair at LiveWorkPlay for five years and was the lead on an overhaul of all the LiveWorkPlay’s guiding statements (mission, vision, and values) adopted by members in 2011.

Divya Massilamani

Divya is a beloved and integral part of the volunteer team at Leisureworld Caregiving Centre (former Madonna Long Term Care Residence). Divya started her volunteer time at Leisureworld Caregiving Centre in the summer of 2008. Divya has shown consistent patience and compassion towards the residents as they differ in physical, social, emotional, and cognitive needs. Her unwavering support and dedication to helping the elderly community is recognized and appreciated by all around her.

Sam Soucy

Sam has volunteered with the Community Cup since 2009 as an event day volunteer and has been a valued member of the team ever since. Community Cup is an organization that aims to help newcomers and established Canadians come together to learn, play, connect and celebrate. Sam is a beloved and integral part of the team, as he brings a positive energy to his work and is always willing to offer his help where needed.

Sheldon Rice

Sheldon is dedicated to several community organizations and local charities, including founding The Women Business Owners Ideas Exchange Forum in Ottawa. The Women’s Business Owners IDEX is an organization that creates a safe and supportive network where busniess women can share ideas and experiences to gain tangible skills and knowledge. Another organization that Sheldon has been very involved with is Project North. Project North is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to raising funds to buy sporting equipment and educational aids for Canada’s northern communities.

Victoria Henry

Victoria was the Director of the Canada Council Art Bank from 1999-2015. She has played an integral role in the development of arts and culture within the community, as she has managed a national collection of over 17, 000 artworks by Canadian artists across the province. Her dedication to the Canada Council Art Bank has grown the organization nationally and internationally as the major collection of contemporary Canadian art. Victoria has sat on many committees and councils responsible for delivering quality cultural enrichment to Ottawa. Historically these roles have included being a board member of Heritage Ottawa, Chair of the Fundraising Committee for the Ottawa School of Art “Edible Art” fundraiser, Vice-President of the Ottawa School of Art Board, Chair of the Cultural Leadership Committee for the City of Ottawa, Chair of the Arts Committee in Ottawa, and a member of the Mayor’s Task Force on Culture, to name a few.

Richard Haughian

Richard is the co-founder and president of Ancoura, an organization dedicated to providing a nurturing and fulfilling environment for adults living with a mental illness through stable and affordable housing. From Ancoura’s early days, Richard has been a committed and passionate leader within the community. He tirelessly leads by example, raising funds and advocating for people with mental illness. Richard is also a Board member and former vice-president of the Church Council on Justice and Corrections, a national coalition that promotes healthier communities and crime prevention through social responsibility. Everyone who knows Richard or has ever worked with him knows that he is a true community builder and an outstanding volunteer.

John Rapp

John Rapp has been the Executive Director of the Dovercourt Recreation Association for over 20 years. He is a pioneer in Ottawa for community development work and an advocate for children with special needs, seniors and those most vulnerable in our community. Under his leadership, Dovercourt has become well-known in the not-for-profit sector for its efforts to empower and support individuals and other organizations. John has also looked to new initiatives such as the WAVE program which supports young adults with Autism enter the local labour market. He is often sought out for his advice; his sessions on leadership and corporate culture; and his penchant for “finding a way to say yes”.

Dylan Black

Since graduating from Loyalist in 1997, Dylan Black has been a radio host at some of the most popular radio stations in Ottawa. Working as a radio personality in the National Capital, he takes every opportunity to give back. For Dylan, his position in the spotlight is a platform to contribute to the community in the best way that he can. Dylan has become a champion in the community, advocating for charitable foundations like The Children’s Wish Foundation, Movember and the Max Keeping Foundation to name a few. Dylan has also been known to double as the CHEO Bear, the mascot for The Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario. As well, Dylan is a strong advocate for giving blood, having donated blood over 50 times! Dylan is also a dedicated volunteer presenter with United Way Ottawa and continues to the serve the community at large in any way that he can.

Sandra Simmons

If Sandra Simmons (also known as Sandy) were to be described in one word – it would be a “giver”. Whether she is giving to her family, her friends, her work or her community – she always gives 100%. Sandy has been a regular volunteer in various capacities within the Federal Government’s annual United Way campaign as well as other community organizations. Sandy also serves on the Board of Directors for Club SOCA, and manages the Kites for Cancer project. Sandy is a volunteer and friend that her colleagues and peers can always count on.

Joseph Cull

Joseph Cull is a well-loved community leader who works tirelessly to encourage health and wellness throughout Ottawa. Joseph has dedicated more than a decade of work at the YM/YWCA as a volunteer seniors’ fitness instructor. In addition to volunteering as an instructor, Joseph has organized the popular “Just Dance!” charity fundraising event in support of the YM/YWCA’s Strong Kids Campaign as well as the “Slice ‘N Dice” annual fundraiser for the Hospice at Maycourt. Joseph’s dedicated efforts towards ensuring housing security for the community also include three years as the master of ceremonies for the Cornerstone Housing for Women annual charity event. Joseph is a past member of the board and chair for Total Communication Environment, a non-profit charitable organization that provides lifetime support and long term care for adults with multiple disabilities and special communication needs. His welcoming, self-deprecating sense of humor and outstanding ability to motivate others to donate, volunteer and get involved make Joseph a cherished and effective fundraiser for many causes.

Derek DeLouche

Derek has been volunteering since his days in Newfoundland and Labrador. His background includes a 20-year relationship with Candlelighters, a Board position with Ten Oaks Project and most recently his appointment to President of the AFP Ottawa chapter. While Derek never shies away from the opportunity to give of his time, he can often be found behind the lens of his camera, taking photos and tweeting at events. He acts as a mentor to those wanting to get into the charitable sector and a coach to his employees.

Jatinder Chadha

For over 15 years, Mr. Chadha has helped new Canadians to become acclimatized to Canadian culture by providing guidance and hosting several South Asian community events in Ottawa. Mr. Chadha, a Project Manager with Transit Services at the City of Ottawa, is the founder, producer and host of the television program Desi Ottawa on Rogers Television. He has brought many pressing issues to the community’s attention through various media outlets and main stream organizations. He has also spearheaded other philanthropic efforts, raising more than $10,000 in contributions for relief of the Haitian earthquake in addition to organizing collection drives for the Ottawa Food Bank. Most recently, Jatinder raised funds for Children Hospital of Eastern Ontario as well as about the hospital’s involvement in the overall community.

Lianne Laing

Lianne is the proud mother of her two daughters, Andie and Jamie and is involved with a variety of local charities. She is the chairperson of the board for the Snow Suit Fund of Ottawa and has volunteered countless hours to the Youth Services Bureau. Lianne is an ambassador for the Ottawa Senators Foundation and many other community organizations. She is always willing to contribute to charitable causes, even climbing Kilimanjaro which she did last year to raise funds for SOS Childrens Villages.