Fundraising Day – AFP Ottawa

Registration for Fundraising Day 2025 is NOW OPEN!

We are excited to announce AFP Ottawa Chapter Fundraising Day 2025 is to take place in-person
on May 27, 2025 at the Rogers Centre in Ottawa.

“United, We Rise”

We rise to the challenge of making a difference, together.

This year’s theme, “We Rise,” celebrates the resilience, passion, and innovation that define Canada’s charitable sector. In an era of rapid change and increasing demand, we rise to the challenges facing our communities—transforming obstacles into opportunities, and dreams into actions.

Fundraising Day 2025 is a call to action for every professional in the sector: to rise together, share knowledge, and drive lasting impact. Through engaging sessions, inspiring speakers, and powerful discussions, we’ll uncover how to lead with courage, adapt with creativity, and rise with determination.

Our goal is to create an engaging and inclusive event that delivers practical tools, fresh insights and strategies applicable to organizations of all sizes.

Join us as we celebrate our collective strength, honour the challenges we overcome,
and explore how, together, “United, We Rise.

Introducing Your 2025 Fundraising Day Speakers!

Meet Your Opening Plenary Speaker

Cathy Mann (she/her)

Cathy has a wealth of experience in the charitable sector spanning more than three decades. And what’s great about Cathy – she’s hands on. It’s in her DNA to help people and she’s never happier than working with clients to help them achieve measurable and sustainable results.

As a seasoned fundraising professional, former teacher and Academic Coordinator of Toronto Metropolitan University’s Fundraising Management Certificate program, Cathy has not only influenced the profession, she has influenced professionals in Toronto and across Canada.

Cathy offers a breadth and depth of solutions to her clients rarely seen in the fundraising community.

Perhaps most importantly, she likes to have fun at work.

If you’re not prepared to laugh a bit, maybe Cathy is not your Mann.

Meet The Closing Plenary

The Matthew Perry Foundation, named after the late actor and Ottawa native, is dedicated to helping those struggling with addiction, while working to dismantle the barriers of stigma that prevent people from seeking and receiving care.

Matthew Perry House, expected to break ground in Ottawa by Spring 2026, will provide housing, therapy and other services to people struggling with addiction and mental health.

This first-of-its-kind initiative is in collaboration between the Matthew Perry Foundation, The Royal, Salus Ottawa, Ottawa Community Housing, CAPSA Canada, Rideauwood, Ottawa Black Mental Health Coalition and Ottawa Aboriginal Coalition.

Join us in welcoming Caitlin Morrison (Matthew’s sister), Executive Director of the Matthew Perry Foundation of Canada, Cara Vaccarino, CEO of The Royal, and Anthony Eposti, CEO of CAPSA, for an engaging and timely panel discussion on the future of addiction and mental health treatment in Ottawa.

Meet Your Emcee

Sam Laprade, CFRE

Sam loves to connect people!

As an award-winning radio broadcaster, author and professional fundraiser Sam works closely with the community to give a voice to new ideas, tough topics, and philanthropy.

Sam’s extensive experience, for over three decades, in media, fundraising and municipal politics has created an impressive network of community and business leaders.

Over a 35-year period Ms. Laprade has raised money for important charities in her community such as: The Ottawa Hospital Foundation, the Ottawa Humane Society, and the Ottawa Mission Foundation. She is a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE).

Combining her love of philanthropy and talents as a broadcaster, Sam created and hosts of “An Hour to Give” on Rogers tv Ottawa and Country 101.1. This television and radio show, in its sixth season, highlights non-profit organizations and philanthropy.

Sam co-authored a book with her friend and talented writer, Caroline Phillips. The book – Ottawa Made – features inventors and creators from Ottawa and the Valley. From BeaverTails to basketball and the Instant Pot to Instant Mashed Potatoes, the book has it all and was published by Ottawa Press and Publishing.

Sam is an engaging, inspiring international speaker who takes audiences on a journey during her presentations. From emotional issues to stand-up comedy, she leaves them on their feet cheering.

Get to know all of AFP Ottawa's 2025 Fundraising Day speakers here!