The Walk for the Centre 2024 

By Susan Palmai 

In past years, Glebe residents have come out to support the Centretown Community Food Centre’s annual Walk for the Centre. On October 6, we will celebrate our ninth edition of the Walk. 

This year the need is even more crucial than previous years. Food insecurity in Ottawa continues to be a tough reality for many people. All community food banks have concerns with the increased number of people accessing their service and the dwindling supply of food available. 

The Centretown Community Food Centre (CCFC), located at 370 Catherine Street to serve people in The Glebe, Centretown, Old Ottawa South and others, is no exception. CCFC’s purpose is to help neighbours in need. For the past few months, more than 1,500 people, including a large number of children, have been served by the food centre’s friendly staff and volunteers. 

The Centretown Churches Social Action Committee (CCSAC) is a collective of 22 churches in downtown Ottawa, including several in The Glebe. Since 1978, CCSAC’s main project has been oversight of the CCFC. The new location for the centre is accessible and a welcoming place for everyone. 

CCSAC’s main fundraising event is the annual Walk for the Centre. Arrive early (starting at 1 p.m.) on Sunday, October 6 to enjoy the festivities at Jean Pigott Place at Ottawa City Hall. There will be live music and guest speakers including Ariel Troster, city councillor for Somerset Ward. Pipers from the Sons of Scotland piper band will lead the walkers out the doors of City Hall as the Walk officially begins at 2 p.m. The two-to-four-kilometre route runs along the picturesque Rideau Canal from Confederation Park to the Pretoria Bridge. 

A number of local businesses sponsor the Walk with generous donations and prizes. We encourage participants to submit photos for the photo contest.  

We ask for your support of this worthwhile and necessary fundraiser for the food bank. Online donations can be made at www.centretownchurches.org/walkathon. Alternatively, donations can be made by cheque (made payable to CCSAC) at the registration desk on October 6 or mailed directly to CCSAC at 507 Bank Street, Ottawa K2P 1Z5. Receipts will be issued for donations over $20.  

The walk is also an opportunity to show support for improved food security for all our neighbours in Central Ottawa. We encourage you to come out and walk. 

Looking forward to seeing you at our ninth annual Walk for the Centre!  

Susan Palmai is chair of the Outreach Committee at Glebe-St. James United Church, a CCSAC member church.