More than 50 percent of Canadians have a relative who is living with a disability. In Ottawa, 260,300 people live with a disability, and three-quarters have multiple disabilities. People with disabilities (PWD) require more support, which can sometimes be challenging to get, especially for lower-income families and single-income persons with disabilities.
Fortunately, groups like ABLE2 offer a range of programs, educational workshops and services to provide hope and support to the city’s most vulnerable citizens, helping them pursue their dreams and goals.
To fund these critical programs, ABLE2 hosts one of Ottawa’s hottest fundraisers, an Evening in the Maritimes. This year, the event takes place on Wednesday, May 1, at The Westin Ottawa Hotel. It features great entertainment and an exquisite East Coast lobster dinner with fresh Nova Scotia lobster from Tangier, NS. Vegan and non-seafood options are also available.
Rub elbows with high-profile guests, including prominent business, media, political, government, and community leaders from Ottawa/Gatineau. CTV Ottawa’s Graham Richardson will reprise his role as host for the evening, while the honorary chair for the 28th Evening in the Maritimes is Michael Lifshitz, a nationally recognized Ottawa businessman and motivational speaker who advocates for the disability community.
Lifshitz was born with multiple congenital musculoskeletal abnormalities and uses a walking aid and an electric wheelchair for mobility. Despite his challenges, Lifshitz became a chartered public accountant and earned an MBA from Edinburgh Business School. He uses his first-hand experience and sense of humour to educate others on the capabilities of PWD while motivating others in the disability community to surmount their own obstacles and embrace life to the fullest extent of their abilities.
Attendees will be treated to live maritime-themed fiddle music and sample some great cocktails and mocktails. The highly anticipated silent auction kicks off online one week prior to the gala, but auctioneer Ryan Watson takes over on the evening of May 1 with a live auction to wrap things up. Prizes include full travel experiences.
Expect nothing less than a fun-filled evening of good food, music, and great company at Evening in the Maritimes. Michael Lifshitz says it is important to support ABLE2 in its mission “as their programs work to remove barriers and empower people with disabilities.” All the money raised on this amazing night goes directly to fund ABLE2 programs, resources and services.
Evening in the Maritimes includes accessibility accommodations for people with disabilities, like live captioning on-screen for people who prefer to read and ASL interpretation. Attendant care is available on-site provided by Whimble. Any special requests for attendees will be accommodated. More information about accommodations is outlined on the ABLE2 website.
Date: Wednesday, May 1 2024
Time: 5:30 – 9:30 p.m.
Location: The Westin Ottawa, 11 Colonel By Drive, Ottawa, 4th floor of the hotel
Tickets are on sale until April 16/24, while supplies last. Individual tickets and Corporate Tables are available. Click here to get yours!
