Outreach
Outreach/Refugee Circle
REFUGEE SUPPORT PROGRAM
Our family from Burundi, just into their 3 rd year in Ottawa, is a hard-working family that wants to succeed and contribute to society. Kitchissippi continued to provide some financial monthly support in 2024, to help them remain in secure housing given the very high cost and extreme shortage of accommodation. We are very grateful to generous donations to the Refugee Fund which help us provide this support. The children (Yan Owen and Chekna) are in College Franco-Ouest secondary school. Key Kenta began nursing studies and works part time at Amazon. Her mother Illuminee is taking a PSW course and works part time at Amazon. Thanks to Rev. Jenni’s support with Camp Rideau
Hill, and financial support from the Waddell Murdock Youth Fund/Trustees and from UCW, Illuminee’s 2 children and their 2 Ottawa cousins were able to attend summer camps.
Ivan Kabonge and Kevin Kasumba are still doing well, keeping busy and in occasional touch with KUC friends.
The Refugee Fund received $5,680 in donations in 2024 and spent $6,938 during the year.
We were very happy to welcome God’s Beloved newcomers joining Kitchissippi from August 2024 on. Rev. Daniel Addai Fobi and his growing flock came to KUC, joined in services, were introduced to cold Canadian winters and the need for warm clothes (thanks to all who brought warm winter wear to share). We wish them well and hope that Kitchissippi folks can continue to help open doors and make friendships and connections to serve them well here in Ottawa.
OUTREACH PROGRAM
Parkdale Food Centre (PFC)
KUC continued its financial support to PFC, $4,000 again in 2024. The PFC’s Grocery Store Program, Mino’ Weesini, had been the focus for food donations, but with limited space for groceries other than their Ottawa Food Bank deliveries, we shifted to toiletries. Financial donations to help PFC meet its expanded budget were welcomed, via Canada Helps or the PFC website (www.parkdalefoodcentre.ca). This community food centre supports huge numbers of neighbours in need and has strong community outreach projects with schools, youth, and neighbourhood businesses. Continued support is important.
Carlington Community Connection (Chaplaincy)/CCC
CCC received $5,000 in core program support from Kitchissippi. Volunteers in the Drop-In provide weekday morning hospitality, a healthy snack of muffins, tea, coffee and fruit. Part-time staff provide
counselling and program support. Monthly Saturday takeout meals helped neighbours in very tight budgets. Fundraising in 2024 included a Carol Sing with craft sale at Kitchissippi. Voluntary donations and flower/plant/tree sales led by the Ottawa Y Service Club also made a difference. Much needed donations came by cheque, through PAR, by interac e-transfer or via the website. Sincere thanks once again to Wendy Warburton as CCC Treasurer, Dave Hall as Fundraising Chair, Donna Kricorissian for grocery purchases for hospitality, and Marg Hall with Creative Path art studio. Wendy, Donna and Norah serve as Board members, with thanks to Dave for his many years of Board leadership.
Indigenous Community Support
KUC donated a load of backpacks and school supplies in June to Minwaashin Lodge for the many families they help throughout the year. At Christmas, we delivered lots of warm woollies: mitts, hats, scarves, and socks. A good connection with a good organization!
Ottawa West Community Support /OWCS
KUC has been involved with OWCS for many years (Board membership, promotion of its programs and value to the broader community of seniors). Outreach donated $1,000 in 2024 and plans to further strengthen our relationship.
MHI – MultiFaith Housing Initiative
$500 was donated in 2024 and we will be looking at further support in 2025.
International Project
Kitchissippi again provided $800 support to the Kibera School Scholarship Fund in Kenya, (the Stanley Kinyeki Fund). Individual donations to the project were made via Myriad Canada (former King Beaudouin Foundation). The project aims to fund the education costs of junior high students and the school has expanded thanks to ongoing support. The lead agency for KUC support is the Ottawa Y Service Club.
Minister’s Emergency Family Outreach Program
$450 was paid last year for temporary support for critical needs (food, health, family crisis) in situations made known to the Minister and the Circle. This program is replenished through an appeal for donations.
Christmas Outreach
Thank you everyone in KUC and in our expanding/evolving circle for your generous donations of time, energy, financial gifts, knitting and warm woolly purchases. The White Gift project for Kimberlane and Alexander care homes made Christmas a little special for residents. We reached lots of folks before Christmas at Minwaashin Lodge with socks, hats, mitts, and scarves. Grocery cards again replaced
hampers for individuals and families known to the church and in real need at Christmastime. We also made a financial donation of $500 to help Caldwell Family Centre provide supper for a new Monday evening youth entrepreneurship program with R.I.S.E. Academy.
Thank you to all who made Refugee Fund and Outreach donations. Sincere thanks to the following members and additional participants in the Refugee/Outreach/ Circle in 2024, and to KUC staff for all their support: Ancille Muhimpundu (Illuminee’s sister), Nancy Garrard, Donna Horner, Donna Kricorissian, Peggy Clarke, Marg and Dave Hall, Laurie Joe, Denise Bonomo, Nancy Brodie, Pete MacEwen, Judy Mills, Wilma MacDonald, Rev. Jenni, Doug Brooks, Kirsten Gracequist and Kassia Delaney.
Norah Patriquin
Chair, Refugee/Outreach Circle
