Published October 26, 2013 06:17
Boys and Girls Club of Ottawa celebrates 90th anniversary with launch of new website
Club continues to provide Ottawa’s children and youth with a fun, safe, supportive and 21st Century place to belong, believe and achieve
October 26, 2013 – Ottawa, ON – On October 26, 1923, the Ottawa Boys Club opened on Laurier Avenue, in the city’s downtown core. Fred C. McCann, a social worker from Montréal, was appointed as the Club’s Executive Director and led the Club through many changes, from expanding the Club to multiple locations, adding programming options and growing its Member base.
Today, 90 years later, the Club is still thriving – though as the Boys and Girls Club of Ottawa now, having gone co-ed in March 1977 – and continues to adapt to the ever-changing world.
“The Boys and Girls Club of Ottawa (BGCO) serves over 4,500 children and youth aged six to 18 every year through eight locations in the city,” says Jerrett DeFazio, BGCO’s Director of Programs. “But beyond that, the Club is very much a cornerstone in the community. For the last 90 years, Club staff have been watching young people come through our doors and have seen these youth really become engaged with each other and with their community.”
To honour the past traditions of the Club and maintain its commitment to today’s 21st Century youth, the Boys and Girls Club of Ottawa is excited to announce the launch of its revamped website: www.bgcottawa.org.
“We needed a website that engages the communities we serve as much as the Clubs themselves do,” says Samantha Laprade, BGCO Director of Advancement. “This new site tackles that. It allows our Members, their parents and community leaders to get information about the after-school and weekend programs. It lets Ottawa residents register online for swimming lessons. It allows generous community members to make a donation to the Club with just a few clicks. It lets our alumni Members update us on what they’ve been up to. Really, it’s the one-stop site for the Club and the community.”
“I think Fred C. McCann would be proud of where we are today,” adds DeFazio.
About the Boys and Girls Club of Ottawa
Serving the Ottawa area since 1923, the Boys and Girls Club of Ottawa is a leader in after-school, weekend and summer programs for children and youth aged 6 to 18 years. Each year, through its eight locations throughout the city, the Club offers approximately 4,500 children and youth access to a supportive place where they can experience new opportunities, overcome barriers, build positive relationships and develop confidence and skills for life. The Boys and Girls Club of Ottawa is a registered charity (# 118814565 RR0001).
For more information, contact:
Samantha Laprade, CFRE | Director of Advancement
slaprade@bgcottawa.org
Phone: 613-232-0925 Ext. 232
Cell: 613-875-1971
www.bcgottawa.org