Posted by: OSCA
Last month we shared a story called “Birdhouses Galore” describing Shelley and Sean Kennedy’s stockpile of homemade birdhouses. It began as a hobby to while away the pandemic hours, but soon enough there were more birdhouses than any one backyard could possibly use. And so the Kennedys decided to fundraise for the Firehall, selling the birdhouses for $10/each on the Old Ottawa South Group Facebook page.
As of mid-April, 41 birdhouses have gone out the door to provide new homes for our feathered friends in OOS. Shelley and Sean continue to be impressed by the generosity of their neighbours. Donations from the “birdhouse lark” now total $825 – proof positive that no donation is too small and that every dollar counts.
To check on campaign progress for “Save Our Firehall” go to oldottawasouth.ca
When you click the “Donate” buttons you’ll see the progress meter to the right hand column. To date (April 23, 2021) a little over $77,250 has been raised. OSCA and staff continue to be very grateful for the generosity of individuals and families in our community, not simply for their financial donations but for their moral and emotional support.
The progress meter counts donations to the Save Our Firehall Fund. In early March 2021 OSCA received an anonymous donation from the Ottawa Community Foundation. The donation was in the amount of $10,000! You might imagine our surprise and delight. This donation was made to our capital fund and cannot be used directly for operations, but we anticipate that this gift will be a huge boost to OSCA when we start up our in-person programming once again. So, although our campaign meter registers $77,250 we are feeling very much that it reads $87,250.
Of late, “Save Our Firehall” continues to rely on smaller, community-driven fundraising efforts. For example, you can buy fire-engine-red t-shirts online at the Firehall Store, or simply click the donate button and become a monthly recurring supporter. Remember, no donation is too small, or too big.
Without your generosity we would not be here today. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Because of you, online virtual fitness and painting classes continue; After4 in-person children’s programs supported OOS families until the latest school closures; April Break went online; and Summer Camps are coming soon! Registration rates have been climbing quickly; we anticipate a summer of safe, outdoor programming to complement all our virtual experiences. Keep your eye on OSCA’s website and social media channels for other program announcements as the COVID situation improves.