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Another Amazing Riverkeeper Gala!

Thank you to everyone who attended this beautiful evening - it is always inspiring to gather such a fantastic community of river supporters! 50 Sussex was completely transformed into a magical setting for the party, with marvelous work done by Tania Kratt, Penny Schroeder and the outstanding members of the Gala committee to turn this event into an evening that will never be forgotten. We are so grateful to them for making this River Chic evening a reality!

The Right Honourable Beverley McLachlin, former Chief Justice of Canada, became our latest Honorary Riverkeeper, joining a prestigious circle comprised of Stephen Poloz, Mark Carney, Kevin Vickers, Sophie Grégoire Trudeau, Murray Sinclair, and Henry Burris. Madame McLachlin spoke eloquently about her connection to water - starting with Pincher Creek where she grew up, and how the Ottawa River was an important and calming presence, directly outside her window at the Supreme Court during her time as Chief Justice.

We recognized outstanding champions with two Water Leader awards. Mission 100 Tonnes, a purely volunteer-driven initiative, has done incredible work, removing 31 tonnes of trash thus far from Québec waterways. Jimmy Vigneux, one of the group’s founders, accepted the award on their behalf. Trevor Cunningham accepted the award on behalf of River Surf Ottawa-Gatineau, who have been doing an outstanding job mobilizing the Ottawa and Gatineau surfing communities to help during the ongoing flooding. He graciously and modestly accepted the award, praising all the volunteers and groups who have been working tirelessly to support their neighbours and complete strangers who are coping with the flooding disaster.

Guests also got to watch and take part in a beautiful and powerful performance from JP Longboat, co-choreographer and dancer Josee Bourgeois, and youth cultural dancers from Kitigan Zibi. Lara Van Loon from the Gala Committee made the performance possible, and we are so grateful. Finally, the evening was capped of by some energetic music and dancing, featuring the talents of Kellylee Evans and Rebecca Noelle, who got the crowd pumped up and moving around!

In total, you, our river-loving community, raised a record-breaking 303,000$ for clean water - a phenomenal show of support for the mighty Kichi Sibi!

We already have some beautiful photos from the event, with even more on the way!

Music

Kellylee Evans

Juno Award winner Kellylee Evans has tackled everything from jazz to R&B to pop. She offers views on love and loss in an alluringly rhythmic approach that has touches of psychedelic pop, resonating soul groove and that je ne sais quoi that is strictly Kellylee and forged by her jazz discipline.

Rebecca Noelle

Blessed with a searing three octave vocal range, Rebecca Noelle has had the privilege and versatility to try her hand at just about every musical style she wanted to over the years. But it’s her natural affinity for Soul that has set this stunning singer apart. With a sultry voice that is simply unforgettable, Noelle brings to mind some of the artists who influenced her over the years – Etta James, Jamiroquai and K.D. Lang.

May 29, 2019

50 Sussex Drive

Come for the best party in town.

Stay for our magnificent river.

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Silent Auction

Thank you to everyone who bid on items during our silent auction at the Gala! If you have questions about your bid or item, please contact Caroline Keddy at ckeddy@ottawariverkeeper.ca.

A massive thank you to all the fantastic donors who gave something to our silent auction for this year's Gala. All proceeds will go towards helping keep our river swimmable, drinkable, and fishable for everyone.