For more than three decades, Roslyn Bern has demonstrated how thoughtful, engaged philanthropy can transform individuals, organizations, and communities. As President of the Leacross Foundation, she has strengthened organizations that expand opportunities through the arts, technology, healthcare, education, and STEM while remaining invested in the people they serve. Her philanthropy extends far beyond financial support—she…

For more than 20 years, the Ottawa Guild of Potters has demonstrated exceptional community leadership and generosity through Great Bowls of Fire, an annual fundraising event supporting the Ottawa Food Bank. Since 2005, the Guild has united hundreds of volunteer ceramic artists, local restaurants, bakeries, and community members in a shared effort to address food…

Marsha Clyne is a strategic philanthropy leader whose generosity extends far beyond financial giving. Through volunteer governance, pro bono fundraising advisory, mentorship, research, and community leadership, she helps charities and grassroots organizations build the systems, partnerships, and confidence needed for long-term sustainability. As the Founder of True Impact Philanthropy, Marsha has intentionally made professional fundraising…

Kelly Stewart-Belisle is the driving force behind the Ladies Who Christmas Hamper Initiative, a community-led effort that has helped thousands of single-mother families and elderly women experience the joy and dignity of the holiday season. Through her exceptional leadership, Kelly has coordinated every aspect of the program, from fundraising and volunteer recruitment to delivery logistics…

Jenny Chen is a visionary community builder, philanthropist, speaker, and nationally recognized business strategist whose leadership is strengthening Ottawa’s charitable sector. Over the past year alone, she has supported more than 20 organizations through fundraising, strategic counsel, mentorship, advocacy, sponsorship, and pro bono consulting—helping nonprofits forge meaningful partnerships, build lasting capacity, and achieve sustainable impact.…

For more than 25 years, Denis Charbonneau and Rob Paiement have played a central role in the Orléans-Cumberland CRC Firefighters’ Food Drive. What began as an effort to help families in need has become an annual tradition that brings the community together and makes a real difference year after year. Their grassroots teamwork exemplifies leadership…

Louise, Arlette and Sylvie — a cousin and two sisters — represent six decades of quiet generosity to Counselling and Family Service Ottawa, a bilingual organization with French Language designated programming, agency founded in 1940. Arlette’s tie began in her first job in the 1960s; she later contributed to renovations tied to the agency’s building…

Anita Manley is a passionate mental health advocate, volunteer, fundraiser, and founder of Ottawa Blues for Youth, a community event in support of The Royal. Drawing from her own lived experience and lifesaving care at The Royal, Anita has turned personal recovery into community action. Through Ottawa Blues for Youth, she brings together musicians, sponsors,…

Ali Shaker is the Executive Director of Foodeliver, an Ottawa nonprofit built on the belief that no person should lose their dignity to receive food. Foodeliver provides nutritious and culturally appropriate groceries through private home delivery while protecting Canada’s environment by rescuing surplus food and reducing the greenhouse-gas emissions associated with food waste. Since September…

100 Women+ Who Care Ottawa is a women-led, volunteer-driven giving circle that has transformed simple generosity into measurable community impact. Since 2014, the group has surpassed $525,000 in collective giving, supporting more than 135 charities across Ottawa. Its model is accessible and powerful: members gather quarterly, hear directly from local charities, and combine individual gifts…