Hope on the Horizon: A Student-Led Fundraising Initiative Supporting Rideauwood
Rideauwood Addiction and Family Services is honoured to be the chosen charity for Hope on the Horizon—a series of fundraising events created by the talented students of Algonquin College’s Public Relations Program.
As part of their 2025 coursework, these future communications professionals are putting their skills into action, planning and executing unique events that bring the community together in support of mental health and addiction recovery. Their passion, creativity, and commitment to making a difference are helping to ensure that individuals and families in Ottawa have access to the support they need on their journey toward healing.
Gaming for Charity
Wednesday, March 19
6:00 – 10:00 pm
Level One Game Pub
Gaming for Charity is a fundraising event that combines the joy of playing board and video games with the power of giving back. This event is all about fun, games, and good vibes! Grab your friends, roll the dice, and settle in for some Monopoly madness—all while supporting a fantastic cause: Rideauwood Addiction and Family Services. It’s the perfect combo of friendly competition, connection, and giving back! Attendees can play over 300 board games and 1,000 video games and stay fueled with the menu of delicious bites and drinks, including craft beer, specialty coffee, burgers, nachos, and vegetarian/gluten-free options. Come join the fun and help make an impact.
80’s Night
Thursday, March 20th
7:00 PM – 11:00 pm
LIVE! on Elgin
Join us for an unforgettable ’80s Night at LIVE! on Elgin to help mark 40 years of community fundraising by Algonquin College public relations students! Get ready to dance to iconic ’80s hits, sip on local brews and wear your best throwback outfit. Enjoy our signature Rideauwood mocktail and explore our ‘Memory Lane’, featuring classic ’80s memorabilia. During the night, guests will have the chance to win nostalgic prizes. All proceeds will be donated to Rideauwood Addiction and Family Services, helping individuals and families affected by addiction and mental health challenges.
Pouring Positivity
Sunday March 23rd
2:00 – 4:00 pm
Algonquin College Ottawa Campus
The Algonquin College public relations students’ Hope on the Horizon campaign invites you to Pouring Positivity, a garden-themed afternoon tea party designed to uplift and inspire. Surrounded by vibrant shades of pink, flowers, and vines, attendees will enjoy a selection of teas and freshly brewed coffee, paired with an assortment of delicious mini sandwiches and freshly baked treats, with all proceeds benefitting Rideauwood Addiction and Family Services.
Spring Clean for the Cause
Tuesday March 25th & Wednesday March 26th
12:00 – 3:00 pm
Algonquin College Ottawa Campus
Join us for an afternoon of community celebration and giving. We’ll be raising money for the Algonquin College public relations students’ Hope on the Horizon campaign in support of Rideauwood Addiction and Family Services. Spring Clean for the Cause is a thrift shop event. Our team will be accepting gently used, pre-washed clothing items between Feb. 17 and March. 17 and selling them to the AC students and faculty. Stop by with friends to browse, shop and support a great cause! We will be setting up shop at Algonquin College, Woodroffe Campus, in room N203, from 12 p.m. until 3 p.m. on March 25 and 26. Be nice to the environment—bring your own bag!
Free Admission—Donations Encouraged
Non graphic shirts – 2$
Graphic shirts – 5$
Pants and sweaters – 10$
The Ruby Reception
Wednesday, March 26th
6:30 – 8:30 pm
Observatory
Join Algonquin College public relations students, alumni, faculty and friends for the Ruby Reception. We’re celebrating 40 years of community fundraising by PR students and honouring the legacy of Claudine Wilson, the late founder of the Algonquin College public relations program. The event will take place at The Observatory at Algonquin College, room A1402, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Show up in style with business casual flair, all in bold red, classic white or timeless black. As part of this year’s Hope on the Horizon campaign, all proceeds will go to Rideauwood Addiction and Family Services. Guests can enjoy a cash bar and specialty mocktails, as well as live entertainment and inspiring guest speakers.
‘Strike a Chord’ Artist’s Alley
Wednesday, April 2nd
5:00-10:00 pm
135 Besserer Street
Join the ‘Strike a Chord’ Artist’s Alley to support the Hope on the Horizon campaign. We welcome you to a bohemian-inspired night of creativity and compassion as we bring together Ottawa’s music scene to fundraise for Rideauwood Addiction and Family Services. See incredible performances from local musicians and poets, enjoy refreshments, browse unique art and capture memories at our photo booth. Show off your talent by taking part in our open mic! Sign-ups will be available at the event, don’t miss your chance to take centre stage!
Skate Away The Stigma: Roll For Recovery
Thursday, April 3rd
6:00 – 9:00 pm
Skate & Play
Get ready to roll into the fun zone! Hosted by the Algonquin College public relations students as part of their Hope on the Horizon campaign, the Skate Away the Stigma: Roll for Recovery event is not just any event. We are rolling in collaboration with Skate & Play Ottawa! On Thursday, April 3, 2025, join us for entertainment, including roller skating, virtual reality, arcade games, delicious food, and music in a community-focused celebration. This event marks the 40th anniversary of fundraising efforts by ACPR students while supporting a meaningful cause. Guests can enjoy these fun activities for an entry fee of $18.99 per person. We’ve got your back (and your feet) with rental skates for just an extra $5.
This night is about coming together in support of our charity campaign. Let’s skate away the stigma to the beat of lively music, and amp up the night with glow sticks for an amplified experience. With a silent auction featuring must-haves, get ready to place your online and real-time bids. The best part? Half of the entry fees and all proceeds from our glow-stick sales and engaging silent auction will benefit Rideauwood Addiction and Family Services.
Children under 13 years old must wear a helmet, which is not available for rent.
All payments are made at registration for the event
So, let us roll for recovery together—your golden ticket to fun and community engagement awaits you!
