The Snowsuit Fund Kicks Off 43rd Season Dedicated to Founders Joan Gullen (1930-2022) and Ralph Tannis (1944-2024)

Mayor Sutcliffe to proclaim The Snowsuit Fund Week in Ottawa

Where:

Snowsuit Fund Depot

225 Donald Street, Unit 134 (Big red door at the rear of the building)

When:

Thursday October 24, 2024 - 11:00 a.m.            

Official Remarks - 11:20 a.m.

What:

Past and present volunteer board members will be joined by the Tannis and Gullen

family members, and corporate supporters, including Senators Community Foundation, CLV Group, Giant Tiger, Tim Hortons, Brown’s Cleaners and more to officially kick off The Snowsuit Fund Season of fundraising and distribution of snowsuits to disadvantaged Ottawa children. 

Why:

Joan Gullen was a tireless worker – she completed her Masters of Social Work while

managing a household of five children, while always remaining a constant advocate for disadvantaged people in our community. She was the driving force behind Interval House, Ottawa’s first shelter for women fleeing domestic abuse, and she helped create the Gloucester Housing Corporation for affordable housing.

Ralph Tannis, who had no children himself, was best known as the owner of Ottawa’s iconic Fat Albert’s chain of pizza and sub restaurants. A go-getter with a flair for promoting ideas and instilling commitment among others, he was a lifelong supporter of community causes, including REACH, which provided pro bono legal and educational services. Ralph is remembered as a “down-to-earth guy” whose first question about the nascent fund was “‘So, what do we need to do?’”

In 1982, the first year of The Snowsuit Fund’s operation, 800 snowsuits were handed out. Today, this much-beloved charity distributes close to 17,000 snowsuits annually to Ottawa families in need. 

Following official remarks, a lunch of Fat Albert’s style Submarine Sandwiches lovingly prepared by Gabriel Pizza, and Tim Hortons bakery items will be served. 

Special Guests

• Sylvie Bigras (past chair, board member 1994-2015) co-emcee

• Lawrence Greenspon (past chair, board member 1990-2014) co-emcee

• Mayor Mark Sutcliffe - The Snowsuit Fund Week Proclamation 

• Martin Masse (current board chair, Partner Norton Rose Fulbright LLP)

• Jenny Gullen (daughter of Joan) and Ernest Tannis (brother of Ralph)

• Brian MacGregor - Brown’s Cleaners

• Bill Houldsworth - Tim Hortons

• Stéphanie Plante - Rideau Vanier Ward Councillor, past snowsuit recipient

About the Snowsuit Fund: 

The Snowsuit Fund purchases and distributes nearly 17,000 snowsuits annually to children 15 years and younger from low-income families living in Ottawa. Every child deserves a warm snowsuit to play outside, stay healthy, and feel a sense of belonging. Sadly, for many families, purchasing warm winter clothing is a necessity they cannot afford, as basic needs like food and utilities take priority. A snowsuit can do more than just protect against the cold—it can change lives. A single snowsuit can open the door to outdoor play, fostering better health, increased confidence, and even improved academic performance. It can give a child self-esteem, pride, and a sense of inclusion—qualities that not only benefit the child but also strengthen the family and, ultimately, the entire community. The Snowsuit Fund is almost entirely powered by volunteers and the community. We receive no government funding and rely entirely on the generosity of countless caring groups and individuals who give their time, money and talent to keep our doors open.

Media Contact: Mary Jelley - mary@kowconnected.ca | 613-791-6703