Eldercare Foundation of Ottawa – Cease of Operations

Dear supporter,

It is with mixed emotions that I announce the ceasing of active operations of the Eldercare Foundation of Ottawa. For the next 4 months, we will slowly wind down operations and distribute our remaining assets to our LTC beneficiaries.

Founded by myself and Betty Hope Gittens in 2008, our mission was to enhance the quality of life of seniors living in long-term care. As a volunteer organization over the past 14 years, we raised over a million dollars and organized numerous fundraising events and programs towards this aim. Comforts of Home, Black Tie Bingo, Betty's Walk, Students for Seniors and many more activities and fundraisers helped us raise the awareness of the issues faced by long-term care and provide you with much needed funds.

Long-term care homes in Ottawa continue to be in an unprecedented crisis. The COVID-19 pandemic painfully exposed many of the issues that the industry has been experiencing for years due to chronic underfunding. This time however, the funding and care gaps had a more serious impact, including widespread deaths and increased isolation.

If there is a “silver lining” to the COVID-19 pandemic, government attention and action is occurring at a level not seen in years. Fundraising for seniors has increased dramatically, and enhanced programming and “centres of excellence” are being created. The focus has shifted to improving the well-being and safety of our elderly.

For the past 14 years we were supported by hundreds of donors, volunteers, Board members, partners, suppliers, and other supporters. Our impact on the community will be long-lasting and our brand will be remembered. Although time has run its course on the Eldercare Foundation, we can hold our heads high.

The Eldercare Foundation was a dream of mine that came true and in honour of my grandparents. I hope that you continue to support all of our non-profit long-term care homes in lasting legacy of our work.

On behalf of myself and the Board of Directors, thank you to all those who supported us over the years. Your generosity has made an impact on the lives of thousands of seniors in our community.

Yours sincerely,