Ottawa Mission’s Blue Door Gala to toast 20 years of transformative training

Back in 2004, The Ottawa Mission launched a little training program, at a time when such things didn’t really exist, to help get men off the streets and working in commercial kitchens, where they could enjoy a fresh start in life.

Back in 2004, The Ottawa Mission launched a little training program, at a time when such things didn't really exist, to help get men off the streets and working in commercial kitchens, where they could enjoy a fresh start in life. The Food Services Training Program (FSTP) was founded by Chef Ric Watson a couple years after he joined the non-profit organization. He had recognized parts of his own story in the people he was serving meals to, whether they were homeless or at risk of being homeless. “I could see myself; I could see who I used to be,” said Watson at the launch event for the Blue Door Gala, held late Wednesday afternoon at the homey headquarters for Ottawa home builder and presenting sponsor Caivan. The Ottawa Mission will be celebrating the 20th anniversary of the FSTP with 500-plus of its closest friends and supporters when its signature fundraiser returns to the Infinity Convention Centre on Nov. 7th. 

In Watson’s case, others had helped him during his time of need. He wanted to do the same by offering a training program to those seeking food and shelter at The Mission, with the hope it could lead to employment and a brighter future. Some of the men had been offering to help in the kitchen, washing dishes or assisting with meal prep.  “They just wanted a purpose; they just wanted something to do,” said the compassionate and caring chef, who holds his Red Seal certification. All five students of the inaugural class of 2004 graduated and went on to make “a better life for themselves,” said Watson. The four-month training program has since grown and expanded to serve a wider variety of men and women. It's now seeing up to 75 students complete the free program each year, with the vast majority (90 per cent) landing jobs afterward with 150-plus placement partners. The total number of graduates is 336. Guests were invited to tour sections of the Caivan building, which includes an assembly plant, showroom and administration area. It's located in South Barrhaven, which has become a hub of new suburban development.  Jonathan Wiseman, executive vice president of sales and marketing, expressed how honoured Caivan is to be the loyal presenting sponsor of the Blue Door Gala — named after the main entrance one walks through at The Ottawa Mission building on Waller Street. “The impact that you’re having in Ottawa is really something to be proud of, and it’s amazing to be part of it in a small way," Wiseman said at the podium while an array of photos from last year's gala were projected behind him and the other guest speakers.

Ottawa Mission CEO Peter Tilley acknowledged that, back when the Blue Door Gala was still very new, he was nervous about whether the fledgling fundraiser would take off. But, with such business leaders as Sheila Whyte (Thyme & Again Creative Catering + Food Shops), lawyer Lawrence Greenspon (Greenspon Granger Hill), and formerly Michael Moffatt all stepping up as co-chairs, he knew they'd pull it off. “And boy did we ever pull this off,” said Tilley of a successful event now entering its 7th year. The organization and co-chairs have a team of volunteers behind them, consisting of: Heather Bradley, Judy Charles, Joseph Cull, Julie Findlay, Elizabeth Kaulbeck, Kory Kealey and Caivan director of sales Rachelle Brisebois. On display at the launch was the backdrop of the same blue doors seen on stage at the gala each year.

Attendees included Ottawa Mission board members, including Deputy Chief Paul Burnett from Ottawa Police Services, and Ottawa chef and restaurateur Joe Thottungal (Coconut Lagoon, Thali) with his 2020 Order of Ottawa medal pinned to his chef's coat. Thottungal will lead the team that's to prepare the tandoori lamb-chop mushroom masala dish for the gala. There's also a vegan option. Attendees will dine on braised short ribs with a wine reduction sauce, potatoes dauphinoise and seasonal vegetables as their main course, followed by a chocolate caramel dome dessert. There will also be the usual salad and hors d’oeuvres, all prepared by the FSTP students as part of their final exam, culminating with an on-stage graduation ceremony that introduces each student as they head to the stage to proudly accept their framed certification from Watson. The FSTP operates out of a social enterprise that The Ottawa Mission opened in 2021 in the former site of the downtown Rideau Bakery. It bears Chef Ric's name, which is how the chef is affectionately and respectfully known by all.  The location also features a busy storefront, serving breakfast and lunch, and catering services. Tilley reminded the guests how The Ottawa Mission continues to face “unprecedented” demands. “We’re dealing with pressures like never before,” he said of the fentanyl drug crisis, post-pandemic mental health challenges and the onslaught of newcomers to Canada in need of refuge. “As always, The Mission is there to open our doors and to welcome them all and see what we can do to rise to the occasion,” said Tilley. For more information on how to purchase tickets for the Blue Door Gala, see https://trellis.org/blue-door-gala-2024

  caroline@obj.ca