Tuesday, August 8, 2023 — Aug.8th, 2023, Ottawa, ON – In 2023, 25 deserving students from Ottawa Community Housing Communities pursuing post-secondary studies will receive $1,000 to help with expenses thanks to the Inspired by Learning Bursary offered by the OCH Foundation.

The funds to support this program – which helps provide crucial support that aids in the success of students – would not have been possible without the generous donation from Desjardins Ontario Credit Union. They have committed to providing the OCH Foundation with $60,000 over the next three years that will directly support tenants pursuing their post-secondary education.

When: Tuesday, August 8th, 2023

Where: Desjardins Ontario Credit Union, 700 Sussex Drive, Ottawa, ON

What: Meet recipients of the Inspired by Learning Bursary

*Media are welcome to attend. The best time to attend is 6:30pm to 7:00pm. *

Quotes

“Investing in my education has been a way for me to hopefully, one day, break the cycle of poverty I grew up in”

Inspired by Learning Bursary Recipient

“I understand the power, worth, and advantage a person can have by simply being educated”

Inspired by Learning Bursary Recipient

“I believe the impact of this bursary goes beyond the recipients. It has an everlasting impact on the family and friends of these individuals. When a single parent returns to school, they are not only impacting their outcome in life but also the lives of their children. They may inspire their children to pursuit post-secondary education. This opportunity plays a large role in breaking the cycle of poverty.”

Traci Spour-Lafrance, Acting Executive Director, OCH Foundation

“Encouraging our youth has always and will always be a priority for Desjardins Ontario Credit Union. Our partnership with OCH Foundation supports young people as they pursue their goals, regardless of their socioeconomic status.”

Francine Côté, Chair, Desjardins Ontario Credit Union

Quick Facts:

• This year, the OCH Foundation received double the number of applications.
• In 2023, the OCH Foundation added 5 Inspired by learning Bursaries recipients, making a total of 25 bursaries being distributed.
• Since 2014, the OCH Foundation had given out $120,000 in bursaries to tenants living within OCH communities.

About OCH Foundation

Committed to the 32,000 tenants living in Ottawa Community Housing, the OCH Foundation helps families, youth and children achieve personal success through education, employment, and community engagement projects. The Foundation has raised over 11 million dollars since its inception which has been redistributed through tenant focused programs and initiatives.   

www.ochfoundation.ca / LinkedIn / Twitter / Instagram / Facebook  

About Desjardins Ontario Credit Union

With over $10 billion in assets, Desjardins Ontario Credit Union contributes to the economic and social development of communities and supports the financial empowerment of its 137,000 members by offering comprehensive banking services with the full range of Desjardins Group products and services. Desjardins Ontario Credit Union is one of the largest financial institutions in Ontario. Because of its cooperative nature and financial strength, it shares a portion of its surplus earnings with its members. Last year, the Credit Union gave over $13 million in dividends to individuals and communities, contributing to hundreds of projects. Desjardins Group is the largest cooperative financial group in Canada and North America and has been recognized as a top corporate citizen and one of the strongest financial institutions in the world. 

For additional information, please contact:  

Briar Gornall – Communications and Engagement Coordinator 
613-697- 0824 
Briar.Gornall@ochfoundation.ca