Media Release

April 20 , 2006

Inspirational black community leader named 2005 Investing in People award recipient

(OTTAWA) – The Community Foundation of Ottawa is pleased to recognize Adrienne Coddett with its 19th annual Investing in People award for her vital and innovative work in the community. A high-school law and history teacher, Adrienne has become a respected local leader and mentor through her significant contribution to Ottawa's youth population. Creating and organizing an annual Black Youth Conference Day activity at Woodroffe High School during Black History Month is just one of her many accomplishments, where she provides a forum for black youth expression and cultural exploration. Adrienne has also performed groundbreaking work raising awareness amongst youth of the global impact of HIV/AIDS, and galvanizing Ottawa 's black youth community to be active on a worldwide scale by participating in the International Black Summit.

As a seasoned high-school basketball coach and co-founder of the Ottawa Phoenix all-boys competitive basketball team, Adrienne has helped shape numerous young men into some of Canada 's best basketball players. Adrienne is also well-known in Ottawa as a co-host of the "Black-on-Black" public affairs / arts radio show, which is broadcast every Saturday morning on CHUO, the University of Ottawa radio station. In 2005, Adrienne was nominated for the YMCA-YWCA Women of Distinction awards.

The Community Foundation of Ottawa's Investing in People Award is presented each year to support those who have shown imagination and leadership in addressing issues and opportunities in our community. The recipients, having been identified by the Board of Governors, are invited to accept a $5,000 grant from the Foundation, for which they design the purposes. A list of past recipients follows.

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 its 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.

-30-

Contact:
Iona Green

Senior Associate, Marketing and Communications

(613) 236-1616 X 232

Cell (613) 791-3128

igreen@cfo-fco.ca

 

Previous Recipients of the Investing in People Award:

Carl Nicholson, Executive Director of the Catholic Immigration Centre, in recognition of his work towards building a more harmonious and welcoming community for immigrants and newcomers to the Ottawa area.

George Brown, Managing Director of the Ottawa Community Loan Fund, for his dedicated leadership in the establishment of Ottawa's Asset-Based Community Development Network (ABCD) and the Ottawa Community Loan Fund (OCLF).

David Currie, conductor of the Ottawa Symphony Orcestra, in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the arts and to the community.munity.

Andrea Kroetch, youth volunteer, for her outstanding leadership initiatives in her community and her advocacy work on the City of Ottawa's Youth Cabinet and the Our Millennium Steering Committee.

Josh LaRocque, youth volunteer, in recognition of his pro-active initiatives to promote peace, support peer counselling and encourage kids to be active in sports.

Dr. Dan Offord, O.C., to acknowledge his huge contribution to the lives of disadvantaged children through his work at Christie Lake Camp.

Barbara Carroll, Co-ordinator of the Debra Dynes Family House Committee, for her dedication to providing a better quality of life for adults and children in their neighbourhood.

Julian Armour, Artistic and Executive Director of the Ottawa Chamber Music Festival, for his outstanding leadership and vision in brining chamber music to young audiences.

Sue Taylor, Carlington Community Chaplaincy, for her dedication to building capacity and self-sufficiency through empowerment in Bellevue Manor.

Barry Rueger, CKCU-FM Community Radio, for his contribution and commitment to community development through community radio.

Barbara O'Connor, Hospice of All Saints, in support of her dedication to providing respite care for people and their families as they deal with terminal illness.

Jennifer Cayley, Multicultural Arts for Schools and Communities, in recognition of her dedication to nurturing arts in education.

Harriet Amani, Rainbow Women's Centre, for her innovative approach to community economic development.

Shiningwater, Aboriginal Women's Support Centre, for her work in nourishing aboriginal women by enhancing native culture and spirituality.

Sister Betty Ann Kinsella, Ottawa-Carleton Youville Centre, for her contribution to nurturing and educating young single mothers.

Carol Sissons, community volunteer, for her skills in building on community strength in a diversified neighbourhood.

Constable Claude Turgeon, Ottawa Police Youth Centre, for his outstanding leadership in working with youth at risk.

Nancy Douglas, elementary school principal, for her exceptional work in addressing child poverty within the school system.