43rd annual Snowsuit Fund season kicks off in Ottawa
The Snowsuit Fund distributes thousands of snowsuits to children in Ottawa annually. (Andrew Adlington/CTV News Ottawa)
A chill in the air Thursday after some summerlike temperatures reminds us that winter is right around the corner, and there will be thousands of children in need of warm clothing.
The Snowsuit Fund has officially launched its 43rd annual campaign in Ottawa to provide outdoor gear to low-income families and newcomers to Canada.
This year is in special honour of the charity's founders Joan Gullen and Ralph Tannis, who founded the Snowsuit Fund more than 40 years ago. Gullen and Tannis passed away in 2022 and 2024, respectively.
- Sign up now for daily CTV News Ottawa newsletters
- The information you need to know, sent directly to you: Download the CTV News App
"If you think of the hundreds of thousands of snowsuits that we've delivered to kids in the community through the years and the hundreds of thousands of kids who've been helped by the Snowsuit Fund, it's really because of them," said Snowsuit Fund chair Martin Masse. "It's their idea, they started it, it's their dedication and their vision that really makes it so that a bunch of kids in our community can be warm over the winter."
The charity managed to provide 800 snowsuits to children in need when it was first founded. This year, organizers expect to distribute nearly 17,000.
"Forty-two years ago, Joan and Ralph recognized that many Ottawa children from poorer families had no warm winter clothing. Both then and now, low-income families in Ottawa had to prioritize basic need items such as shelter, utilities, and food over buying snowsuits for their children," the Snowsuit Fund said in a news release.
To mark the occasion, Ottawa Mayor Mark Sutcliffe declared Oct. 28 to Nov. 3 as Snowsuit Fund Week.
The Snowsuit Fund will be holding several signature events over the winter to help raise money and provide snowsuits to kids:
Saturday, Nov. 30: 5th Annual Dinner Party in a Box — a luxurious at-home dining experience for two - this year with an Italian theme, curated by Beckta with signature cocktails, premium wine and beer as well as luxury gift items – all beautifully packaged and home-delivered for enjoyment with family, work colleagues or friends.
Draw Date: Jan. 17: 4th Annual Snowsuit Fund 5050 for The City — produced in collaboration with Chez 106, KiSS 105.3, and Country 101.1. Prior year jackpots have exceeded $500,000 with weekly early-bird prizing from Canadian Tire Ottawa Store Owners. Proceeds are shared with BGC Ottawa.
Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2025: SnowBall, A Cool Winters Eve — an annual all-inclusive cocktail party boasting sumptuous décor, multiple chef stations and bars, live music, auctions, beauty bars, and more.
Those who wish to donate, purchase tickets to events or find options for helping including group volunteering, should visit snowsuitfund.com.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
'The mom is shattered': Body of employee who died at Halifax Walmart was found by her mother
The Maritime Sikh Society says the body of a young employee who died at a Walmart in Halifax last weekend was found by her mother.
'Horrific': Four people dead after Tesla slams into pillar and catches fire on Lake Shore Boulevard in Toronto
Four people are dead and another is in hospital after a Tesla driving through downtown Toronto at a high rate of speed crashed into a guardrail and struck a concrete pillar on Lake Shore Boulevard.
Prosecutor recommends parole for Menendez brothers in 1989 murder of parents
A Los Angeles prosecutor said on Thursday he would ask a judge to release Erik and Lyle Menendez on parole after nearly 35 years in prison for the shotgun murder of their parents, as new evidence emerged indicating they were sexually abused by their father for years.
Former Sports Illustrated swimsuit model says Trump groped her to show off for Jeffrey Epstein
A former Sports Illustrated swimsuit model is alleging that former President Donald Trump groped her in the 1990s, in what she believes was an attempt to show off for Jeffrey Epstein.
'Never said I was going to close the door on politics forever': Christy Clark on interest in federal leadership run
As Prime Minister Justin Trudeau faces growing pressure from within his own caucus to step aside, former B.C. premier Christy Clark says she is open to returning to politics.
2 suspects arrested after 4 teens stabbed outside Montreal high school
Montreal police say four teenagers suffered stab wounds after an altercation near John F. Kennedy High School in the city's Villeray—Saint-Michel—Parc-Extension borough on Thursday.
More straight couples are calling each other partner. Here's why
Within a year of dating, 31-year-old Siara Rouzer crossed a major relationship milestone. The guy she was seeing was no longer a boyfriend but her partner.
Trudeau announces massive drop in immigration targets as Liberals make major pivot
The federal government is slashing immigration targets to levels that will flatten population growth as Prime Minister Justin Trudeau admits the government did not get the balance right after the COVID-19 pandemic.
Police identify woman stabbed to death in park in Ottawa's south end
The Ottawa Police Service has identified the woman who was stabbed to death at Paul Landry Park on Uplands Drive Thursday morning.
Shopping Trends
The Shopping Trends team is independent of the journalists at CTV News. We may earn a commission when you use our links to shop. Read about us.
Atlantic
-
'The mom is shattered': Body of employee who died at Halifax Walmart was found by her mother
The Maritime Sikh Society says the body of a young employee who died at a Walmart in Halifax last weekend was found by her mother.
-
'This sudden loss is felt deeply': Man killed in workplace accident at Moncton tire shop
WorkSafeNB is investigating after a man was killed in a workplace incident at a tire shop in Moncton, N.B., last week.
-
N.S. Liberals accuse former member Fred Tilley of data breach
The Nova Scotia Liberals are accusing former member Fred Tilley of accessing party files one day before he crossed the aisle to join the Progressive Conservatives.
Toronto
-
Court documents reveal new details about U.S. probe into ex-Canadian Olympian accused of running drug trafficking ring
U.S. authorities earlier this year knew the whereabouts of a former Canadian Olympian who is now on the run for allegedly running a transnational drug trafficking ring and orchestrating murders in Ontario, according to Ontario court documents.
-
'Horrific': Four people dead after Tesla slams into pillar and catches fire on Lake Shore Boulevard in Toronto
Four people are dead and another is in hospital after a Tesla driving through downtown Toronto at a high rate of speed crashed into a guardrail and struck a concrete pillar on Lake Shore Boulevard.
-
Ontario family loses dream home after $38K deposit falls through
It's a dream for many Canadians, trying to save up enough money for a down payment on their very first home. That was also the dream for the Esmeralda family, a family of five with two dogs who currently live in a Scarborough apartment building.
Montreal
-
2 suspects arrested after 4 teens stabbed outside Montreal high school
Montreal police say four teenagers suffered stab wounds after an altercation near John F. Kennedy High School in the city's Villeray—Saint-Michel—Parc-Extension borough on Thursday.
-
'Early detection is key': Beyonce's dad speaks in Montreal about personal journey with breast cancer
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and on Thursday the Quebec Breast Cancer Foundation held a brunch in downtown Montreal featuring a special guest: Matthew Knowles.
-
Tree-planting project sparks concerns in Plateau-Mont-Royal over parking and costs
A new tree-planting pilot project in Plateau-Mont-Royal is drawing criticism for eliminating parking spaces in a borough already facing limited parking, as well as for its cost.
Northern Ontario
-
'The mom is shattered': Body of employee who died at Halifax Walmart was found by her mother
The Maritime Sikh Society says the body of a young employee who died at a Walmart in Halifax last weekend was found by her mother.
-
North Bay soup kitchen fights to stay open after $140K funding request denied
The Gathering Place board chair Peter Gregory is vowing to fight to keep the doors to the Cassells Street soup kitchen open after the District of Nipissing Social Services Administration Board denied their six-figure funding request.
-
Sudbury police searching for suspect in dangerous driving incident
Greater Sudbury Police have released a photo of a person they say escaped by driving their motor vehicle on a sidewalk past pedestrians and then the wrong way down a one-way street.
Windsor
-
Extradited Canadian convicted on drug charges
A former Lakeshore man is facing a 10-year prison sentence after he was found guilty on drug charges.
-
Implementing traffic-calming measures to slow drivers down on Walker Road not feasible, says councillor
Speeding along Walker Road is a concern for residents who live, work and drive through the major Windsor artery, but according to one city councillor, implementing traffic calming measures is not a feasible solution.
-
Police investigating indecent act in Chatham
The Chatham-Kent Police Service is investigating an indecent act report it received.
London
-
Bush party shooting witness: the accused 'had a gun in his car'
When she took the stand at a London courthouse on Thursday, 21-year-old Kaiah Edmonds testified that she arrived at the bush party off of Pack Road in a vehicle driven by one of the accused - Carlos Guerra Guerra.
-
Students get crash course on agriculture as job crunch worsens
Hundreds of students got a taste of the numerous jobs available in Ontario’s agriculture industry earlier this month in Listowel.
-
Group of friends robbed at knifepoint, London police hope to ID suspect
London police are asking for the public’s help identifying a suspect involved in a robbery on Sunday.
Kitchener
-
Erick Buhr insists he didn't kill his grandmother while testifying at second-degree murder trial
Erick Buhr, the man on trial for second-degree murder in the death of his grandmother Viola Erb, took the stand Thursday to testify in his own defense.
-
Guelph, Ont. couple using social media to find surrogate
One Ontario couple is taking a different approach to growing their family.
-
Cambridge girl racing for Canada at FIA Motorsport Games
A Cambridge girl is set to represent Canada on the world stage at a big competition in Spain this weekend.
Barrie
-
Hospital parking fees stir up controversy despite money going toward patient care
The cost of living is increasing, from groceries to gas, prices are consistently going up, and now there’s controversy surrounding paying for parking at hospitals.
-
Town bylaw requests Innisfil, Ont. family move Halloween display but homeowner refuses
A haunted house in the Ontario Town of Innisfil is causing a real scare for some people a week before Halloween.
-
Emergency crews extinguish fire at possible encampment in Barrie
Emergency crews were called to attend a fire that broke out in a grassy area in Barrie on Thursday morning.
Winnipeg
-
'Just horrible': Manitoba man sentenced to life in prison for murdering partner, children
The Manitoba man who brutally murdered his partner and two young children stood in court, voice wavering, and apologized for his actions that ended the lives of three people he said he loved very much.
-
'Sends a strong message to us': Pair of RM of Springfield councillors want to opt out of Plan 20-50
A pair of councillors in the RM of Springfield plan on bringing forward a motion to opt out of Plan 20-50 when they are first able to.
-
Teen charged after stolen vehicle damages home, property in St. Boniface: police
A Winnipeg teenager has been charged with multiple offences after a stolen car crashed in St. Boniface Thursday morning.
Calgary
-
'It’s brutal': Calgary company steaming mad after Google removes business profile
A Calgary business owner is frustrated and looking for answers after Google removed his business' profile without warning, resulting in a loss of bookings and damage to his company’s reputation.
-
'Soda Family' prepares for huge Halloween in Auburn Bay
A house in southeast Calgary is expected to be very, very busy on Halloween.
-
Rooney returns to lineup as Flames look to stay hot against Hurricanes
The Calgary Flames will try to stay hot Thursday night.
Edmonton
-
Edmonton educational staff walk off the job, joining thousands at protest for better wages
Some Edmonton public school support staff walked off the job Thursday morning, after the province stepped in on Wednesday to prevent strike action.
-
Father of murdered Beaumont woman's boyfriend to serve prison time after appeal
The man who cut up the body of his grandson's mother is going to prison after the Alberta Court of Appeal overturned his previous sentence.
-
'We've been prepared': City credits proactive measures with quick catch on Dutch elm disease
The City of Edmonton says staying proactive has helped keep its 90,000 elm trees relatively untouched by the devastating Dutch elm disease (DED).
Regina
-
Here's how many have people have already voted in Saskatchewan's election
After two days of advance polls, more than 119,000 people have already cast a ballot in-person for the 2024 Saskatchewan election.
-
One killed, 2 hurt in collision north of Regina
A man is dead and two other people were injured in a two vehicle collision north of Regina on Wednesday evening.
-
'Turn yourself in': Regina police send message to man wanted for 2023 downtown shooting death
Regina police says a reward of up to $50,000 is available for information that leads to the arrest of Daniel 'Juma' Drie Atem, who officers say is responsible for a murder that occurred downtown in the summer of 2023.
Saskatoon
-
Two arrested in northern Saskatchewan after all-day manhunt for armed auto thieves
The Saskatchewan RCMP is calling off its dangerous persons alert after two people were arrested in the Tobin Lake area Thursday afternoon.
-
Shercom announces more layoffs as Sask. tire recycler transitions to 'skeleton' staff
A former tire recycling company in Saskatoon is announcing additional layoffs months after a dispute with the provincial government.
-
Police investigating multiple suspicious fire in Saskatoon Mayfair neighbourhood
Saskatoon police are investigating a series of suspicious fires that were lit in the Mayfair neighbourhood on Thursday morning.
Vancouver
-
50 tonnes of hardened grease removed from sewers in Richmond, B.C.
Crews removed approximately 50 tonnes of "fatbergs" from the sewer system in Richmond, B.C., earlier this month, according to Metro Vancouver.
-
'Housing supply failing to keep up': New immigration reduction expected to impact B.C. housing
The Canadian government's plan to reduce the number of immigrants entering the country could impact B.C.'s housing affordability.
-
Ahead of B.C. RCMP body camera rollout, expert warns footage ‘never going to be released’
As the RCMP prepare to strap cameras to the chests of front-line police officers, an expert warns they might not work — at least, not in the way some had hoped.
Vancouver Island
-
Ahead of B.C. RCMP body camera rollout, expert warns footage ‘never going to be released’
As the RCMP prepare to strap cameras to the chests of front-line police officers, an expert warns they might not work — at least, not in the way some had hoped.
-
Mounties investigate theft of driftwood sculptures in Colwood, B.C.
Mounties on Vancouver Island are investigating after a set of popular driftwood sculptures was reportedly stolen last week.
-
B.C. election recounts won't start until Sunday afternoon
Voting officials say recounts in two ridings that could determine the outcome of British Columbia's election won't start until Sunday afternoon — and it won't be until Monday before the makeup of the legislature is finalized.
Kelowna
-
B.C. homeowner astounded someone managed to steal one of his prized giant pumpkins
Dave Lindsey began growing giant pumpkins to bring a bit of magic to his grandkids' Halloween.
-
B.C. man gets prison sentence, fine for using fake names to buy guns in the U.S.
A U.S. District Court judge in Montana has sentenced a 27-year-old man from Kelowna, B.C., to 18 months in prison for using fake names to buy guns with the aim of selling them in Canada.
-
2nd-degree murder charge laid nearly 2 years after Kelowna stabbing
Nearly two years after a man was stabbed to death in downtown Kelowna, RCMP have made an arrest in the case.
