Saturday 15 August 2026
ACAO Strengthens Community Outreach Thanks to $69,900 OTF Grant from Ontario Government
New outreach van unveiled during ACAO Multicultural Festival
Ottawa, ON – On Saturday, local MPP John Fraser met with the team at African Canadian Association of
Ottawa (ACAO) at its Multicultural Festival to celebrate community investments, including a $69,900 capital
grant from the provincial government’s Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF). The funding supported the
acquisition of new equipment, including the outreach van, strengthening ACAO’s capacity to connect
African, Black and other underserved residents with vital programs, resources and community supports.
“This OTF investment in African Canadian Association of Ottawa (ACAO) is welcome news. It is a recognition
of the great work the organization does, and this investment will benefit everyone in Ottawa South and
beyond.” said John Fraser, MPP for Ottawa South. “The grant allows ACAO to purchase a new van to help get
seniors to their appointments and activities around the city as well as new computers for their youth to gain
a more equitable footing amongst their peers. Thank you to the Ontario Trillium Foundation for supporting
this important, life-changing organization through their Capital grant funding.”
With the support of OTF, ACAO has invested in practical infrastructure that helps the organization serve
people where they are. The newly unveiled outreach van will support community engagement, program
promotion, the transportation of supplies and equipment, and outreach to newcomer families, youth,
seniors and residents who may face barriers to accessing services. The support also enabled us to purchase
new computers for the organization.
“This investment gives ACAO more than a vehicle – it gives us greater reach,” said Hector Addison, Chief
Servant Officer of ACAO. “Our new outreach van will help us take information, programs and practical
support beyond our walls and closer to the people who need them. We are deeply grateful to the Ontario
government, the Ontario Trillium Foundation and all our funding partners for investing in ACAO’s capacity to
serve.”
The funding was recognized during ACAO’s Multicultural Festival, held at 100 Brewer Way in Ottawa. The
annual gathering brings communities together through culture, food, performances, sport and civic
engagement, while celebrating the diversity and contributions of Ottawa’s African and multicultural
communities.
The African Canadian Association of Ottawa is a charitable, Black-led, Black-serving and Black-focused
umbrella organization that works with more than 60 member associations. ACAO advances community
wellbeing through settlement and family supports, youth development, affordable housing, food security,
mental-health navigation, seniors’ programming, employment and financial education, sport, and
community engagement. Learn more at acaottawa.org.
The Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) is an agency of the Ontario government with a mission to build healthy
and vibrant communities across the province. In 2025-26, OTF invested nearly $107M into 746 community
projects. Projects aim to enhance economic well-being, foster more active lifestyles, support child and
youth development, provide spaces for people to come together and connect, and create a more
sustainable environment. Visit otf.ca to learn more.
African Canadian Association of Ottawa | acaottawa.org
Media contact:
Hector Addison, Chief Servant Officer | African Canadian Association of Ottawa
Phone: 613-501-9192 | Email: [email protected]
African Canadian Association of Ottawa | acaottawa.org
