A Centretown-based women's organization has been awarded a $25,000 grant by Aviva Insurance to help fund a new computer program.
The prize given to The Well comes from the Aviva Community Fund, an online contest asking Canadians to submit their ideas for projects to create positive change in their communities.
Winners are voted on and chosen by the public.
“The majority of the money will go into supplying computers, desks, hardware and software,” says co-director Pat Connolly, who added their current computers are second-hand. “It’s an incredible opportunity for us, it’s so fresh and we’re so excited and so grateful.”
“I think it’ll make an incredible difference,” she says. “A good majority of our women don’t have access to computers or to the Internet, and certainly not someone who will have the patience and time to give them the instruction they need.
“In particular, new Canadian women who might have difficulty navigating the system. We can help them access the resources they need to overcome to barriers in their life.”
Connolly says insurance brokers Smith Petrie Carr and Scott Insurance Brokers Ltd. "really spearheaded the entire project," and she wants to thank all the voters.
The organization, located at 154 Somerset St., seeks to provide a safe space for women and children to come together and prepare for their futures.
The day program targets women struggling with issues such as addiction, abuse, financial troubles and language barriers.
Two other Ottawa organizations were also awarded funding – the Crystal Bay Centre for Special Education and the Capital City Condors, a hockey team for children with special needs.