More than 600 people filled the ballroom of The Westin Ottawa this evening for the annual HOPE and HEROES event in support of The Ottawa Hospital Rehabilitation Centre (TOHRC). Now in its sixth year, the event presented by Scotiabank and hosted by The Ottawa Hospital Foundation and the Ottawa Senators Alumni features a unique blend of recognition for heroes in our community and inspiration from those who have benefited from TOHRC in the past.

TOHRC helps patients maximize their independence, re-adapt and re-build their lives after having experienced a disabling physical illness or injury as was the case with Charles Dubois – this year’s testimonial speaker. Charles, a former Radio-Canada cameraman embedded with the Canadian troops, lost his leg when the vehicle he was in rolled over a land mine.

“By the time I came back to Canada, I had seen a number of doctors around the world,” said Dubois. “The employees at The Ottawa Hospital Rehabilitation Centre were the first to convey a sense of personal care and comfort at a time when I needed it the most.”

To highlight the dedication and involvement of others in our community who are inspiring persons with disabilities to live full and active lives, The Ottawa Hospital Rehabilitation Centre presented its annual awards to some well-deserving recipients. The Community Partner Award was presented to the Aphasia Centre, while the Individual Achievement Award was presented to Sally Thomas - a well-known local advocate for persons with disabilities.

In the past five years, HOPE & HEROES has raised close to $300,000 for TOHRC and although this year’s total fundraising amount is still being tallied, organizers expect 2009 will be another successful year.

“It’s impressive to see just how successful this event continues to be year after year,” said Brad Marsh, President of the Ottawa Senators Alumni. “We are truly honoured to be making a difference in the care of thousands of local residents who will come to rely on The Ottawa Hospital Rehabilitation Centre.”

Earlier in the evening, the Ottawa Senators Alumni presented scholarships to a number of area high school students that have demonstrated outstanding scholastic and community involvement. This year’s winners were Natalie Renaud (Nepean High School), Stephanie Price (All Saints Catholic High School), Cameron McNutt (St. Paul Catholic High School) and Stéphane Paquette (École Secondaire Catholique Garneau).

New this year was the Brian Smith Makes a Difference Award. This award, presented by the Alumni in honour of late Ottawa sportscaster Brian Smith, was awarded to Gord Cooper who has been volunteering with the Nepean Minor Hockey Association as a coach for the past 45 years.

The evening came to a close following a stellar performance by the 2008 Canadian Male Comic of the Year – Gerry Dee.

The Ottawa Hospital Rehabilitation Centre specializes in the physical rehabilitation of adults who have experienced a disabling physical illness or injury. For more information, visit www.rehab.on.ca.

The Ottawa Senators Alumni was established in 1992. This 41-member group of former NHL hockey players has raised more than $1.4 million and given many hours of their time to local charity events.

The Ottawa Hospital is a multi-campus, academic health sciences centre, serving 1.5 million residents of Ottawa and Eastern Ontario, both in English and French. It provides care for more patients than any other hospital in Canada, and boasts specialty centres in cancer, heart, kidney and vision care, as well as rehabilitation services. For more information, visit The Ottawa Hospital Web site at www.ottawahospital.on.ca.

The Ottawa Hospital Foundation’s mission is to inspire and enable people to support the highest quality health care at The Ottawa Hospital and lifesaving research at the Ottawa Hospital Research Institute. For more information, visit The Ottawa Hospital Foundation Web site at www.ohfoundation.ca.

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