EVENTS

Join us for a lunch that supports Veterans in need

What is the Veterans' Tribute Luncheon?

The Veterans' Tribute Luncheon is a fundraising event that allows OIM to pay tribute to the brave men and women who served our country. This luncheon will feature a guest speaker to address attendees on the topic of Veteran homelessness.

Join us on November 5, 2026, at the Delta Hotel City Centre (101 Lyon St. N.) from 12:00 to 2:00 pm for this year's Veterans Tribute Luncheon, which will be at the beginning of Veterans' Week.

To learn more about the Innercity Veterans Outreach and Support (IVOS) program, please visit the program's webpage.

I want tickets!

About the Event

WHEN & WHERE WILL THIS EVENT BE HELD?

On November 5th, 2026, just ahead of Veterans' Week, we will gather at the Delta Hotel City Centre (101 Lyon St N.)

From 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm, you will enjoy a delicious lunch catered by the staff at the Delta Hotel, hear from our keynote speaker, and learn more about OIM. Tickets will be $65. If you can't attend the luncheon, please consider donating $65 so a Veteran in need can enjoy this wonderful lunch in your place.

WHAT IS THE SCHEDULE FOR THE EVENT?

12:00 pm: Event begins

12:20 pm: Tribute to the fallen + moment of silence

12:30 pm: Lunch is served

1:15 pm: Keynote speaker

2:00 pm: Conclude + see you in 2027!

WHO WILL BE THE GUEST SPEAKER?

Rear-Admiral (Ret’d) The Honourable Rebecca Patterson, OMM MSM CD is a 34 year Canadian Armed Forces veteran. A registered nurse by training, Senator Patterson enjoyed a rewarding career with the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF). As a provider and executive health leader, she worked in military healthcare delivery, education, training, and operational and strategic planning, both at home and on international deployments.

On promotion to Flag (General) Officer, she was the first person with a military nursing background ever lead at that rank.

With a passion for service, Senator Patterson has lead in many different domains in CAF. From serving as the Defence Champion for Women, addressing sexual misconduct and leading culture change efforts in the CAF, to commanding Canada’s 14th health system, the Canadian Forces Health Service at the height of the COVID 19 pandemic, she has always been focused on creating healthy work environments and uplifting others. She has been a strong advocate to transform the culture, eliminate harmful behaviour, and re-establish public trust in the Canadian military.

Senator Patterson was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal from the Governor General of Canada in 2014, and inducted as an Officer in the Order of Military Merit in 2018. She is also the recipient of numerous other honours and awards, including the Ontario Premier’s Award for Excellence in Health Sciences for Ontario College Graduates, and the Niagara College Canada Distinguished Alumni Award. She remains an active member of the College of Nurses of Ontario, the Canadian College of Health Leaders, and the Royal Canadian Medical Service Association.

Senator Patterson is the first woman to be a CAF veteran and be appointed to the Senate of Canada, where she remains committed to serving Canadians and ensuring CAF members, their families, and veterans have their voice represented. She lives in Ottawa with her family.

WHY ARE WE HOSTING THIS EVENT?

Your presence at the Veterans' Tribute Luncheon means the world to us, especially to the veterans who benefit from our programs and may be among our attendees. This event is vital for continuing our mission to support at-risk and homeless veterans in Ottawa. By joining us, you empower OIM and the IVOS program in four key ways:

Directly Support Veterans: Every dollar raised goes straight to OIM's IVOS program, helping us continue to offer practical support, a weekly drop-in, and monthly movie nights to Veterans in need. Your attendance directly fuels these efforts and helps us offer camaraderie to reduce the isolation that many of them face.
Honour Our Heroes: The luncheon is also a dedicated time to pay tribute to the brave men and women who have served our nation, both in our program and beyond. It's your chance to show profound gratitude and acknowledge their sacrifices.
Gain Valuable Insight: Hear from our keynote speaker and OIM's IVOS Coordinator, Lieutenant-General (Retired) Walter Semianiw. They'll offer a deeper understanding of the complex challenges Veterans face after their service.
Learn About OIM's Impact: Since 1988, OIM has been a cornerstone of support for Ottawa's poor and homeless, making thousands of connections annually. The luncheon offers a glimpse into our broader initiatives and dedicated veteran-centric programs, including "Operation Road Home," which aims to find stable homes for homeless or precariously housed Veterans.

History of Innercity Veterans Outreach and Support

The IVOS program is an Ottawa-based support program that comes alongside and supports homeless Veterans in the downtown core. Our volunteers are on the streets of Ottawa every day searching for homeless Veterans, and providing emergency support in the form of clothing, sandwiches and drinks. Our IVOS program also conducts a weekly Veterans’ drop-in and a monthly Veterans movie night. Our weekly program provides food and toiletries to Veterans from our main office at 391 Gladstone Avenue. Our full-time staff and volunteers, many of whom are Veterans, also support Veterans one-on-one and provide Veterans with a monthly newsletter. The program has been supporting Veterans facing poverty and homelessness since 2019 and is supported by the Government of Canada.

I want tickets!

Main Sponsor

For over 150 years, Willis College has secured a reputation as a top college dedicated to skills-training excellence. Today, Willis College continues to lead in employability skills training as one of the best colleges in Canada suited to the ever-changing and emerging demands of the labour market. Willis College is proud to call the nation’s capital of Ottawa our home base. Alongside our Ottawa campus, we offer campuses in Winnipeg and offer online programs, allowing students from all corners of Canada to access exciting new career paths.