Published September 22, 2014 15:22
Minister MacCharles, MPP Meilleur to announce investment and support of Boys and Girls Club of Ottawa project
Renovation project will ensure children and youth in Vanier and Overbrook communities continue to have access to no-fee after-school and weekend programming
September 22, 2014 – Ottawa – Tomorrow, the Honourable Tracy MacCharles, Minister of Children and Youth Services, along with the Honourable Madeleine Meilleur, Ottawa-Vanier M.P.P, will announce the funding and support of a renovation project for the Boys and Girls Club of Ottawa (BGCO).
The BGCO’s McCann Clubhouse is a 20,605 square foot building, built in 1970 and leased to the Club on a 99-year term. Tremendous Membership demand and growth at this location, coupled with the age of the building, have made renovations essential in order to keep the Clubhouse’s no-cost after-school and weekend programs running for nearly 1,100 area children and youth each year.
“Today’s announcement is all about investing in the success of our young people,” says MacCharles. “I’m very proud of our support for the Boys and Girls Club of Ottawa and our commitment to ensure that all of Ontario’s youth have the opportunity to realize their potential.”
‘’After-school and weekend hours are a critical times for youth,” says Meilleur. “This funding will help us to reach targets set out in Ontario’s Youth Opportunities Strategy as it enables the staff and volunteers at the McCann Clubhouse to continue to make this time an opportunity to learn and grow.”
This $315,000 contribution from the Ministry, which will be matched by an anonymous donor, completes the $2.9 million required for the project to go ahead.
“We are incredibly grateful for the support in this initiative,” says Colleen Mooney, Executive Director, Boys and Girls Club of Ottawa. “Our mission is to provide children and youth with a safe, supportive place where they experience new opportunities, overcome barriers, build positive relationships and develop confidence and skills for life. This renovated Clubhouse will allow us to continue to do this.”
Media are invited to join us for this announcement. Refreshments will be served.
DATE: Tuesday, September 23
TIME: 10:30 to 11:15 am
LOCATION: Boys and Girls Club of Ottawa’s Vanier Clubhouse; 430 McArthur Avenue, Ottawa
Extra parking for media and guests available at Bel-Air Lexus Toyota’s Lexus lot at the corner of May Street and McArthur Avenue. Click here to see a map of the parking area.