Click here to download a PDF version of our 2022-2023 Gratitude Report.
Letter from the CEO
Reflection and growth
As we reflect on the past year, I am once again filled with immense gratitude for the unwavering support and dedication demonstrated by each member of ONFE’s community.
With an easing of pandemic restrictions, this past school year saw the return of our in-class Volunteers in Education program and JA Ottawa Programs, sizeable demand in students accessing the School Breakfast Program; our Classroom Gardens Program restarting towers; and the return of our in-person Spark Soirée at the Infinity Convention Centre.
Thank you to our donors and community partners for your unwavering commitment and financial support through the pandemic and beyond. Your support has enabled us to expand our reach and operate in a hybrid in-person and virtual environment. To our volunteers, you are the backbone of our organization, selflessly investing your time and expertise to igniting a love of learning in the hearts and minds of students.
To our parents and educators, you are invaluable partners on this journey. Your collaboration and trust have strengthened our ability to uplift Ottawa’s children and youth.
Thank you to our staff and Board of Directors for working to build a thriving ecosystem for local students. From JA mentorship initiatives that foster personal financial, entrepreneurship and career readiness to OttawaReads volunteers that unlock a world of imagination through the power of reading, to the over 16,000 meals served every school day through the School Breakfast Program, every ONFE endeavour is driven by a shared vision of a brighter future for the next generation.
As we embark on another school year, let us renew our commitment to make even more of an impact. Together, we fuel kids and ignite learning — empowering Ottawa students to reach new heights, dream without limits, and build a successful future.
With heartfelt appreciation,
Heather Norris
President and CEO
Ottawa Network for Education
Community Impact
In 2022-2023, ONFE supported:
School Breakfast Program
Classroom Gardens
“Planting, watering and learning about how to balance the water with students from the program. That also recognized how healthy eating is actually fun and things that grow are fun to eat.”
– Shawn Bedard, M.F. McHugh Education Centre
JA Ottawa
“JA was truly the catalyst for all the 10 jobs I have had since then. I’ll always be grateful to my mentors for believing in me and my skills, as well as taking me so seriously even though I was 16 years old. Professional confidence was my biggest take away from JA.“
– Serena Kam, JA Company Student
Volunteers In Education
“Neil comes to my class twice a week to read with students. He brings wonderful books along with him and easily and capably interacts with students; allowing them to choose books they are interested in, answering their questions and encouraging those who are shy to join the group. Students are always excited to see him and often run to greet him when he arrives. Neil clearly appreciates the importance of being read to in the early years and helps and supports our team to nurture a love of books and reading in our students.“
– Pam Kendall, Kindergarten teacher at W.O. Mitchell PS, about VIE Volunteer, Neil Lillico
OttawaReads introduced 70 students in K-3 in one school to the magic of reading.
STEP for Youth in Schools and Community Coalition
Financial statement
View our detailed 2022-23 financial statements.
Thank you, ONFE Volunteers.
Your commitment to the children and youth of Ottawa has not gone unnoticed. It is through the thoughtful efforts of individuals like you that ONFE can make a meaningful difference in the lives of thousands of students each year. Your willingness to give your time, energy and expertise to support our initiatives is truly inspiring.
The impact of your volunteer work extends far beyond the hours you spend with local children and youth. Your dedication serves as a shining example to others, motivating them to contribute and create a positive change. Whether you are involved in preparing and serving breakfasts and snacks, mentoring, reading to young children, or any other endeavor, your presence, support, and encouragement provide a sense of belonging and the confidence these students need to navigate their educational journey and beyond.
Thank you,
ONFE Donors & Partners
We extend our heartfelt appreciation to our community of donors and partners for their exceptional generosity and unwavering support of ONFE. Your financial contributions are a driving force behind our mission to inspire and support every child’s learning journey in reaching their full potential by connecting community resources to help K-12 students succeed.
You have empowered us to extend our reach, innovate our programs, and provide students with the tools they need to succeed. Together, we are shaping a brighter future for the young minds of Ottawa, and your dedication is a cornerstone of this success. Thank you.
We look forward to the opportunities that lie ahead and the continued partnerships that will help shape the future of student success in Ottawa.
Education Partners
Thank you to the members of our Community Partners:
Partners in Excellence ($20,000 and up)
Partners in Success ($5,000 – $19,999)
Partners in Growth ($500 – $4,999)
Accenture
Adobe Systems Canada
Advocis
Amazon
AMEX
Avanade
Banque Nationale du Canada / National Bank
Bell Canada
Business Sherpa Group
Claridge Homes
Dairy Farmers of Ontario
Duffey Financial Solutions Inc.
Egg Farmers
Excellence in Literacy Foundation
Ernst & Young (EY)
Excellence in Literacy Foundation
Fairstone (Citi)
Fieldless Farms
Foci Solutions
Giftfunds Canada
Glenview Management Ltd.
Hulse, Playfair & McGarry
Kaitlyn Bates Initiative
Kettlemans Bagel
KPMG
Labarge Weinstein
Mayson Real Estate
Mercedes-Benz Ottawa Downtown
Minto Group
Ottawa Carleton Elementary Occasional Teachers Association (OCEOTA)
Rotary Club of West Ottawa
Scotiabank
Siemens Healthineers
Telfer Executive MBA
TCC Canada
TD Bank
The Bloodroot Fund
Toronto Foundation for Student Success
United Way – GTA
Z Zurich
Volunteer
ONFE volunteers enjoy opportunities to share their valuable knowledge and skills, gain hands-on experience in mentoring, strengthen bonds with their local communities, and inspire Ottawa’s children and youth with their brilliance.
Donate
Your donation today will help address critical issues facing children and youth by removing barriers to learning and providing opportunities to K-12 students across the city of Ottawa, in all four school boards.
Partner
For partnership or sponsorship inquiries, please reach out to Mitch Miller, Director of Advancement, at mmiller@onfe-rope.ca
Contact
If you would like more information about the Ottawa Network for Education, our programs, or how you can get involved with our work, please contact us.
