To mark Colonnade BridgePort’s 40th anniversary, we launched the Power of 40, a giving initiative that celebrates four decades of building strong communities. Through employee nominations, 20 charities were selected to each receive a $1,000 donation. Combined with our $20,000 annual commitment to Habitat for Humanity, this program will bring our total charitable giving in 2025 to $40,000.
Check out the five Week 3 charities who will be receiving donations and the personal stories that inspired their nominations.
cnib.ca/en
Nominated by: Raphael
CNIB is dedicated to empowering people impacted by blindness to pursue their dreams with confidence. Through advocacy, innovative programs, and community support, CNIB works to eliminate barriers, promote inclusion, and build a world where everyone can thrive regardless of vision loss.
Raphael says: I chose CNIB because I really value the work they do in supporting individuals with vision loss and helping them live full, independent lives. My late grandmother lost her sight later in life, so I saw firsthand how essential accessible resources, adaptive technologies, and community support can be. CNIB provides not only practical assistance, such as mobility training and access to assistive tools, but also emotional encouragement and advocacy to ensure people with vision loss can participate fully in society. Their work truly transforms lives, and supporting them feels like a meaningful way to honour my grandmother’s experience.
ottawa.dressforsuccess.org
Nominated by: Rachal
Dress for Success Ottawa empowers women and gender-diverse individuals to achieve economic independence by providing professional attire, career development tools, and a supportive community to help them thrive. Since opening in 2011, the organization has supported thousands of clients, helping them build confidence, gain employment, and realize their value as members of the community.
Rachal says: I’ve seen first-hand the incredible impact of Dress for Success Ottawa through the tireless work of its employees and volunteers, who ensure every client is treated with dignity and respect. I consistently donate work attire, support the quarterly public sales, and have attended the organization’s Stepping Forward Fundraising Gala. It has also provided meaningful volunteer opportunities for my own family, allowing us to witness the difference this organization makes in people’s lives.
For me, Dress for Success Ottawa represents the power of compassion, hard work, and community. Supporting them helps sustain their vital mission and honours the resilience of every person they uplift.
rugby.ca
Nominated by: Kyle
Rugby Canada is the national governing body of the sport of Rugby Union in Canada, whose purpose is to inspire the nation on the global stage and to lead, govern and support the game of rugby across Canada.
Kyle says: In my opinion, rugby is one of the best community-building sports, yet it remains severely underfunded in Canada. I’ve played for years and have had nothing but great experiences. The youth leagues do an incredible job keeping kids active and introducing them to a sport and community built on respect, teamwork, and resilience.
The Canadian women’s team reaching the World Cup semi-finals last month is a powerful example of how Rugby Canada maximizes every dollar it receives. Competing against fully professional, nationally funded programs, they raised half of their own funding through donations – an inspiring testament to the strength of Canada’s rugby community.
At every level, from grassroots clubs to the national stage, Rugby Canada and its affiliated clubs are growing the sport and fostering connection. With more attention than ever, it’s an exciting time to support this organization giving more young athletes the chance to grow, belong, and be part of something bigger than themselves.
sitwithme.ca
Nominated by: Laila
Since 2012, Sit With Me has been dedicated to rescuing and rehoming dogs most in need, regardless of breed, age, behaviour, or medical condition. We focus on animals in shelters or clinics that lack the resources to save them, giving priority to those at risk of euthanasia or abandonment.
Each life saved reflects our belief that every dog, no matter their past, deserves a second chance and a forever home filled with love.
Laila says: Our dogs, Marshall and Memphis, were rescued through Sit With Me, and eventually found their forever home with us.
Marshall’s story began in Gatineau, where his mother was found pregnant and living as a stray. She was rescued just in time to deliver her eight “Reindeer Litter” puppies on Christmas Eve, a loving start that ultimately brought Marshall into our lives. Memphis’s journey was very different. At just five weeks old, he was found in a box on the side of a highway in Barbados. In February 2022, he was one of more than 200 dogs flown to Canada on a rescue charter. Today, Memphis and Marshall are inseparable. Marshall gives his best friend comfort, confidence, and calm. Their bond is truly heartwarming.
Sit With Me doesn’t just rescue dogs; they build community, offering adopters a place to connect, share updates, and celebrate their pets’ stories.
They gave two deserving dogs a second chance and, in return, gave us the gift of their love, trust, and joyful companionship. Our home, and our hearts, are fuller because of them.
snowsuitfund.com
Nominated by: Lori
The Snowsuit Fund purchases and distributes nearly 17,000 snowsuits annually to children 15 years of age and younger from low-income families in Ottawa. Every child deserves a warm snowsuit to play outside, stay healthy, and feel a sense of belonging. Sadly, for many families, purchasing warm winter clothing is a necessity they cannot afford, as basic needs like food and utilities take priority.
A snowsuit can do more than just protect against the cold, it can change lives. A single snowsuit can open the door to outdoor play, fostering better health, increased confidence, and even improved academic performance. It can give a child self-esteem, pride, and a sense of inclusion – qualities that not only benefit the child but also strengthen the family and, ultimately, the entire community.
Lori says: As a mom, the thought of any child facing winter without proper warmth and protection is truly heartbreaking. For several years, myself and my family have supported the Snowsuit Fund, sometimes through workplace campaigns, other times through hockey fundraisers. We’ve even brought our hockey players to volunteer so they could witness firsthand the care, dignity, and hope this charity provides to families. Knowing that a child will head into the cold feeling safe, warm, and included is what keeps us coming back year after year.