Surprise! United Way East Ontario awarded another exemplary volunteer in the region with a Community Builder Award.
On the evening of Thursday, February 29, more than 200 people gathered at Queen St. Fare during Rändā Vo͞o’s February networking social, an event that brings together entrepreneurs, influencers, and community members to engage and amplify new conversations and connections. The venue was packed with leaders in architecture, finance, marketing, and entrepreneurship and buzzing with conversation. Rebecca Noelle’s soulful singing wowed the crowd and made for a perfect background ambience.
The emcee of the evening and Recognition Team member Derick Fage helped United Way pull off an amazing surprise presentation amidst it all.
Aaron McFarlane is the latest Community Builder Award recipient, who goes the extra mile to support, fundraise, and take action to set youth in the community up for success. His hard work and compassion inspire others to do good and build stronger, healthier, safer communities for everyone.
Aaron McFarlane receives his Community Builder Award. Photo: United Way East Ontario.
Aaron McFarlane
Aaron McFarlane. Photo provided.
Aaron McFarlane has supported his community and at-risk youth for more than five years. In January 2019, he founded Rändā Vo͞o: a dynamic business network designed to bring people together in engaging ways while also giving back.
His passion and advocacy for supporting young people in Ottawa is rooted in his own experiences growing up in Orleans. Raised by a single mom who juggled multiple jobs to provide for him and his two younger brothers, Aaron knows the importance of having someone in your corner. He’s on a mission to help youth in our region with the same love and passion that his mom showed him and his brothers.
To date, Aaron’s efforts through Rändā Vo͞o have injected more than $30,000 into local charities that support at-risk youth in Ottawa. But that’s not all; Aaron is also a fundraising champion.
His journey in fundraising began with the Spark Dental Charity Ball, where he worked to improve access to essential oral healthcare services. Since then, he’s been unstoppable.
For more than three years, Aaron has led the charge as a fundraising team captain for the annual Coldest Night of the Year walk, spearheading fundraising efforts that directly benefit youth experiencing homelessness. Aaron’s team has raised upwards of $6,500 for Youth Services Bureau of Ottawa (YSB) through the Coldest Night of the Year campaign alone.
Derick Fage & Aaron McFarlane. Photo: United Way East Ontario.
Aaron also doesn’t hesitate to step up when he sees a need. When women in shelters needed 4C hair products for their tightly-coiled curls, Aaron donated hundreds of dollars worth of products to YSB—ensuring that local women had access to the items they needed to take care of themselves.
Aaron stands as a shining example of a steadfast advocate and ally for at-risk youth in Ottawa. He will have their backs, no matter what. Whether they know him or not, Aaron is ensuring youth in our city have what they need to succeed.
Do you know a volunteer who has gone above and beyond to support their community? The Community Builder Awards program accepts nominations year-round! Nominate a Community Builder today!
