Jun 3rd, 2025

Celebrating the Heart of OCH Communities: Tenant Volunteers Make an Impact

“The work of tenant volunteers is invaluable and vital to the fabric of OCH neighbourhoods. Their acts of kindness create a ripple effect, and serves as building blocks for healthier, more inclusive and more vibrant communities.”

That’s how OCH Chief Executive Officer Stéphane Giguère welcomed 160 tenant volunteers at the annual Tenant Appreciation Event held at the RA Centre on May 31. The day was all about celebration, connection, and gratitude.

The Impact of Tenant Volunteers

Each year, around 600 volunteers support their neighbours in OCH communities across Ottawa. They help run food pantries, teach skill-building classes, organize celebrations, offer peer-led programming, such as art classes and language training, beautify their communities, and do various acts of kindness. Those acts of kindness have a ripple effect. It inspires others to get involved. Their leadership makes a lasting difference.

By the numbers:

77 active community associations

27 tenant leaders supported 40 Corporate Volunteer events in 2024 – helping to support community improvement.

2,000 tenant–led events in 2024

In the first three months of 2025, tenant volunteers organized:

120 celebrations in OCH communities across the city.

227 events and programs around food security.

A Day to Celebrate

The May 31 Appreciation Event gave us a chance to thank you and celebrate the heart of OCH communities. The day featured a sugar shack and a Canadian theme. After a brunch, residents got the chance to participate in three workshops: