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Happy Flag Day, Happy Family Day, Happy Nonprofit Appreciation Week!

When Ontario passed Bill 9, the Non-Profit Sector Appreciation Week Act, in 2021, Mark Blumberg of Canadian Charity Law remarked: “If I could think of a hundred things the Ontario non-profit sector needs, the Non-Profit Sector Appreciation Week Act would not be one of them.” He did add:

“On the plus side, this could be a focal point for organizing some events that show appreciation for the non-profit sector.”

Five years later, it’s still hard to point to significant policy or funding changes that truly demonstrate appreciation for the nonprofit sector. It’s been a rough ride. Some of our cherished friends and allies have had to close programs or close their doors entirely.

Those challenges are real, and we are facing them. But we’re also feeling appreciated. And deeply grateful.

Grateful for the individuals we have the honour of supporting.

Grateful for their families and friends.

Grateful for our incredible volunteers.

Grateful for our community and employment partners who make this work possible.

We don’t really need a week dedicated to appreciating us, because our favourite thing to do is appreciate all of you.

That’s what our annual community recognition event, Make A Buzz Ottawa (April 17), is all about. We offer discounted tickets to make it accessible for everyone. If you’d like to join us in celebrating community, connection, and the people who make inclusion real, we’d love to see you there.

Families, in all their shapes, forms and sizes, are at the heart of our communities. In Ontario, a day is set aside to reflect on the importance of families and to celebrate with loved ones. Family Day is a provincial holiday on the third Monday of February. LiveWorkPlay exists today because family members in Ottawa wanted a better future for their children. We are committed to supporting a more inclusive Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, and world through our daily actions and advocacy with our allies near and far. May you enjoy a safe and joyous weekend with your loved ones!