TELUS Day of Giving

As part of the My Giving Moment campaign, Their Excellencies the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada, and Mrs. Sharon Johnston volunteered their time at The Ottawa Mission on the occasion of the TELUS Day of Giving, which took place on Monday, June 2, 2014. Joined by TELUS team members and retirees, as well as community leaders, Their Excellencies served food and refreshments to the clients of The Ottawa Mission during a community barbecue.

TELUS Day of Giving brings together thousands of TELUS team members, retirees, family and friends nationwide to make a powerful positive impact on our local Canadian communities. From coast to coast, volunteers gather to lend a hand, from serving food at a local shelter or landscaping at care homes, to freshening up the facilities at animal shelters. Since 2006, TELUS Day of Giving has mobilized more than 79 000 Canadians to volunteer at over 2 150 activities benefiting communities across Canada. TELUS is a partner of My Giving Moment.

His Excellency then met with Deacon Tom Donahue, former pastor of The Ottawa Mission and TELUS Community Ambassador. Inside the chapel, Mr. Donahue explained the history of the ceramic mural created in 2006 by visual artist Nicole Bélanger with artwork from Ottawa Mission clients.

The Governor General took the time to speak with Ottawa Mission clients. Founded in 1906, The Ottawa Mission is a non-profit, faith-based ministry that helps the hungry and poor in the Ottawa region.

Her Excellency met with Dr. Jeffrey Turnbull, Chief of Staff of the Ottawa Hospital, Director and co-founder of the Inner City Health Program for the Homeless, and TELUS Ottawa Community Board member, who talked about the different health services offered within the facility.

The Governor General also spoke with a dentist who volunteers his time with Ottawa Mission clients.