| When Omicron struck a year ago, we knew 2022 would be another tough year for low-income families in Ottawa. But we stuck to our goal of increasing community outreach and engagement, and with the support of our donors, we succeeded.
Between January and October, we doubled the number of free counselling sessions provided to marginalized residents. The volume of low-cost, self-serve laundry increased by 75%. Fifty-six new families joined the CLC, many of whom are living in cramped, ‘temporary’ emergency shelters in Vanier and Rideau-Rockcliffe.
What does this mean? Stay tuned and you will find out next week. On Giving Tuesday, a refugee will share her story and the role the Co-op played when she arrived in Canada with her two young children.
The Co-op has the power to change lives, but we can’t do it alone. Serving more members increases costs. While we are working hard to raise funds and provide supportive employment through our social enterprise, Community Impact Laundry, the truth is that we will always need to fundraise to balance our budget, especially if we are continually adjusting & expanding to meet the needs of the communities we serve.
Please consider making an annual or monthly donation to the Co-op through the link below, and on Giving Tuesday we hope you read about how our donors have changed the lives of a single mother and her two young children. In the meantime, we hope you enjoy some pictures of life at the Co-op in 2022. |
