Breaking Ground - OHS Building Campaign

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March 2010

Remembering a Life Full of Love

Alexa Campbell had a life-long commitment to small creatures, animals and children.

In early December, a young I.C.U. nurse at CHEO, Alexa Campbell, passed away after a brief, but courageous battle with breast cancer. The sudden loss of their very special and beloved daughter was devastating for her parents, Peggy and Ed, and for Alexa's siblings, nephews, and nieces. Everyone searched for a way to help them through the grief.

Alexa had a deep love for all little creatures—animals and children—prompting her career choice. As a child, when watching movies, her parents recall Alexa always asking if the bunny or dog or cat on film was okay. Because of her career and the long shifts, Alexa could not have a dog, but spoiled the rest of the family's dogs, and had two cats to share her life.

Long time supporters of the OHS, Alexa's family were receiving newsletters about the new building, and decided it was a fitting way to honour her memory. Their gift in honour of Alexa means that for the life of the new shelter, operating theatre will remain "In loving memory of Alexa Campbell."

For other naming opportunities in the new shelter, please visit www.breakingground.ca.

See Design Influences on the New OHS Shelter!

The plans for the new shelter are complete, and have been sent to a select group of Ottawa's top contractors to allow them to bid on the project. Digging for the project is expected to begin in early to mid-April, in order to meet the project deadline of March 2011.

With the finalization of the plans, a number of new naming opportunities have been identified. Among them are major pieces of life-saving equipment for the clinic. Please check the campaign website for these and other updates, or call Anna Silverman at 613-725-3166 ext. 279 for more information.

We have not yet met our campaign goal. The OHS has made a commitment to the animals, and needs you to make a commitment to help them. Please make your pledge or gift today.

A Sweet Evening to Help Build a Brighter Future for the Animals

On Saturday April 24, Randall's will be presenting Just Desserts, a fantastic evening in support of the Breaking Ground Building Campaign. This fun and unique event, at A Ottawa's studios in the Byward Market, will provide an evening of delightful temptations prepared by some of Ottawa's top pastry chefs and caterers.

Join us for this chic and sinful evening and help the OHS build a new home and a brighter future for the animals.

Tickets are $100 each, and a fabulous silent auction will be part of the night. For ticket details please e-mail JustDessertsOttawa@gmail.com. More information can be found on the campaign website.

Outdoor Space for the Dogs

Now that spring has made a very early appearance, our dogs and volunteer dog walkers are having a lot more fun on their three-times-a-day walks. Unfortunately, the warm weather exposes all of the deficiencies in a rather sad little dog run. Springtime turns it into a muddy mess and there is always a worry that parasites and deadly viruses may linger in the exposed soil.

Of course, along with the new facility, we have been planning the outdoor spaces and these will be very friendly for our dogs, our volunteers and our visitors. While space on the three-acre property is at a premium, included in the plan are a dog-walking trail, a reasonably-sized off-leash park, two medium fenced areas for dogs and volunteers to play, as well as six exercise runs for dogs not yet ready for adoption to play in the nicer weather while their kennels are being cleaned. All but the largest run will be covered in a special "Astroturf-type" product that will not become muddy and can be spot-sterilized if needed.

The new dog walking trail has been named by a donor, but there are still outdoor spaces left for people that want to ensure fresh air and sunshine for the dogs in our care. Visit www.breakingground.ca for details.

Our rather sad dog run (left) will be replaced with multiple clean and attractive outdoor spaces like the one pictured here at the new Edmonton facility (right).