Alida Burke and Corey Ellis, founders of the technology company Growcer, received 2019’s GenNext Community Builder of the Year Award for bringing jobs and healthy, affordable produce to food deserts in Ottawa and across Canada.

At the 19th annual Community Builder of the Year Awards, Erin Benjamin received the Ambassador Award for her leadership in the music industry and in Ottawa tornado relief efforts.

For his astounding contributions to building community, Steve was recently presented with a special surprise from United Way Ottawa.

Throughout the year, United Way Ottawa recognizes Community Builders from across our city. But once annually, we celebrate seven Community Builders of the Year.

Doug has made Ottawa a better place—now it’s time to make a difference in St. John’s.

By day, he’s a student at both the University of Ottawa and Carleton University. By night, and day, and morning, and evening… well, all the time: he volunteers all over Ottawa, making our city a more vibrant place to live.

Marie Hackett is the kind of spectacular person who is both undaunted by big problems and is willing to change her life to find big solutions.

Thanks to Dr. Motayne, young people all over Ottawa wake up proud of who they are. It takes a passionate, kind and caring leader like Dr. Motayne to make a difference, and we are pleased to have him join the ranks of United Way Community Builders.

Shelley Rolland-Poruks has volunteered in every city or town she’s ever lived in. Here’s how this Community Builder Award winner balances it all.