July 2026 President’s Report
"Thanks to the HOST Program I have been able to ensure my family and I have gas money and groceries. I have been able to buy clothes that fit me and my siblings. This Program has helped me learn responsibility with money and how much work my mom puts in to earn her money and how the prices have gone up making it harder to buy good food and clothes. The Program has changed my life for the better. I haven’t had to worry about the fridge being empty or being hungry at school. The Program has helped me pay for sports at school. I couldn’t imagine where my life would be without the help and safety net the Help Our Students Program has offered me.” (25-26 recipient)
Another incredible year.
When Don Stephenson and I started the Help Our Students Program in 2010, we helped three students, at a cost of $3,000.
Sixteen years later, we have supported almost 1,600 students at a cost of $2.3 million.
While our wish was simply to help hard-working students living in difficult financial circumstances, we soon discovered that we were giving the students something else: knowing that others were recognizing their hard work, making them want to work even harder, giving them hope for a better future. They could now dream of going to college or university. For the first time in their lives, they could imagine a better life, for them and for their family.
"My father passed away, and my mom has 3 dependent children - all through one Walmart salary. Since I was 8 years old, my dream was to go to Queen’s University. Until a couple months ago, I didn’t think it would be possible. But it was. The money I received from the HOST Program allowed me to have enough to pay for the $800 residence fee - without the HOST program this wouldn’t have been a possibility.” (25-26 recipient)
Our amazing accomplishment is due to you, our donors, our Directors, our Ambassadors, our RBC “angels” who make magic happen for our students, and the countless Guidance Counsellors, Principals and teachers who work tirelessly for “their” kids. It is truly a community effort.
This coming school year will be our most challenging one ever: supporting 343 students across 68 Ottawa high schools supported by you and 8 schools in the outlying area where donors have covered the cost of the awards. Including all schools, our expected awards budget will be $551,520.
Needless to say, we need your help to make this happen.
There are many ways to contribute:
a. Become a monthly donor. We currently have 63 monthly donors. It gives us stable and predictable revenues;
b. Send a cheque, using the Donor Form on our web site;
c. Send an etransfer to hostprogram@rogers.com;
d. Make a donation through CanadaHelps, a Canadian charity that processes credit card donations. Just click on the Donate button on any page of our web site;
e. Donate securities, also through CanadaHelps;
f. Donate a new or existing life insurance policy;
g. Include the Help Our Students Program in your Will.
In every case, you will receive an official receipt for tax purposes.
Visit our new web site, www.HelpOurStudentsProgram.com. Our Support Us page provides all the information you need.
Remember that 100% of your donation will go directly to help a student in need. The Board of Directors pays all expenses.
Every single donation helps.
Together, we can make this 17th year our most memorable one.
Together, we are changing lives.
Have a great summer.
Richard Lussier
President
"I carry around this quiet pressure of not wanting to put more on my parents' plate than they already handle. Being able to cover my own day-to-day stuff like clothes, food, the small things that eventually pile up, was able to take some of that financial stress off their plate. Which felt really good, but honestly it also meant a lot to me because of the recognition, knowing the donors invested in people like me gave me a real confidence boost.” (25-26 recipient)
Important announcement
For the third year, we are involved with the Ottawa Corporate Cup (OCC), an annual event to raise funds for local charities. This event is the perfect way to support us, while also enjoying a beautiful day on the golf course.
Held on Tuesday, August 11th at the Loch March Golf & Country Club, OCC costs $2,000 for two golfers, with $1,000 guaranteed for Help our Students – and perhaps a lot more, depending on where you place in the standings! In addition, you will receive a $1,500 tax receipt. Food and a networking reception at the end is included.
Please read this wonderful article, written by Caroline Phillips.
Meanwhile, for the charity with the most teams, there will be special recognition at the event and a free marketing video shoot, courtesy of Phantom Productions.
We would love to have the most teams!
Please consider showing your support and signing up your company. If interested, please contact Jeff Todd at jeffrey.todd@wcpd.com.