Media
Release
September
28, 2005
(OTTAWA)
– ENGAGE! was launched today at OCRI’s Ottawa
Venture and Technology Summit. The innovative program is designed
to inspire local entrepreneurs and investors to invest in the
future of their community by asking them to make a commitment
today to give back to their community when they are successful.
“This is about creating tomorrow’s social entrepreneurs
today”, says Coralie Lalonde, Founder and CEO Katsura Investments
and co-founder of the program. “We know that entrepreneurs
want to give back to the community. It’s just a matter of
time before they’re well-positioned to do so.” In
fact, in the few weeks leading up the launch more than 40 people
have already signed up for the program.
Debi Rosati, founder of RosatiNet, inc. a venture catalyst firm
and the other co-founder, echoes those sentiments. “In the
meantime, we can help them be ready when that time comes. Through
ENGAGE! members will connect with other like-minded individuals
who care about their community and its future and will have access
to resources to help support their charitable giving.”
ENGAGE! has an advisory council composed of key leaders from the
investment, service provider and entrepreneurial communities in
Ottawa. They have dedicated their time and talent to the design
of the program and are committed to its successful implementation.
The program is supported and enabled by the Community Foundation
of Ottawa. For more information on the program, go to www.engageottawa.ca
The Community Foundation of Ottawa is a public, non-profit organization
created by and for the people of Ottawa. It connects donors who
care with causes that matter and serves as a trusted resource
for addressing issues and leveraging opportunities in the community.
It attracts and manages a growing endowment, the invested earnings
of which provide grants to charitable organizations. The Foundation’s
role is as neutral broker in support of all charitable causes
that contribute to the community’s quality of life. With
a growing profile the Community Foundation of Ottawa has built
an enviable reputation for astute financial management, high quality
donor services, strategic grantmaking and innovative partnerships.
www.communityfoundationottawa.ca
-30-
Contact:
Bibi
Patel, Director of Development and Donor Services
Community
Foundation of Ottawa
(613)
236-1616 ext. 226
Cell:
(613) 263-5240
Who We Are 
