FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The Ottawa Mission and YMCA of the National Capital Region form partnership, opening a second Chef Ric's location, this time at YMCA to expand the Food Services Training Program and help feed Y residents
Ottawa, ON – The Ottawa Mission and the YMCA of the National Capital Region, two charitable community pillars, are partnering with the opening of a new Chef Ric's location at the YMCA. As Ottawa’s oldest and largest homeless shelter, The Ottawa Mission provides many emergency and longer term supports to help vulnerable people rebuild their lives. A social enterprise of The Ottawa Mission, this second Chef Ric's location will offer delicious and affordable food to the general public, and YMCA clients and residents. Among its many programs and services, the YMCA provides transitional and supportive housing to people in transition from homelessness, newcomers to Canada, and those living with physical, mental and/or substance use health challenges.
Date: Wednesday, September 3, 2025
Time: 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Location: YMCA of the National Capital Region, 180 Argyle Ave, Ottawa
Confirmed speakers include:
- Trevor McAlmont, CEO of the YMCA NCR
- Liz Sutherland, Associate VP of Housing Services & Facilities
- Chef Ric Allen-Watson, Director of Food Services, The Ottawa Mission
- Peter Tilley, CEO, The Ottawa Mission
Why it matters:
This second Chef Ric's location, generously provided by the YMCA at no cost, also allows The Mission's Food Services Training Program (FSTP) to grow, both in scope and class size.
As Ottawa faces homelessness and food insecurity emergencies, the YMCA, Chef Ric's, and The Ottawa Mission are partnering to increase the availability of affordable and nutritious food, provide housing to our vulnerable communities, and offer sustainable exits from homelessness, poverty, and struggle through free job training programs like the FSTP.
Media Contacts:
Aileen Leo - Director of Communications, The Ottawa Mission
613-712-3092 | aleo@ottawamission.com
YMCA Contact Info – Heather Badenoch, Village PR, 613-859-8232, heather@villagepr.ca