Making a significant and consistent community contribution takes more than good intentions.
Rideau Place On-the-River, a 107-suite retirement residence in Ottawa, is working hard and using the skills of long-time, well-connected and respected local volunteers to make the good intentions become realities.
"We've long been a civic-minded organization," says Rideau Place general manager Doug Wilson. "But when we wanted to increase our community-outreach efforts, we approached a handful of high-profile Ottawa residents to form our own Community Advisory Board."
Members of the advisory board volunteer their time for on-site resident activities. They also initiate events that have benefited a variety of causes.
The list is long and includes an annual Mayor's Canada Day Breakfast, Odyssey Theatre in the Park and a Kiwanis Seniors' Fall Tea. The advisory board also was the engine behind big band events at the Canadian Museum of Civilization - featuring The Spitfire Band and The Woody Herman Orchestra - in support of the new Shirley E. Greenberg Ottawa Women's Health Centre.
"We've spread our tentacles quite widely across the city," says Wilson, who is personally involved in a number of volunteer capacities.
"Rideau Place On-the-River is the Chamber of Commerce sponsor for the Ottawa Company of the Year Award and we run a standing feature in Fifty-Five Plus magazine that recognizes the outstanding efforts of local volunteers," he says. "Having our advisory board has been a benefit to everyone - our residents and the community at large."
Read more on volunteering:
- At 90, he's still a super volunteer
- Volunteers make good intentions become realities
- Lifeline: Meals on Wheels delivers more than good food
Find out more about your options in Ottawa retirement homes.
