The Community Builders column on Apartment 613 shares the stories of every Community Builder recognized by United Way Ottawa.
In this column, you’ll see the stories of every day Ottawans who take the time to extend a helping hand, break down stereotypes and barriers, and those who push for a better city by showing us the true meaning of compassion for others.
Do you know someone who deserves a Community Builder award? You can nominate them.
It was a frigid January night and the clock read 12:00 a.m, but that did not stop Steve Mongrain from tending to his outdoor community hockey rink.
While the rest of Ottawa hibernated in their beds, Steve prepared the Jules Morin skating rink for the Ottawa East Winter Classic hockey tournament. For the past five years, he has used many vacation and unpaid leave days to help build and maintain the rink, helping create a safe place for his community to have fun.
Surrounded by an audience of over 100 people at the Museum of Nature on June 14, United Way Ottawa surprised Steve with a Community Builder Award. These awards highlight the contributions of incredible volunteers in our community.
By Samantha Pope
Communications Officer, United Way Ottawa
