OTTAWA, October 30, 2025 — The Snowsuit Fund has officially launched its 44th season, once again uniting the community in its mission to ensure every child in Ottawa has a warm start to winter. Since softly opening its doors on September 2nd, the organization has already provided more than 7,000 snowsuits to local children and expects to surpass last year’s record of 19,500 suits distributed to over 8,000 low-income families.
Volunteers and corporate supporters gathered at The Snowsuit Fund depot to kick off the annual fundraising campaign and acknowledge the generosity and dedication of the community and corporate partners who continue to support The Snowsuit Fund in meaningful ways. Community Match Partners, including Intega IT, CLV Group, InterRent, and Giant Tiger, will match individual donations, doubling the impact and helping even more children stay warm this winter.
Mayor Mark Sutcliffe participated in proceedings to recognize the organization’s impact and longstanding commitment to the community. Past board members and staff were also on hand to honour longtime General Manager Joanne Andrews for her over 30 years of dedicated service to the Fund.
“Every year, our city comes together to ensure that children, from low-income families, refugees, and newcomers to those facing sudden hardship, have access to something that many take for granted: a warm snowsuit. In Ottawa, a snowsuit isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity,” said Martin Masse, Chairperson of The Snowsuit Fund’s Volunteer Board of Directors. “Our staff and volunteers are the heartbeat of this organization. They are our superpower, welcoming families, fitting children, managing inventory, and sharing kindness day after day.”
A Season of Signature Events
The Snowsuit Fund’s schedule of signature fundraising events includes:
Dinner Party in a Box – November 29, 2025
The sixth annual luxurious at-home dining experience for two, curated by Beckta, returns to celebrate Canada. Each box includes signature cocktails by Dunrobin Distilleries, beer by Kichesippi Beer Company, a premium bottle of wine, fresh focaccia from Nat’s Bread, as well as luxury gift items – all beautifully packaged and home-delivered by Trexity for enjoyment with family, work colleagues or friends. On sale now at snowsuitfund.com.
50/50 for the City: November 24, 2025 – January 16, 2026
Produced in partnership with Rogers Sports & Media, the fifth annual online raffle will feature a $100K guaranteed Jackpot and over $15K in weekly early bird prizes donated by local businesses, including Canadian Tire Ottawa Dealers and Expedia Cruises – Westboro and Kanata. It’s the second largest 50/50 raffle in Ottawa and past winners have taken home over half a million dollars! On sale November 24 at 5050forthecity.com.
SnowBall, A Cool Winters Eve, Presented by Intega IT – March 4, 2026
The much anticipated annual all-inclusive cocktail party boasting sumptuous décor, multiple chef stations and bars, live music, auctions, beauty bars, and more returns to 50 Sussex Drive. Tickets and corporate 10-packs on sale soon at snowsuitfund.com.
About The Snowsuit Fund
The Snowsuit Fund provides over 17,000 snowsuits yearly to Ottawa children aged 15 and under from low-income families. For many, winter clothing is an unaffordable luxury, with essentials like food and utilities taking precedence. A warm snowsuit isn’t just protection from the cold—it’s a gateway to outdoor play, better health, confidence, and inclusion. Entirely community-driven and volunteer-powered, the Snowsuit Fund receives no government funding and relies on the generosity of individuals and groups to keep kids warm.
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