|
Roger's House Officially Opens Its Doors
OTTAWA - The Ottawa Senators Foundation, along with founding sponsors Home Hardware Stores Limited, Bell Canada, Great-West Life, the Ottawa Citizen, The Pat Butler Group of Companies, Direct Energy, Mr. Eugene Melnyk and family and Scotiabank, are pleased to announce the official grand opening of Roger's House, the pediatric palliative care facility named in honour of beloved hockey coach, friend and mentor Roger Neilson.
Built on the grounds of the Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO), Roger's House is only the second facility of its kind in Canada as it was modelled after Canuck Place Children's Hospice in Vancouver. Its objective is to enhance the comfort and quality of life for children and their families living with a life-limiting illness.
"This is a proud day for the Ottawa Senators Hockey Club and the Foundation," said Ottawa Senators owner and governor Eugene Melnyk. "Roger's House is symbolic of what a community can do when they put their hearts and minds behind one great project."
"Roger would be humbled today by this world-class facility that bears his name," said Ottawa Senators president and chief executive officer Roy Mlakar. "The children and families that will benefit from the services provided is something we should all be proud of as a community." "Roger's House was made possible because of the tremendous generosity of the community and the leadership of the Ottawa Senators," said Julie Tubman, Chair of Roger's House and Vice-Chair of the CHEO Board. "When we combine the passion of staff to deliver the best care possible with this outstanding facility, we know we've scored a huge victory for children, youth and families."
Many unique partnerships were forged in the building of the facility as more than 300 companies and organizations donated $2 million in goods, services and expertise to the construction of Roger's House.
The remaining $2.5 million needed was raised by the Ottawa Senators Foundation as more than 75,000 individuals from the Ottawa region, across Canada and the globe made donations. In addition, more than 400 community-based events helped raise almost $750,000 while the Ontario Trilium Foundation provided a grant of $75,000 to help furnish and equip Roger's House. The list of donors and charitable events goes on and on and can be seen at www.rogershouse.ca.
In their continuing support of Roger's House, the Ontario Government has committed to funding up to 90% of the annual operating costs each and every year. The Ottawa Senators Foundation will raise the remaining 10%, which is estimated to be approximately $300,000 annually.
Roger's House is scheduled to welcome its first children and families on May 15. A public open house is scheduled for Saturday, April 29 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m and everyone is encouraged to see this special facility, including memorabilia from Roger's personal residence, for themselves on this day.
For more information, please contact:
Phil Legault, 613-599-0327
Steve Keogh, 613-599-0326
Marlène Joubert, 613-599-0289
|
