News

Upstream’s Ottawa Race Weekend team needs you

OTTAWA. This year’s Tamarack Race Weekend will be held on May 25-26 and Upstream Ottawa Mental Health Community Support is reaching out to Ottawa’s running and walking community to build a team of participants and help raise much needed programming funds.

Upstream’s goal is to raise $5,000 in support of its Unfunded Wellness Services which include client transportation, luncheons, social opportunities, recreational outings, and back to school/work support. These services are designed to encourage social connections, provide wrap-around support, and reduce isolation, which help improve independence and wellness among individuals with mental health and substance-use health challenges.

Runners who raise more than $500 will have their registration fees paid by Upstream Ottawa. Additionally, the Ottawa Race Weekend organization will further recognize these efforts by waiving the 2025 registration fee for anyone who raises more than $500 for this year’s 2024 event. So, runners have the chance to race with no registration fee for two consecutive years when they raise more than $500 in sponsorships in this year.

Upstream participants will benefit from a customized Upstream Ottawa how-to fundraising guide and a chance to win fantastic prizes provided by Carlington Booch, Wheelhouse Cycle, Thali Ottawa, and Lululemon.

How to Register

Use this QR code or referral link when registering and provide Upstream with a $5 donation at no cost to the registrant: 
https://raceroster.com/76026?aff=YB5SW

Note: Option to choose “Green Bib” allows participants to direct part of their registration fees to a charity of their choice in lieu of receiving a medal when crossing the finish line.

 

When you reach the “Desjardins Charity Challenge” section, choose to Join an existing team & search for “Upstream Ottawa Mental Health Community Support”).

Should you choose to participate as an individual we will still consider you a member of Team Upstream. Once registered, you will have access to your own personal fundraising page and can start sharing the link with your networks to begin seeking supporters and donations.


Upstream Ottawa is committed to supporting participants every step of the way.


Anyone needing support with registration steps may contact Catherine Armour, at carmour@upstreamottawa.ca


Donate directly to Team Upstream:


https://raceroster.com/events/2024/76026/tamarack-ottawa-race-weekend-2024/fundraising-organization/49147

Upstream’s Ottawa Race Weekend team needs you
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CFRA Interview


A timely conversation about mental health and substance-use health

OTTAWA

Upstream Ottawa was featured today on CFRA Radio for a discussion on mental health and substance-use health with journalist Graham Richardson.

Upstream Executive Director Bo Turpin was interviewed as part of Bell Let’s Talk Day, the national day run by Bell Canada that focusses public attention on mental health. The interview focused on the services provided by Upstream, the special needs of Black youth and the challenges of understanding substance-use health problems.

You can listen to the discussion here

Upstream Ottawa 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 life-skills coaching.

For more information go to upstreamottawa.ca, or contact Executive Director Bo Turpin at 248-3330 ext. 127, bturpin@upstreamottawa.ca.

CFRA Interview
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Donations create unforgettable nights for the Upstream community.

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

Donations create unforgettable nights for the Upstream community.
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