Goodwill Ambassadors

The Goodwill Ambassadors have had a long-lasting impact across the entire city of Ottawa. They are a group of well-meaning retirees who quietly fly under the radar helping people and donating money across the city. Many people would not even know that they have been impacted by the Goodwill Ambassadors.

During each of the Ottawa Senators home games, you can see the Goodwill Ambassadors helping people with directions and taking personal care of those who may need aid getting to their seats. They are deeply devoted to everyone who walks into the building, particularly the little ones. This group of 40 is a 100-per-cent volunteer group and instead of getting paid for their services, they reinvest the money they would have received into organizations that help those less fortunate.

Impressively, the Goodwill Ambassadors have donated 238 gifts, totalling just over $366,000 to charities big and small in the Ottawa region since 1992. Some examples of their impact included supporting the Queensway Carleton Hospital, children with life-limiting illness at Roger Neilson Children’s Hospice, or financial support to ensure that kids can experience the joy of going to summer camp.

The Goodwill Ambassadors are a selfless group who have given many gifts over the years that have added up to a big impact. As one example, Bob LeBlanc is a member of the Goodwill Ambassadors who is 96 years old. He has dedicated 25 years of his life to the group. Bob is still young at heart and his favourite assignment is walking around and looking for anyone who may seem lost so that he can help at the Canadian Tire Centre.

The Goodwill Ambassadors were nominated by the Senators Community Foundation, The Ottawa Senators.

Award Sponsor: CLV Group