At Zibi, community support and environmental stewardship aren’t just values on paper—they are at the heart of what we do. With generous funding from the Dream Community Foundation (DCF) and through Dream’s Diversity, Inclusion and Adversity (DIA) programs, we’re proud to partner with local organizations and offer support that reaches deep into the Ottawa-Gatineau community. Through donations, volunteer initiatives, and fundraising events, we’re making a difference, one project at a time. Here’s a look at some of our recent involvement:

1. Shoebox Project: Holiday cheer for women in need

This holiday season, Dream will be contributing $3,500 to the Shoebox Project, an initiative that provides gift-filled shoeboxes to women impacted by homelessness or living in shelters. Zibi House will serve as an official Shoebox drop-off location starting November 12 and until December 9. Zibi will also be hosting a resident event to encourage financial and shoebox donations. These small gifts filled with essentials and personal touches offer comfort and hope to women facing difficult circumstances. For more information, visit: https://www.shoeboxproject.ca/chapters/ottawa

2. Minwaashin Lodge: Support for Indigenous women and families

Minwaashin Lodge provides a range of critical services for Indigenous women and families, including counseling, housing support, and cultural programming. Recognizing the importance of their work, DCF donated $5,000 to support Minwaashin Lodge’s programs, and Zibi employees wrapped presents for the Lodge’s residents to share with their families. The financial contribution helps sustain vital resources for healing, empowerment, and community building. You can donate to Minwaashin Lodge here: www.minlodge.com

3. Habitat for Humanity: Building homes and futures

Through a $5,000 donation to Habitat for Humanity Ottawa, DCF is going one step further in making affordable housing a reality for families in need. The Zibi team is looking forward to volunteering with Habitat for Humanity in the future to take their support to the next level.

4. Ottawa Tool Library: Hands-On Learning at the Repair Café

Promoting sustainability and skill-sharing, DCF contributed nearly $10,000 to the Ottawa Tool Library to host two Repair Cafés at Zibi where we welcomed over 275 repair-seekers and where volunteers fixed more than 150 items, from electronics to clothing. This fun event allows for broken items to find a new life instead of throwing them away, and more importantly for people to learn how to do it themselves!

5. EnviroCentre: Promoting sustainable transportation with Let’s Bike Month

As part of our commitment to environmental sustainability, DCF supported EnviroCentre with a $5,000 donation for Let’s Bike Month last June. This initiative encourages the community to choose cycling as a sustainable mode of transportation. Zibi also hosted two Bike Maintenance Workshops on site for residents and visitors. Through this partnership, Zibi has helped facilitate and raise awareness about eco-friendly travel, a perfect fit for our commitment to building a sustainable and bike-friendly community at Zibi.

6. Ottawa Riverkeeper: Protecting our waterways

Our connection to the Ottawa River runs deep, and we’re passionate about protecting it. In support of Ottawa Riverkeeper, DCF provided a $5,000 donation, which has gone towards the Riverkeeper’s education and outreach programming for students and community members. These important programs ensure that the watershed remains swimmable, fishable and drinkable for years to come – a cause that is very dear to our riverfront community! Learn more about the Ottawa Riverkeeper’s important work here: https://ottawariverkeeper.ca/

7. Moisson Outaouais and Parkdale Food Centre: Fighting food insecurity

Food security is a critical issue, and Zibi is committed to supporting organizations on both sides of the river that address this need. That is why DCF donated $5,000 to Moisson Outaouais and to Parkdale Food Market earlier this year. Moisson Outaouais serves the Outaouais region by helping provide nutritious food to individuals and families facing hardship.

In addition to its financial donation, Zibi collected three boxes of food at its resident Harvest BBQ for the Parkdale Food Centre, an organization that not only provides food but also engages in community programs to empower residents through food education and support. Harvest BBQ was a celebration of community and giving, bringing together residents and employees in a shared commitment to celebrating local businesses and helping those in need.

8. Dance at Zibi presented by the National Arts Centre: Bringing the arts to the waterfront

On Thursdays in July and August of this year, dance groups from the region brought the heat to Zibi and offered free dance lessons to more than a 100 residents and community members of all ages. Dance at Zibi presented by the National Arts Centre was made possible thanks to a $10,000 donation from DCF. From K-pop and street dance to Latin folk, house and tango, the free Dance at Zibi evenings were a wonderful way to connect with music and one another.

Making a lasting impact

From food security and affordable housing to environmental protection and support for women in need, Zibi is proud of the partnerships we’ve fostered and the impact we have been able to make on important community issues.

Register today to learn more about Zibi.