One of Ottawa's largest child and youth-serving charitable organizations, BGC Ottawa provides vital programs and services to an annual average of 4,500 young members each year. The Club serves 19 neighbourhoods and has four full capacity Clubhouses and satellite locations throughout the city.
Tkachuk and Farinacci have also made a significant private financial donation to BGC to help the growth and development of youth, with specific focus to support recreational programs, fostering self-development and leadership. Providing resources to give underprivileged youth an opportunity to participate in all kinds of sport and recreational activities is meaningful to the couple. Physical well-being, leadership development and teaching the importance of responsibility in a safe environment are some of the things that drew them to BGC Ottawa.
"Since we've come to Ottawa, the city has fully embraced us and we believe it is important to give back and actively be part of the Ottawa community," said Tkachuk. "We've witnessed the great work the BGC has done in the past and the impact they have; we see this is a chance to help improve the lives of these kids through recreation and sport to enhance life skills, build self-confidence and to put smiles on their faces."
In addition to the announcement of this commitment, today the Tkachuk's Captains program was announced, an annual initiative that will see seven members in each of the four clubs (28 in total in the city) awarded the "C" for their role in day-to-day leadership at the BGC. Two potential nominees to be members of Tkachuk's Captains were introduced on Wednesday.
"I'm proud to be a member of the Ottawa Senators leadership group," said Tkachuk. "And to be part of the Tkachuk's Captains, you are asked to display the values of what it means to be part of BGC - things like belonging, respect, encouragement, working together and speaking out - and it's so exciting to be able to meet two potential members today."
As a kick-off to partnership, more than 100 children who take part in BGC programs in Ottawa will be treated to watch Tkachuk and the Senators as the take on the Colorado Avalanche at Thursday's sold-out game at Canadian Tire Centre.
"We are so excited about this partnership with Brady and Emma," said Adam Joiner, Chief Executive Officer of BGC Ottawa. "I have experienced first-hand the benefits of the club and to have two people of such profile in our community be so genuinely interested in improving the lives of children - I know the impact will be life-changing for many of these kids."
For more information on the Boys and Girls Club of Ottawa, including their mission, vision, values and how to support their programs, please visit bgcottawa.org.
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