Downtown Cares: 12 Days of Giving

The holiday season is a time for kindness, connection, and giving back—and here at the Downtown BIA, it’s also a time to honour the organizations that uplift our community year-round. We are thrilled to launch our annual 12 Days of Giving campaign, a heartfelt initiative where we donate $500 each day to 12 local charities working tirelessly to support downtown residents, workers, and visitors.

Our goal is simple: to help meet the needs of our community by providing direct financial support to organizations that are making a meaningful difference. These groups deliver essential services—food security, housing supports, outreach, health resources, youth programming, senior care, and so much more. They are the heart of our downtown core, and we are proud to stand beside them.

Please join us in giving a warm welcome to this year’s 12 Days of Giving recipients:

• The Ottawa Mission
• Operation Come Home
• Meals on Wheels
• Centretown Community Food Centre
• Dalhousie Food Cupboard
• The Salvation Army
• Centre 507
• Somerset West Community Health Centre
• The Good Companions
• Shepherds of Good Hope
• Cornerstone Housing for Women
• Youth Services Bureau

From December 6–17, each organization will receive its donation as part of our Twelve Days of #12DaysOfGiving, made possible through the support of our dedicated Downtown BIA Board of Directors.

Throughout the campaign, we’ll be highlighting each partner on our social media channels and website—sharing their stories, showcasing the impact they have, and celebrating the incredible people behind their work.

Learn More About Our Community Partners

Each of our 12 partner organizations plays a vital role in supporting the people who live, work, and spend time in our downtown core. From food security and housing to health care, youth support, and senior services, their impact is felt every single day.

Keep reading to discover the incredible work they do and why they are such an important part of our community.

The Ottawa Mission:

The Ottawa Mission provides 24/7 support to people experiencing poverty and homelessness, including nutritious meals, safe shelter, health services, and spiritual care. Beyond meeting immediate needs, they offer programs in education, job training, and housing to help people rebuild their lives and achieve long-term stability.

Operation Come Home:

Operation Come Home supports youth aged 16–29 who are experiencing, or at risk of, homelessness. Their programs provide education, employment, housing, mental health, and harm reduction support, all designed to help young people achieve their goals and build a stable future.

Meals on Wheels:

Meals on Wheels has been helping seniors and community members maintain their independence at home for over 50 years. They deliver nutritious meals—both hot and frozen—while also providing daily check-ins, companionship, and support that promote health, well-being, and peace of mind for clients and their families.

Centretown Community Food Centre

The Centretown Community Food Centre supports residents in need of food within their catchment area, serving individuals and families living on social assistance, with disabilities, or on low incomes. As the community has changed over the years, the demand for accessible, reliable food support has remained constant—making their services an essential resource for those facing food insecurity.

Dalhousie Food Cupboard

Dalhousie Food Cupboard provides emergency food support to help ease the financial burden for community members who struggle to maintain a steady supply of groceries. They are committed to promoting well-being, dignity, and equity by adapting their services to meet individual and community needs, while building partnerships that strengthen food security and support residents across the neighbourhood.

The Salvation Army

The Salvation Army’s Street Outreach Program provides daily mobile support to people who are homeless or at risk, helping them access safe shelter and essential services across Ottawa. Their trained outreach team offers transportation to drop-ins, shelters, medical care when appropriate, and referrals to community resources such as food banks, housing services, and mental health supports—ensuring vulnerable residents receive compassionate, practical help when they need it most.

Centre 507

Centre 507 is a welcoming drop-in community offering nutritious meals seven days a week, along with access to essential supports like resume help, tax and legal assistance, housing guidance, and other needs-based services. Beyond daily meals, members participate in a variety of activities and events that foster connection and belonging. The heart of Centre 507 is its community—where members not only receive support but also take part in daily operations and give back in meaningful ways.

Somerset West Community Health Centre

Somerset West Community Health Centre supports the health and well-being of individuals and families by providing accessible health and social services. They work to remove barriers for vulnerable community members—including isolated seniors, newcomers, people with low incomes, and those experiencing mental health challenges or housing instability. Deeply connected to the neighbourhood, they collaborate with residents to build a healthier, more inclusive community for all.

The Good Companions

The Good Companions is a multi-service seniors’ centre supporting the well-being, independence, and social engagement of older adults and adults with physical disabilities in Ottawa. They offer social, recreational, educational, and volunteer programs, as well as health and wellness services. Community support services—including home help, friendly visits, transportation, and grocery assistance—are also available to seniors and adults with disabilities in the area.

Shepherds of Good Hope

Shepherds of Good Hope supports adults at risk of or experiencing homelessness, providing shelter, supportive housing, and essential services. Their programs help stabilize individuals, offer permanent homes with on-site support, and serve thousands through their kitchen and drop-in centre, fostering dignity, hope, and opportunity for those they serve.

Cornerstone Housing for Women

Cornerstone Housing for Women provides inclusive housing and support for women and gender-diverse individuals, helping reduce barriers and prevent homelessness. Each year, they work to support the many individuals at risk and empower them to build stable, safe, and independent lives.

Youth Services Bureau

YSB is a leading non-profit agency supporting at-risk youth and their families across Ottawa. Through programs in employment, health, housing, mental health, youth engagement, and justice, they provide a safe, accessible, and supportive environment for youth 12 and older. YSB empowers individuals, values diversity, and works collaboratively to create opportunities and improve conditions for young people and their families.

Together, these 12 incredible organizations make a meaningful difference in the lives of residents, youth, seniors, and community members across downtown Ottawa. Through our 12 Days of Giving, we are proud to support their work and help amplify their impact—because when our community thrives, we all thrive.