Change the text size: 
| 
| 
Capital campaign launched to support Youth Residential Addiction Treatment Centres
June 10, 2008, Ottawa – This morning, Leonard Potechin and Ronald Caza launched a capital campaign, supported by United Way/Centraide Ottawa, that aims to raise $6 million for the establishment of two new Youth Residential Addiction Treatment Centres in Ottawa. The campaign was launched at a press conference at the United Way/Centraide offices, in conjunction with strong support from the Ottawa community and Premier Dalton McGuinty’s announcement that the Government of Ontario has committed to providing an estimated $2.4 million annually in operating costs for the two centres.
“This is an issue that is very close to my heart – and it’s an issue I’ve worked on for close to a decade,” said Campaign Co-Chair Leonard Potechin of The Regional Group. “Each and every one of us in this community can play a role in making this happen in Ottawa.”
“Working with United Way/Centraide’s support, we will reach out to those in this community who care about the future and welfare of our youth,” said Campaign Co-Chair Ronald Caza of Heenan Blaikie LLP. “We will ask for your support. And we will achieve our goal.”
Breakdown of $6 million goal:
- — $3 million for the acquisition and retrofitting of the treatment centres – one in the east end serving the francophone community and one in the west end serving the anglophone community
- — $3 million for substance abuse prevention and education programs for youth and their families
The Ottawa Senators Foundation, along with an exceptional group of community leaders, has demonstrated tremendous financial support for these initiatives through generous lead gifts to the Campaign. Mayor Larry O’Brien and the City of Ottawa have committed $250,000 a year to prevention and education programs. Community champions, including Police Chief Vern White and Dr. Rob Cushman of the Champlain Local Health Integration Network, and service providers including the Dave Smith Youth Treatment Centre and Maison Fraternité, have also pledged their commitment to making this vision a reality for Ottawa youth and their families.
“For the past two decades, we have known that Ottawa needed such a place. Today marks the beginning of making this long awaited dream a reality,” said Michael Allen, President/CEO of United Way/Centraide.
The facilities will be the first of their kind in the region, as there are currently no residential addiction treatment programs in Ottawa for youth aged 13-17.
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:
Rebecca Cohn, United Way/Centraide Ottawa
Phone: (613) 228-6762 or Cell: (613) 299-2466
E-mail: rcohn@unitedwayottawa.ca
