Every week, you’ll find Sarah juggling her full-time job, family commitments, and a packed calendar of community activities. One evening she’s calling donors for the Jewish Federation of Ottawa’s Annual Community Campaign; another, she’s helping set up chairs at an event at her synagogue or attending a committee meeting to brainstorm new programs. Like so many others, Sarah doesn’t do it for recognition, she does it because she cares.

Volunteers like this are the lifeblood of Jewish Ottawa. From the hundreds of canvassers who reach out to donors each year, to the many committee members who help guide our work, every facet of Jewish life in our city is strengthened by volunteers’ tireless dedication.

Taking time out of one’s own life can be daunting; in addition to the everyday stresses of work and family, volunteers willingly add more to their plates for the betterment of their community. Much of the meaningful work that happens across Jewish Ottawa, running programs, countering antisemitism, and raising Jewish awareness, is driven by people who give generously of their time and hearts.

That’s why Federation is launching its Hineni social media campaign. Hebrew for “Here I am,” Hineni reflects both spiritual and cultural readiness to serve; a concept rooted in the Torah that expresses commitment and presence. This idea perfectly embodies the spirit of our community’s volunteers.

An essential part of Jewish life in Ottawa, these volunteers not only give back through Federation programs, but also create innovative initiatives of their own, ensuring our community remains vibrant, caring, and strong.

“Every person who volunteers helps foster a stronger, kinder, and more unified Jewish Ottawa,” said Federation President and CEO Adam Silver. “Federation appreciates the many hours spent building programs, helping others, and representing our community.”

To bring these efforts to the forefront, Federation will share the faces and stories of volunteers across all its social media platforms, celebrating those behind the multitude of activities that make Jewish Ottawa thrive.

As part of Federation’s new Strategic Plan, telling more of our community’s stories is a key priority, and there are no better storytellers than our volunteers. To help showcase them, community members are invited to submit a photo and short blurb about a volunteer who inspires them.

If you’d like to make a submission, use this form to upload the image and description of the volunteer.