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Rotary Clubs of Eastern Ontario pledge $1 million to project s.t.e.p
December 18, 2009, Ottawa — This morning, project s.t.e.p. announced a $1 million pledge from the Rotary Clubs of Eastern Ontario in support of the capital campaign raising funds to open a youth residential drug treatment centre in Ottawa.
“We are thrilled to be here at the temporary location of a 10-bed youth residential drug treatment centre facility. I have strongly advocated the need for this centre in Ottawa, and to see this becoming a reality is exciting,” said Ottawa Police Chief Vern White. “Having the Rotary Club come on board with such a significant donation shows the commitment across this region to having a place where our youth can get the support they need.”
The temporary home of the Anglophone youth residential drug treatment centre will be located at Meadow Creek Farm in Kanata. The temporary facility will open in the spring of 2010 in a building on the site owned by the Royal Ottawa Health Care Group.
“So many partners have come to the table to make this Centre a reality. From United Way Ottawa undertaking the capital campaign, to the Royal Ottawa Health Care Group leasing us the land at this temporary facility, to Chris and Erin Phillips taking on the cause in partnership with the Sens Foundation, to our government partners at all levels who have stepped up to the table to support this project – we truly have come together as a community,” said Dr. Robert Cushman, CEO of the Champlain LHIN. “Soon the Dave Smith Youth Treatment Centre will operate a residential facility close to home where our young people can receive the help they need to treat their addictions.”
Rotarians across Eastern Ontario have come together to bring $1 million to the table in support of this Centre. As one of the longest-standing service clubs in the world, Rotary Clubs attract leaders who want to serve and give back to their community.
"Rotarians have a long history of helping kids through local initiatives across Eastern Ontario.” said Bill Robinson of the Rotary Clubs of Eastern Ontario. “We are looking forward to working with our new community partners to complete this important project so that youth in Eastern Ontario will have access to treatment and prevention programs."
About project s.t.e.p.
project s.t.e.p. is our community’s response to addressing the need for residential substance abuse treatment, education and prevention for young people between the ages of 13 and 17. With the support of community partners, local champions and leaders, this campaign will raise the funds needed to support the development of a comprehensive substance abuse education and prevention program in our high schools and provide specialized treatment and counselling in a 24-hour residential setting. s.t.e.p. stands for support • treatment • education • prevention •
For more information, please contact:
Nicole Baker, United Way Ottawa
Phone: 613-228-5793 or Cell: 613-297-2845
E-mail: nbaker@unitedwayottawa.ca
