MEDIA ADVISORY – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

First “Men’s Centre” in Ottawa Will Celebrate Grand Opening This Saturday September 9th

OTTAWA, ON – (September 5, 2017) The Grand Opening of the Canadian Centre for Men and Families (CCMF) Ottawa, the first Men’s Centre in the nation’s capital, will take place this Saturday, September 9th at 1:00 PM at 292 Montreal Road, Suite 302.

The landmark event follows the conclusion of a successful fundraising campaign that raised over $80,000 from hundreds of contributors across the country.

“We are so thankful to our donors and so proud of the amazing team of dedicated volunteers who have come together and opened a Centre to close critical gaps in programs and services for boys and men in Ottawa,” said David Shackleton, Ottawa Director of the Canadian Centre for Men and Families (CCMF), the charity that governs the CCMF.

CCMF Ottawa joins its Toronto sister agency as the second men’s health and social service hub in Canada, marking CCMF as the first national organization to operate multiple men’s centres.

The Grand Opening will feature keynote speeches, a ribbon cutting ceremony and an opportunity to meet the staff and volunteers leading this initiative, including founding Executive Director Patrick Wright. Wright holds a Masters in Health Promotion from Dalhousie University, where he served as Director of Health Professions for the Dalhousie Association of Graduate Students.

“Establishing a centre dedicated to providing social services targeted towards men is an important step towards improving the health and well-being of men and families,” said Wright. “We’re excited to start working with other organizations to help meet the needs of the Ottawa community”

CCMF Ottawa has already unveiled its initial programs, including a Fathering After Separation or Divorce Peer Support Group and Employment Support and Resources.

Media will have an opportunity to interview agency leaders during the Grand Opening.

Contact:

David Shackleton
Ottawa Director, Canadian Centre for Men and Families
dshackleton@menandfamilies.org
(613) 832-2284

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