Ottawa Senators Foundation kicks off the Ignite Hope Telethon

The Ottawa Senators are igniting hope this holiday season, holding a telethon for front-line organizations.

The Ottawa Senators Foundation kicked off its Ignite Hope Telethon on Giving Tuesday, shining a light of resilience, care, and community impact.

The Ignite Hope Telethon is a chance for the community to support local youth and children in the Ottawa-Gatineau area.

“What’s so lovely about Giving Tuesday is the symbolism in society to do kindness,” Jacqueline Belsito, Ottawa Senators Community Foundation president, told CTV’s Your Morning Ottawa Tuesday morning.

“So, you can lend a hand to someone, you can be kind, or you can make a gift. Starting today at Ignite Hope you can make a gift and our friends at Calian will even match those right now.”

The Ottawa Senators Foundation says the Ignite Hope Telethon supports local frontline organizations that provide access to supports, pediatric palliative care and mental health supports.

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“All of the money raised is local. We focus on frontline organizations that support kids that are 21 and under. So, their mental wellness, making sure that kids get some access to sports,” Belsito said.

“During the telethon over the next week, you’ll hear some stories about a little girl who picked up hockey because she wanted to feel like she belongs and there’s another little girl and her sister who were brave enough to share their story about losing their dad and how they preserved with the support of Roger Neilson Children’s Hospice.”

Every donation made between Dec. 2 and 9 will be matched, doubling your impact to the Ottawa Senators Foundation. On Dec. 9, you can watch the Ignite Hope Telethon on TSN during the Senators game against New Jersey.

You can visit the Ottawa Senators Foundation’s website to donate and to meet some of the children who benefit from your donations, including Lucy, Julia, Norah and Gabby.