Thursday, January 08, 2009

OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - Jan. 8, 2009) - Ottawa Community Housing (OCH) is pleased to announce the five recipients of the 2008 Ron Larkin Scholarship Awards. The awards in the amount of $1,000 each are being presented this evening, to five OCH tenants who are enrolled in their first year of post-secondary education, and who contribute to the community through their volunteerism.

The fund was named in recognition of Mr. Larkin, who retired as CEO of OCH in January 2008. Mr. Larkin, who previously served for many years in the field of education, believes strongly in the principle of equal education opportunity for all. He understood the difference that financial help can make in realizing this objective. "I am very proud and honoured to be a part of this important OCH initiative. I hope that these scholarships will ease the financial burden associated with pursuing academic goals and I look forward to following the achievements of these very deserving recipients," said Mr. Larkin.

OCH received many donations in 2008, and the fund continued to grow through various fundraising initiatives. In addition to the contributions made to the fund by OCH staff, the Ron Larkin Scholarship Fund is one of the recipient organizations that contributors to the United Way may designate to receive their donation. "Thanks to the generosity of those who have supported the Ron Larkin Scholarship Fund we are able to positively impact our tenants and recognize their contribution to the community," said Councillor Diane Holmes, OCH Board Chair. "We are very pleased to reward these five individuals for their dedication to their community and to assist them in the pursuit of their goals."

2008 Ron Larkin Scholarship Recipients

Ms. Loula Abib, registered in the Bachelor of Science (Psychology) program at the University of Ottawa. She divides her volunteer time between St. Vincent de Paul Hospital and the Lowertown Youth Centre.

Ms. Sagal Osman, is registered in the Bachelor of Arts (Law) program at Carleton University. Ms. Osman is involved in the community through her volunteer position as Community House Board Director at Britannia Woods Community House.

Ms. Irina Popova, is registered in the Robotics Program at Algonquin College. She builds bicycles for children at risk, and promotes trade and technology skills to youth.

Ms. Molly Twikirize, is registered in the Bachelor of Arts (Political Science) program at Carleton University. Ms. Twikirize volunteers her time with the Starlight Starbright Children's Foundation.

Mr. Samatar Yusuf, is registered in the Bachelor of Arts (Economics) program at Carleton University. Mr. Yusuf volunteers at the Boys and Girls Club, the Somali Unity Student Association at Carleton, and through his school and mosque tutors teen children in math and guidance.

Ottawa Community Housing provides affordable rental housing to approximately five percent of Ottawa's population. The Corporation is the largest social housing provider in Ottawa, and the second largest in Ontario. It provides 14,783 units for seniors, parents, children, singles and persons with special needs in 162 communities.

Source: MarketWire, Jan 08, 2009