What we do
We launch dreams!
The Children’s Aid Foundation of Ottawa (CAFO) is dedicated to enriching the lives of children, youth, and families supported by The Children’s Aid Society of Ottawa (CASO). Our Dream Launcher Donor community envisions a future where all our Ottawa kids are resilient, thriving, and confident.
Dare to dream!
Over the past 20 years, more than $2-million has been raised to provide nearly 1,000 Dare to Dream educational bursaries to youth involved with child welfare.
Thirty-six youth are currently pursuing their post-secondary education.
”I will become the first-ever person in my family to receive a college education. Who would have thought this was possible? Something tells me YOU did, because you funded my dreams and my future. Thank you so much for everything that you do.” Adalee, ‘Dare to Dream Bursary’ recipient
110 youth have successfully transitioned to independent living last year
“We don’t want our kids, who have already come so far, to age-out of foster care into loneliness,” Child Protection Worker, CAS Ottawa
159 children had “the best time ever!” at their camp experience
“The kids were able to be kids, our worries were forgotten about for a week,” 9-year-old ‘Camp for Kids’ recipient
How you can help
Become a dream launcher!
When donations and sponsorships are given on an ongoing basis, your kindness is shared with children and youth in child welfare at a time when they need it most.
Your monthly or yearly donation / sponsorship means our Ottawa kids have a dependable base of support and you are investing in their future. Not only do we provide emergency needs, like a new bed, stroller, or clothing, but we fund preventative programs directed to where it’s needed most.
Three ways to support our Ottawa kids:
Event Partnership: Join us as an event partner at one of our yearly events & gain community recognition for your corporate social responsibility.
Sponsor a Program: There are several to choose from, from the ‘Dare to Dream’ Bursary to ‘Camp for Kids’.
Donate the Proceeds from your own team-building event. www.dreamlauncher.ca
FUNDING PRIORITIES
Education
- Dare to Dream Bursary Postsecondary Tuition \Fees
- Tutoring and Learning Support
- Psychoeducational Assessment
Life enrichment and mental health supports
- Summer Camp
- Counselling
- Hockey Registration and Equipment
- Swimming and Piano Lessons
Youth transition out of foster care
- Budgeting, Cooking and Life Skills
- Support Transitioning to Independence
- Support Moving into a New Home
Events + fundraising
Salut!
Each May we host a sommelier guided evening of specially curated wines, paired with a delicious dinner. Over 150 community leaders join to raise funds for the Dare to Dream postsecondary education bursary. www.dreamlauncher.ca
BDC | CAFO Annual Charity Golf Tournament
This popular annual golf tournament is held each September in partnership with BDC. More than 150 where more than 100 business leaders across Ottawa join forces to raise funds to help children and youth supported by The Children’s Aid Society of Ottawa.
World Trivia Night – Canada’s largest live trivia contest!
For over 30 years over 1,000 trivia enthusiasts, corporate team-builders and friends come to the Shaw Centre for a fun night. Full details at www.WorldTriviaNight.com.
Holiday gift and toy drive
Join over 300 local organizations to help children, youth & families of all faiths celebrate year-round. This amazing corporate team-building event results in donated toys, gift and grocery cards that help brighten the holidays for Ottawa kids in care.
Get in touch:
1602 Telesat Court
Ottawa, ON
K1B 1B1
www.HelpOttawaKids.ca
foundation@cafott.ca
613-745-1893
Year founded: 1988
Total revenue for last fiscal year: $1,030,679
Twitter/X: @CAFOttawa
Facebook: @CAFOttawa
Instagram: @CAFOttawa
Walter Noble, executive director
Anna Lynch, chair
BOARD MEMBERS
- Shail Paliwal, Vice Chair
- John P. Haralovich, Treasurer
- Laura-Lee Brenneman, Secretary
- Tom Batchellor
- Michael Beaucage
- Darlene H. Carreau
- Jayna Carter, Ex Officio*
- Jim Carty
- Karine Jackson
- Philip Lapin
- Derek Thuillard
- Terry Tyo
TOP FUNDING SOURCES
INDIVIDUAL DONATIONS: 62%
GRANTING FOUNDATIONS/OTHER CHARITIES: 23%
CORPORATE DONATIONS: 15%
GEOGRAPHIC REGION OF FOCUS
City of Ottawa
