"That's just not right": Josh's Story
Below, please read the story of Josh McJannett — a Matthew House Ottawa donor — in his own words.
Dominion City Brewing was proud to donate sales from our Safer Shores IPA to Matthew House Ottawa, and I’m also proud to donate personally.
It’s not a hard ask to help people who risk everything just to get here. I think many of us understand conceptually about “bringing refugees” to Canada. But we desperately need organizations like Matthew House to do the actual critical work… To give people immediate, safe shelter in a comfortable home, with healthy food and within a community, so they can get the best start at a new life.
For a refugee, if they aren’t at Matthew House, they are probably in a homeless shelter and that’s just not right.
As a donor, I’m so impressed by Matthew House. Last time we visited it was a snowy day at the end of the fall and there were a bunch of residents building a new bike shed. Everyone was working hard and working together, and you could just tell they were taking pride in their work. Inside, in the kitchen, it really does feel like a home and everyone treats it that way.
Matthew House Ottawa is the gold standard in our giving and I am proud to do my part – both as an individual, and as a business-owner.
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Wanna help? Here is how you can change lives through Matthew House Ottawa:
Become a team captain or sponsor for the Ride for Refuge: Sign up to participate here or email Erica to sponsor the Ride as a business.
Donations: You can give online here or cheques can be mailed to 380 Centrepointe Drive, Ottawa ON K2G 6A1.
Become a monthly donor: The consistent support from our monthly donors is a HUGE help, and we would encourage you to give in this way if you are able. You can set up a monthly donation here – just click “donate monthly” tab at the top of the page.
Refugee Services: We welcome donations of grocery cards (or groceries and frozen meals) to help feed the refugees we have welcomed at the house, though we ask that you please contact Doreen in advance to make arrangements (dkatto@matthewhouseottawa.org).
Furniture Bank: If you have gently-used furniture you no longer need, please give us a call at 613-591-6681. And please spread the word among your networks as well.
Since 2010, Matthew House Ottawa has welcomed hundreds of refugee claimants, and provided quality used furniture to more than 6000 families in need. We have done this as a large, dedicated team of volunteers and a small handful of employees, with a lot of passion and commitment. Thank you for helping to make this important work possible!