Jenny Chen (Catalais Consulting) brought the energy to the runway at Fashion for Futures in support of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ottawa at the Canadian Museum of Nature, April 17, 2026. Photo by Tia MacPherson for OBJ.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ottawa hosted its inaugural Fashion for Futures Ottawa event at the Canadian Museum of Nature, bringing together community members for an evening of networking and sustainable fashion.
The event featured a thrifted runway show with local personalities from the area’s business, political, media, and influencer communities, styled through Thrive Select Thrift, the organization’s social enterprise, highlighting “slow fashion” with a modern approach.
Organizers, including Ryan Forsyth and team, said the initiative aimed to promote sustainability while supporting youth mentorship programs. Proceeds will help create mentorship matches for young people in Ottawa and Renfrew County.
The event marked a new direction for the organization, blending fashion, community engagement, and fundraising in support of its mission to provide life-changing opportunities for youth.
Christine Harrison (Focus Forward Health), Jennifer Stewart (Syntax Strategic and walking the runway) and Michelle Groulx (OCOBIA) at Fashion for Futures in support of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ottawa at the Canadian Museum of Nature, April 17, 2026. Photo by Tia MacPherson for OBJ.Trecia Campbell-Ash (Thrive Select Thrift) running the pop-up shop at Fashion for Futures in support of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ottawa at the Canadian Museum of Nature, April 17, 2026. Photo by Tia MacPherson for OBJ.Altaf Bhulji (Cresa) with Laura Dill (Slay Society) enjoying the evening at Fashion for Futures in support of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ottawa at the Canadian Museum of Nature, April 17, 2026. Photo by Tia MacPherson for OBJ.Lina El-Khoury and Aditi Singh (Scotiabank) at Fashion for Futures in support of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ottawa at the Canadian Museum of Nature, April 17, 2026. Photo by Tia MacPherson for OBJ.Ann Rickenbacker, Mandy Gosewich (Stunning Boutique and walking the runway), and Tonya Miller at Fashion for Futures in support of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ottawa at the Canadian Museum of Nature, April 17, 2026. Photo by Tia MacPherson for OBJ.Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ottawa board members Lindsay Ostrom, Keith Egli, Michael Purcell, Carrie Irvine, and Leslie Rae at Fashion for Futures in support of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ottawa at the Canadian Museum of Nature, April 17, 2026. Photo by Tia MacPherson for OBJ.Irene Compton (Minwaashin Lodge Indigenous Women’s Support Centre) opening the event with a smudging and traditional singing at Fashion for Futures in support of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ottawa at the Canadian Museum of Nature, April 17, 2026. Photo by Tia MacPherson for OBJ.Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ottawa executive director Susan Ingram speaks at Fashion for Futures in support of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ottawa at the Canadian Museum of Nature, April 17, 2026. Photo by Tia MacPherson for OBJ.Mentor Rez Mashkoori and mentee Andres Cutillas, who connected through the BBBSO match program, talk about how it changed both of their lives for the better at Fashion for Futures in support of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ottawa at the Canadian Museum of Nature, April 17, 2026. Photo by Tia MacPherson for OBJ.Christine Crump (Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Ottawa) rocking it at Fashion for Futures in support of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ottawa at the Canadian Museum of Nature, April 17, 2026. Photo by Tia MacPherson for OBJ.Solange Tuyishime Keita (Elevate International, Naylah’s Legacy, and UNICEF Canada Ambassador) shines at Fashion for Futures in support of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ottawa at the Canadian Museum of Nature, April 17, 2026. Photo by Tia MacPherson for OBJ.
