Press Release
The Community Foundation of Ottawa names local leader George Brown as the recipient of its Investing in People Award for 2003

Ottawa, December 3, 2003 - George Brown, Managing Director of the Ottawa Community Loan Fund (OCLF) has been chosen as this year's recipient of the Community Foundation of Ottawa's Investing in People award. This award recognizes his dedicated leadership in the establishment of Ottawa's Asset Based Community Development Network (ABCD) and the Ottawa Community Loan Fund (OCLF).

"George has been unrelenting in getting this community to understand and support the kind of community development exemplified by micro loans, affordable housing and savings accounts for the poor", said Barbara McInnes, President of the Community Foundation

"The 'democratic deficit' is really an 'ownership deficit'. Study after study have illustrated that owners vote more, volunteer more, and participate more in their communities, than those who don't own. ABCD is about helping low income people acquire the productive assets they need to participate as citizens in their community.affordable home ownership, education, and small business", explained George Brown.

"The OCLF plays an important role in the community by funding small businesses and individuals who don't qualify for traditional bank financing, due to a lack of assets, yet who have a good business idea and experience. Our community is fortunate to have a person like George who brings both leadership and passion to the OCLF", added Ed Hartwik, Senior Manager, Commercial Banking, National Bank, OCLF Board Member.

George Brown is a lawyer, currently working as Managing Director of the OCLF. The OCLF is a small business loan fund which provides self-reliance loans of up to $15,000 to individuals and groups who have viable business ideas but do not qualify for traditional financing due to a lack of assets or personal net worth. The OCLF also funds Foreign Trained Nurses & Teachers who cannot obtain traditional funding for their accreditation training. George Brown's role as Managing Director is to secure funding, ongoing volunteer support and community involvement, to promote the OCLF to lenders and borrowers and to oversee the efficient management of the Fund.

The Community Foundation of Ottawa (CFO) is an independent centre for community philanthropy, serving as a trusted resource for addressing issues and connecting donors with granting opportunities. It plays a major role in enhancing the nature and scope of philanthropy, primarily in the local community but also nationally and internationally. It attracts and manages a growing endowment, the invested earnings of which provide grants that will be available forever to enhance the quality of life for all in the region.

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.

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 will design the purposes. A list of past recipients is attached.

Previous Recipients of the Investing in People Award

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

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.