News from Christmas Exchange

Christmas in July a Success!

Thank you to everyone who made it out to the Fallowfield Transit Station on July 17 to participate in the 3rd Annual Christmas in July. This early morning BBQ breakfast was a great success!

Thanks to the generosity of all those in attendance, over $4,100 was raised, including a $1,000 matching donation made by Scotiabank (Woodroffe & Stoneway, Barrhaven). This money will be used to provide more than 50 families with a festive meal this coming December holiday season.

Congratulations go out to the Billings Family in Barrhaven on winning a natural gas BBQ in the Christmas in July BBQ raffle. Thanks to Capital Appliance & BBQ for their donation of the BBQ, and Enbridge for providing installation.

Volunteers and VIPs ready to serve!

Christmas in July volunteers and VIPs ready to serve!

Several VIPs, including Pierre Poilievre MP (Nepean-Carleton), Mayor Larry O'Brien Councillors Jan Harder, Maria McRae and Steve Desroches; Former Mayor Jacquelin Holzman, Max Keeping from CTV News, Ottawa Citizen Publisher Jim Orban, plus Santa and his reindeer Rudolph were on hand to help serve breakfast and collect donations for Christmas Exchange.

Santa, Rudolph and some friends

CTV Anchor Max Keeping and City Councillor Maria McRae cozy up with Santa and Rudolph

A big thank you goes out to our sponsors as well; Enbridge, Mattamy Homes, Scotiabank (Woodroffe & Stoneway, Barrhaven), the Ottawa Citizen, Ross' Your Independent Grocer, Starbucks Coffee (Woodroffe/Strandherd), and OC Transpo.

Volunteers serving up breakfast to some hungry commuters

To see more photos, click here

New Campaign Chair

A big welcome to Adrian Harewood, host of Ottawa's favourite afternoon program, All In A Day, who has come on-board as our 2008-2009 Campaign Chair.

An Ottawa native, Adrian first became involved in radio in the 1990s at CKCU (Carleton University) and CHUO (University of Ottawa). His love of radio continued from there and he has since hosted a variety of shows in Montreal, Toronto and Ottawa. You can hear Adrian from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. weekday afternoons on CBC Radio One 91.5 FM.

Adrian is committed to doing his part for the community, and has long been volunteering his time for various causes.

Asked about the Christmas Exchange Adrian said, "As a native of Ottawa, I am well aware of the wonderful work done by the Exchange, and the difference it makes in the lives of struggling families." Adrian strongly believes in what the Exchange does stating "I believe in the Christmas Exchange because I believe that every man, woman or child in our community should be able to have a decent holiday meal this season and every holiday season."

We are grateful for Adrian for taking on this important role, and look forward to the passion and excitement that he will bring to our upcoming campaign!