Belong Ottawa hosted a celebratory lunch to thank its team of volunteers on April 22 at St. Albans Church in downtown Ottawa.
Belong’s Centre 454 location has operated in the lower level of St. Albans Church for decades, providing basic services such as meals, shower and laundry facilities, as well as equally essential social connection and care.
The Rev. Michael Garner, incumbent of St. Albans, welcomed everyone into the church. He said the staff and volunteers are “an inspiration to me personally and to this congregation. I just really want to thank you for all you do. It is not easy work. We see that…. The way that you show up with passion and love and understanding for people who really need it in this moment is amazing.”
The Rev. Victoria Scott, the director general of Anglican Community Ministries, added her own thanks to the staff and volunteers for “the ways that you all make this a place of dignity and hope and connection. For me, it is absolutely at the centre of the Gospel to walk in solidarity with those who are experiencing vulnerability and marginalization. And there’s tremendous opportunity in places like this for connection in the midst of the disconnection in our world and for a way to find hope even in the darkest times. And so just know that I personally am so grateful for each and every one of you…. and really recognize the transformative work that you do.”
Shauna-marie Young, executive director of Belong Ottawa, thanked St. Albans and Garner for hosting the celebration in the church and for the parish’s hospitality and support of Belong Ottawa’s work.
She also thanked Paul Weber for providing music for the celebration as well as for the concert he and his band performed at St. Albans in February with all the proceeds benefitting Belong Ottawa.
“Belong Ottawa is truly fortunate to have 31 dedicated volunteers…. You offer your time, your energy, your compassion, and in many cases, your personal resources in support of our mission. You contribute in so many meaningful ways — serving meals, offering companionship, supporting programs, trimming hair, mending clothes, gifting donations,” Young said. “Everything you do helps Belong Ottawa create safety and belonging for every person who walks through our doors.”
Volunteers’ commitment has made it possible for Belong Ottawa to serve 162 ,000 meals since June 2025, she said. “That number …represents far more than food. It represents dignity, stability and community for those who need it most…. From the bottom of our Belong hearts, thank you for your generosity, your spirit, your unwavering dedication. Each of you make a difference, and that’s why we wanted to honour you today.”
A note of thanks