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 October 31, 2025, 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 2025.

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

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About the Event

WHEN & WHERE WILL THIS EVENT BE HELD?

On October 31st, 2025, 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 $60. If you can't attend the luncheon, please consider donating $60 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 2026!

WHO WILL BE THE GUEST SPEAKER?

Lt-General (ret’d) the Honourable Andrew Leslie, PC, CMM, MSC, MSM, CD, RCA, BA, MA, D.Mil.Sci.(hc) was a soldier and led the 57,000 people in the Canadian Army in fires, floods, earthquakes, security missions, peacekeeping and war (Cyprus, Germany, Croatia, Serbia, Afghanistan and elsewhere), being awarded national and international honours and decorations.

He has also been a Senior Vice President of a very large multinational corporation, a Federal Member of Parliament, the Chief Government Whip, the Parliamentary Secretary focused on Canada-US Relations and Trade during the time of NAFTA, and was included on varied Federal cabinet committees. He now sits on both corporate and charitable boards and speaks on international affairs, leadership, transformation, governance, and crisis response. Andrew was educated at Ottawa University (BA), the Royal Military College (MA) where he was also conferred a Doctorate (hc), various Military Staff Colleges, and both the Harvard Business School and the Rotman School of Business. Fluently bilingual, he lives in Ottawa

WHY ARE WE HOSTING THIS EVENT?

Your presence at the IVOS 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.

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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.