What we do
Now in our 42nd season, The Snowsuit Fund purchases and distributes more than 16,000 snowsuits annually to children 15 years and younger from low-income families living in Ottawa, bringing dignity and hope to those struggling with the necessities of life.
Ottawa winters are cold, yet year-round outdoor play contributes fundamentally to mental health, active and healthy lifestyles, and learning and development.
Our core mission is to ensure that Ottawa’s most vulnerable children can have warm snowsuits to play outside in winter – without their families having to sacrifice other priorities.
The Snowsuit Fund is almost entirely powered by volunteers and the community. We receive no government funding and rely entirely on the generosity of countless caring groups and individuals who give their time, money and talent to keep our doors open.
How you can help
Fundraising priorities
We need corporate support to keep children warm. We’re seeing a steady increase in Ottawa families with children who need support more than ever. At the same time rising costs and inflation are negatively impacting donations. Corporate funds directly support the purchase and distribution of snowsuits. Annual volume purchases and long-standing relationships give us the power to negotiate the best possible prices with Canadian suppliers.
Give
Corporate funds can make a difference in the lives of children by helping us purchase new snowsuits for needy families. Your corporate gift, whether direct or derived from employee or customer campaigns and events, can be positioned as an event sponsorship or as a matching donation pledge that inspires others to give. As a proud partner, your organization will receive our deepest gratitude and extensive brand exposure.
Volunteer
Volunteering at the Snowsuit Fund depot is a heartwarming experience. Corporate and community teams that work half-day shifts in our warehouse help us keep operational costs down and connect us to the community. We also welcome volunteer support to produce and promote our various seasonal fundraisers.
Events + fundraising
Dinner Party in a Box
Now an annual sell-out, in late November, Dinner Party in a Box is a luxurious chef-prepared at-home dining experience that includes signature cocktails, premium wine and beer and luxury gift items – all beautifully packaged and home-delivered for you to enjoy with family, work colleagues or friends. There’s even a themed music playlist to get you in the mood and gourmet kids meals can be added, so nobody misses out. Sponsorship Opportunities are available.
SnowBall – A Cool Winters Eve
Our signature event, SnowBall- A Cool Winters Eve returns Thursday, February 22nd when up to 400 guests will gather for an all-inclusive, multi-chef cocktail party experience boasting sumptuous décor, valet parking, live entertainment, a silent auction, a beauty bar and other experiential surprises. This event always sells out. Sponsorship Opportunities and corporate ticket packages are available.
Get in touch:
134-225 Donald St.
Ottawa, Ont.
K1K 1N1joanne.andrews@snowsuitfund.com
snowsuitfund.com
Year founded: 1981
Total revenue for last fiscal year: $1,167,017
Twitter: @snowsuitfund
Facebook: @snowsuitfund
Instagram: @the_snowsuit_fund
BOARD MEMBERS
- Danny Kingsbury, Chairperson, Torres Media
- Martin Masse, Vice-chairperson, Norton Rose Fulbright LLP
- Mike Leggett, 2nd Vice-chairperson, Scotia Private Wealth
- Andrew Watson, Treasurer, KPMG
- Trina Fraser, Past chairperson/Secretarym Brazeau Seller Law
- Sahada Alolo, Multifaith Housing Initiative
- Oscar Arrieta, Bastian Solutions
- Ian Burns, David Burns and Associates
- Lise Clement, Lansdowne Technologies
- Susan Dennison, Tim Hortons
- Patricia Ferguson, Ottawa Police Service
- Mark Ford, RHEA Group
- Jodie Harrison, BMO Nesbitt Burns
- Steve Monuk, Ottawa Venues
- Daljit Nirman, Nirman’s Law
- Lauren Parkes, Postmedia Network
- Ray Skaff, Gabriel Pizza Franchise Corporation
- Amanda Young, Rogers Sports & Media
TOP FUNDING SOURCES
Corporate donations: 30%
Other charities: 5%
Individual donations: 45%
Other sources: 15%
ENDOWMENTS: 5%
GEOGRAPHIC REGION OF FOCUS
City of Ottawa Boundaries
