Donate Now Through CanadaHelps.org!\

Who We Are

The Snowsuit Fund is an Ottawa-based charity that raises funds for the purchase and distribution of snowsuits to needy children, 15 years and under, in our community.

We are just one social organization working to deal with the consequences of poverty in our region. But like so many of our sister organizations, the demand for our services continues to grow. In our 2007/2008 season, we distributed nearly 15,000 new snowsuits.

In over twenty-five years of operation, we have managed to meet the challenge of keeping underprivileged kids warm during our cold winters. We have also brought dignity and hope to families who simply do not have the means to provide their children with the necessities for living. The benefits of our service are far-reaching for both individuals and our community as a whole. Ultimately, one cannot put a price tag on a child's smile.

Although we hope to one day close our doors for good, we realize that in the short term, we must continue to ensure that no child is left out in the cold. To do that, we rely entirely on the dedication of our staff, volunteer Board of Directors and the countless caring groups and individuals who give their time, money and talent to The Snowsuit Fund. Thanks to their commitment, we are able to keep our administrative costs low and focus our financial resources on purchasing snowsuits. Fortunately, we have been able to establish healthy relationships with several Canadian snowsuit manufacturers. Our negotiated prices allow us to obtain warm, fashionable and safe snowsuits at prices that stretch our dollars to the maximum.

We must continually, however, seek out new ways in which we may sustain our operation. We hope that you will consider supporting this most worthwhile endeavour.

Please share your warmth with a child.

Special Events

Although our doors are only open six months of the year, fundraising is a full-time concern. Throughout the year, watch for the following fundraising endeavours:

Targeted Campaigns

  • Every November, we conduct a direct mail campaign to our donor database. We are proud of the fact that this is the only monetary appeal our donors receive during the year.  Furthermore, we do not share our mailing list with other organizations. Click here to view our privacy policy.

Royal Ottawa Golf Club Charity Classic

  • Our inaugural 2007 golf tournament was a huge success, raising almost $90,000 - thank you!  The 2008 event is scheduled for Monday, September 15, 2008. Watch for more information coming soon!

Annual Gala Dinner and Auction 

  • The Canadian Tire Snowsuit Fund Annual Gala raised over $60,000 on Saturday, November 17 at The Westin Ottawa. Next year’s event is scheduled for Saturday, November 15. Watch for more information coming soon!

15th Annual CHEZ 106/Oldies 1310/Y101/KISS FM Radiothon

  • The Radiothon takes place annually in early December. Listen for us on CHEZ 106, Oldies 1310, Y101 and 105.3 KISS FM.
Our Board of Directors
Our volunteer Board of Directors represents an excellent cross-section of community-minded businesses and individuals who have shown, time and again, that they are capable of drawing interest - and action - toward The Snowsuit Fund. The Board members are actively involved with us, contributing their time, energy and talents to all aspects of the Fund's operation. From creating our advertising campaigns, to generating media attention, to co-ordinating the pick up of used winter clothing, to speaking to school groups and to volunteering to work at the Depot on a Saturday afternoon with their children's hockey teams, our Board members are personally involved with our mission.
  

Jacquelin Holzman
Honourary Chairperson

Sylvie Bigras
Immediate Past Chair
Canadian Olympic Committee

Alan Sevigny
Chairperson
Dundee Private Investors Inc.

Trish Ault
Vice-Chairperson
Weber Shandwick Worldwide

Susan Dennison
Second Vice-Chairperson
Tim Hortons

Bonnie Baxter
Secretary

Krista Kealey
Director of Communications
Ottawa International Airport Authority

Brian Radburn
Treasurer

Dave McClenahan
Fundraising Chair
Canadian Tire

Don Masters
Mediaplus Advertising

Lawrence Greenspon
Greenspon, Brown & Associates

Kim Devooght
IBM Canada Inc.

Greg Birtch
Ottawa Fire Services

Ryan McNally
BMO Harris Private Banking

Dean Usher
CIBC Wood Gundy

Catherine Whitla
Browns Cleaners

Gary Thompson
Empire Grill

Scott Parsons
Rogers Media

Peter O'Leary
Performance Group of Companies

Lianne Laing
A-Channel

Al Hill
Xerox Canada Inc.

Karen Wood
Knock on Wood Communications & Events

Cheryl Hammond
The Ottawa Citizen

Joan Gullen
Founding Member

Ralph G. Tannis
Founding Member

Our Staff
The Snowsuit Fund operates with a skeleton crew of six seasonal employees, plus one full-time administrator. Each of these individuals has made a personal commitment to The Snowsuit Fund organization that is demonstrated by their professionalism and compassion towards the people we serve.
Joanne Andrews
Administrator

Heather McAllister
Administrative Assistant

Sue Ellis
Supervisor - Client Services

Alena Gabor
Client Assistant

Michelle Cline
Cashier

Hassan Hussein
Customer Service

Percy Lewis
Inventory/Warehouse Control

Christina Miller
Customer Service

Heather Peck
Customer Service

home | about the fund | how to get a snowsuit | how can i help | contact us | downloads | archive news
this website is maintained by the Snowsuit Fund of Ottawa
Charity Registration Number: 13121 9610 RR0001

< overview | resources | contribute | links | contact >
< go back | return home >
© 2003 - The SnowSuit Fund