Event Date: 04/24/2026
Organizer: Volunteer Ottawa
Volunteer Ottawa hosted its first annual Connected Ottawa Breakfast on April 24, 2026, bringing together almost 200 guests and community leaders to celebrate National Volunteer Week. The event was the launch pad to also announce two major initiatives addressing the city’s loneliness epidemic through service.
Chef Joe Thottungal will receive the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award at the VOscars on October 22, for his enduring community service.
The new Ottawa Youth Service Year pilot project was also unveiled, founded by former Ontario Premier Hon. Dalton McGuinty. This initiative will empower young people through structured service opportunities, and civic leadership. Simran Singh of the Rideau Hall Foundation announced they would be the key funder of this project.
Mayor Mark Sutcliffe proclaimed it Volunteer Ottawa Day, while co-host Councillor Rawlson King championed the City of Kindness.
To nominate a volunteer for a VOscars award visit www.volunteerottawa.ca
