March 20, 2025
Ottawa Chapter provides holiday food hampers to families in need
In a heartfelt effort to make the holidays brighter for families struggling to make ends meet, Landscape Ontario Ottawa Chapter teamed up with the Caring and Sharing Exchange to distribute 350 holiday food hampers to local families in need on Dec. 18, 2024.
Each hamper represented a value of $100 of food. The charity, renowned for its commitment to supporting vulnerable communities, called on members of the landscape community to contribute and participate in this impactful program.
In response to the rising challenges faced by many households, this annual initiative aims to provide nutritious and festive meals during the holiday season. With the increased costs of living (including food, housing and healthcare), many families find themselves unable to afford meals typically associated with the holiday season.
“We understand that the holiday season should be a time of joy, but for some families, it’s a reminder of the hardships they face daily,” said Marc Carrière, chair of the Caring and Sharing charity branch of Landscape Ontario Ottawa Chapter. “This initiative is designed not just to feed people, but also to help restore a sense of dignity and hope to those who need it most.”
The hampers include a variety of festive and essential items, including non-perishable goods, pasta and desserts. Many volunteers worked tirelessly to ensure each hamper was well stocked, nutritious and easy for recipients of all ages to prepare.
Caring and Sharing’s Holiday Food Hampers initiative was supported by numerous Landscape Ontario (LO) donors, local businesses and volunteers who came together to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those less fortunate. The charity encouraged individuals and families to participate in this initiative by donating food, money or time.
"We believe that by coming together as an industry, we can ensure that no one is left behind," said Carrière. "All the money raised and all the time given to help pack and distribute hampers, every little bit counts and has a lasting impact on our community."
LO members who participated in the initiative helped to change lives and make a positive impact through their kindness, compassion and generosity.
Organizers are planning to distribute 500 hampers (valued at $50,000) in December 2025, which is the largest goal set by the Ottawa team since they started six years ago.
For more information on how to participate or donate to the 2025 food hamper initiative, visit Caring and Sharing’s website or ohtf.ca/ottawa-holiday-hamper.
Each hamper represented a value of $100 of food. The charity, renowned for its commitment to supporting vulnerable communities, called on members of the landscape community to contribute and participate in this impactful program.
In response to the rising challenges faced by many households, this annual initiative aims to provide nutritious and festive meals during the holiday season. With the increased costs of living (including food, housing and healthcare), many families find themselves unable to afford meals typically associated with the holiday season.
“We understand that the holiday season should be a time of joy, but for some families, it’s a reminder of the hardships they face daily,” said Marc Carrière, chair of the Caring and Sharing charity branch of Landscape Ontario Ottawa Chapter. “This initiative is designed not just to feed people, but also to help restore a sense of dignity and hope to those who need it most.”
The hampers include a variety of festive and essential items, including non-perishable goods, pasta and desserts. Many volunteers worked tirelessly to ensure each hamper was well stocked, nutritious and easy for recipients of all ages to prepare.
Caring and Sharing’s Holiday Food Hampers initiative was supported by numerous Landscape Ontario (LO) donors, local businesses and volunteers who came together to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those less fortunate. The charity encouraged individuals and families to participate in this initiative by donating food, money or time."We believe that by coming together as an industry, we can ensure that no one is left behind," said Carrière. "All the money raised and all the time given to help pack and distribute hampers, every little bit counts and has a lasting impact on our community."
LO members who participated in the initiative helped to change lives and make a positive impact through their kindness, compassion and generosity.
Organizers are planning to distribute 500 hampers (valued at $50,000) in December 2025, which is the largest goal set by the Ottawa team since they started six years ago.
For more information on how to participate or donate to the 2025 food hamper initiative, visit Caring and Sharing’s website or ohtf.ca/ottawa-holiday-hamper.