OTTAWA Upstream Ottawa held a memorable Christmas Holiday Dinner last evening, thanks to generous donors who contributed to the More Than Just a Meal campaign in November.

The dinner brought Upstream clients, staff and volunteers together at Algonquin College to enjoy a festive dinner and socialize with friends. Santa Claus made an appearance, giving a gift to each client.

The cost of the evening was covered by generous donors who gave to Upstream’s More Than Just a Meal campaign, which ended on Giving Tuesday (November 28). The campaign exceeded its goal by raising $6,400 to cover the cost of the Christmas holiday event.

“For many of our clients, this dinner is a real highlight of the holiday season, when they can enjoy delicious food but also feel the support of friends, staff and the  volunteers of Upstream,” said Bo Turpin, Executive Director of Upstream Ottawa Mental Health Community Support.

“We are so grateful to our donors for responding to the More Than Just a Meal
campaign. We began with a goal of $4,000. We were just thrilled to top even our revised goal of $6,000,” said Véronique Joncas, Chair of the Upstream Board of Directors. “These donations give real help and strength to the people we serve who are living with mental health and substance-use health challenges.”

Upstream provides a range of critical community supports and affordable housing options to people living with mental health and/or substance-use health concerns.

Services include: intensive mental health case management, housing, youth support services with a focus on Black youth and their families, crisis prevention, medication management and lifeskills coaching.

For more information go to upstreamottawa.ca, call the Upstream Ottawa office at 248-3330 ext. 401, or send an email to info@upstreamottawa.ca