OCTOBER 27, 2018, OTTAWA, ON – The city’s most prestigious event of the year paid tribute to innovative research at The Ottawa Hospital in front of a sold-out crowd at the Westin Ottawa. A who’s who of Ottawa filled the elegant ballroom. The evening kicked off with an incredible dance routine by Dr. Carole Dennie, a participant of the 2018 Dancing with the Docs fundraiser in support of the Ottawa Hospital. More than 700 guests enjoyed a delicious four course meal which included grilled “Blue Dot” PEI beef tenderloin, king oyster mushroom fricassee and roasted garlic “3 hour” polenta as the main dish. The evening continued into the wee hours as the crowd filled the dance floor thanks to the live band, 1945, back once again by popular demand.

The Ottawa Hospital Gala, presented by First Avenue Investment Counsel, was ultimately about honouring three innovative researchers and their accomplishments in their fields. Congratulations to:

Dr. Kristin Danko, recipient, Worton Researcher in Training Award. Recognized for her outstanding work on methods for systematic review and meta-analysis of complex health interventions, including novel mathematical modelling.
Dr. William Stanford, recipient, Chrétien Researcher of the Year Award. Recognized for his groundbreaking research on stem cells and leukemia, including an upcoming paper with major clinical implications.
Dr. Fraser Scott, recipient, Grimes Research Career Achievement Award. Recognized for pioneering research linking the onset of type I diabetes with diet-induced changes in gut immunity and regeneration of insulin-producing cells.

The Ottawa Hospital’s Tender Loving Research campaign has raised $43 million with just $7 million remaining to reach the fundraising goal of $50 million.

It’s our community’s commitment to research, which is making The Ottawa Hospital a global leader in health care advances. Tim Kluke, President and CEO of The Ottawa Hospital Foundation, acknowledged that support from both individuals and businesses play a key role in the success of our researchers. “We could not be visionary without the unwavering corporate support in our community and we could not transform health care without the generosity of business leaders. This leadership is shaping health care in Ottawa for generations to come.”

“We could not be visionary without the unwavering corporate support in our community and we could not transform health care without the generosity of business leaders. This leadership is shaping health care in Ottawa for generations to come.”

Tim Kluke, President and CEO of The Ottawa Hospital Foundation

The Ottawa Hospital Foundation was thrilled to welcome First Avenue Investment Counsel as the title sponsor this year. “First Avenue Investment Counsel is proud to be the title sponsor for The Ottawa Hospital Gala.” Kash Pashootan, CEO and Chief Investment Officer at First Avenue Investment Counsel added, “Affluent families have trusted us with their assets to invest today in order to grow for the future. This partnership is no different. We are proud of the innovative research The Ottawa Hospital conducts and its leadership role in creating a better future in health care for all of us and especially future generations. Let’s all help create an even better tomorrow for our community.”

The Ottawa Hospital is one of Canada’s largest learning and research hospitals, with more than 1,200 beds, approximately 12,000 staff members and an annual budget of about $1.3 billion.

Our focus on learning and research helps us develop new and innovative ways to treat patients and improve care. As a multi-campus hospital affiliated with the University of Ottawa, we deliver specialized care to the Eastern Ontario region, but our techniques and research discoveries are adopted around the world. We engage the community at all levels to support our vision for better patient care.

From the compassion of our people to the relentless pursuit of new discoveries, The Ottawa Hospital never stops seeking solutions to the most complex health-care challenges. For more information about The Ottawa Hospital, visit ohfoundation.ca.

SEPTEMBER 9, 2018, OTTAWA, ON – Pedal power took over the nation’s capital on Sunday, as hundreds of cyclists came together to support leading edge research at The Ottawa Hospital. 700 inspired cyclists helped to raise over $1.1 million at the ninth edition of THE RIDE.

Notably joining THE RIDE this year and the Deloitte team was cycling Olympian Curt Harnett. The three-time Olympic medalist added to the level of excitement on Sunday. But it was the cause that fueled the cyclists. Fundraising through THE RIDE will provide vital money to researchers at The Ottawa Hospital who are investigating every major disease and helping to re-shape health care not only in our community but around the globe.

Tim Kluke, President and CEO of The Ottawa Hospital Foundation, says it’s that motivation to advance research, which makes THE RIDE such an incredible community success. “Teams coming together make up a major part of this event, both community and corporate teams. This year, one of our newest teams was the Cancer Crusaders. This team was made up of those from our community wanting to be a part of something big to help find a cure for cancer at The Ottawa Hospital. It was a great example of what THE RIDE is all about.”

Mattamy Homes division president Kevin O’Shea was thrilled with the energy at this year’s event. “Our Mattamy Homes team loves this phenomenal cycling experience. THE RIDE is a great mix for our employees to promote healthy living through cycling, to give back to the most important health care hub in our region and to have a tremendous time with friends and neighbours.”

“Our Mattamy Homes team loves this phenomenal cycling experience.” Kevin O’Shea, Mattamy Homes division president

For longtime RIDE participant, Marcel Néron, this was an emotional day for him and his team #youarenotalone. He was riding for the first time without his son, Alex, who passed away from colon cancer in January. “I was determined to keep doing this for people who are going through the same thing as Alex did. People need hope and what better way to give them hope then to raise money for research.”

Months of training and cycling came together as riders participated in a 50 kilometre closed road loop along the Sir John A. Macdonald Parkway and another group of riders powered through a 117 kilometre adventure through Kanata North, Carp and Dunrobin. All participants came together at Tunney’s Pasture for THE RIDE celebration barbecue. It was at that time, Virtual Ride participants were recognized for their efforts in fundraising as well.

The Ottawa Hospital is one of Canada’s largest learning and research hospitals, with more than 1,200 beds, approximately 12,000 staff members and an annual budget of about $1.2 billion.

Our focus on learning and research helps us develop new and innovative ways to treat patients and improve care. As a multi-campus hospital affiliated with the University of Ottawa, we deliver specialized care to the Eastern Ontario region, but our techniques and research discoveries are adopted around the world. We engage the community at all levels to support our vision for better patient care.

From the compassion of our people to the relentless pursuit of new discoveries, The Ottawa Hospital never stops seeking solutions to the most complex health-care challenges. For more information about The Ottawa Hospital, visit ohfoundation.ca.

MAY 26 2018, OTTAWA, ON – As runners crossed over the finish line this weekend, hundreds did so knowing they were having an extra impact. Not only were many attempting a personal best, but also they had pledged their support of The Ottawa Hospital, through the Scotiabank Charity Challenge. This year, the annual fundraiser at Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend, surpassed a total of $11 million, raised over the past 22 years.

This year alone, 438 fundraisers registered to Run for a Reason raising $310,000. Funds raised through The Ottawa Hospital’s Run for a Reason support world-class patient care, the purchase of new state-of-the-art equipment, and support innovative research.

Tim Kluke, President and CEO of The Ottawa Hospital Foundation, says this is an inspirational way to give back and improve health care in our community. “Each person who registered to Run for a Reason this year, has their personal story. They take that story and use it as their motivation to help support our community’s most important health care centre by ensuring our doctors, researchers, and nurses have the tools they need to treat the most complex cases in eastern Ontario.”

Run for a Reason had 19 teams register to fundraise this year, including Team PIPR. This year marked the 10th anniversary of PIPR – Partners Investing in Parkinson’s research. More than 100,000 Canadians live with Parkinson’s, including 8,000 here in Ottawa. Parkinson’s is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that primarily affects voluntary, controlled movement. In ten years, Team PIPR has raised $1.2 million for leading edge Parkinson Research at The Ottawa Hospital.

Roberta Driscoll has been with the team since the beginning. “My husband has Parkinson’s and I see how the progression of this disease is altering his quality of life. Since we created PIPR ten years ago, we’ve seen advancements in research at The Ottawa Hospital. PIPR has not only helped fund research for the treatment and to find a cure for Parkinson’s disease, but it has also galvanized the community to support a cause that previously received little attention. Our team has given hope to those living with Parkinson’s, like my husband.”

“Our team has given hope to those living with Parkinson’s, like my husband.” Roberta Driscoll

The Ottawa Hospital is one of Canada’s largest learning and research hospitals, with more than 1,100 beds, approximately 12,000 staff members and an annual budget of about $1.2 billion.

Our focus on learning and research helps us develop new and innovative ways to treat patients and improve care. As a multi-campus hospital affiliated with the University of Ottawa, we deliver specialized care to the Eastern Ontario region, but our techniques and research discoveries are adopted around the world. We engage the community at all levels to support our vision for better patient care.

From the compassion of our people to the relentless pursuit of new discoveries, The Ottawa Hospital never stops seeking solutions to the most complex health-care challenges. For more information about The Ottawa Hospital, visit ohfoundation.ca.