Nov 3rd, 2026

The Women of OCH: Meet Cathy Hamilton 

“Knowing that I’m doing something to help others makes me feel good. It makes me more confident and proud. I feel more independent.” 

For Cathy Hamilton, a resident of Clementine Towers, helping others has become an important part of her life. 

On September 10, Cathy celebrated five years since opening a community food pantry. Today, with the support of 39 volunteers, the pantry helps up to 80 people each week and serves residents from nearly 10 OCH communities. 

Running the pantry takes dedication. Cathy helps find food, organize volunteers, and coordinate deliveries. Her work has also inspired efforts to open food pantries in other communities. 

In her spare time, she does wellness checks on her neighbours.  

“I’m proud that I’m able to help people in need in my community and start food banks in other communities.” 

The power of encouragement 

When asked about a woman who inspires her, Cathy immediately named Euphrasie Emedi, a Community Developer with South-East Ottawa Community Health Centre. 

When Cathy first shared her idea for a food pantry, not everyone believed it would work. 

“Everyone else told me I was crazy when I said I wanted to start a pantry. She told me I could do it. She always encouraged me.” 

That encouragement helped Cathy believe in herself and turn her idea into something that now supports neighbours across several OCH communities. 

Celebrating women who make a difference 

For Cathy, Women’s History Month is a time to recognize women’s achievements and the many ways they contribute to their communities. 

She believes women should challenge stereotypes, celebrate one another’s successes and help others reach their goals. 

Her own contributions have earned her the Caroline Andrew Civic Engagement Award. 

Cathy sums up her message to other women with a simple reminder: “Be your sister’s keeper.” 

And her advice to women and girls? 

“Try to make a difference in other people’s lives.”