Welcome to our Fall 2025 Newsletter

As the leaves begin to turn and the air grows crisp, we’re reminded that fall is a season of both reflection and renewal. At Nelson House, this time of year brings. At Nelson House, this time of year brings new opportunities to strengthen our community, raise awareness, and continue providing vital support to women and children experiencing violence.

On September 23, 2025, Nelson House held our Annual General Meeting. It was a meaningful opportunity to reflect on the past year, celebrate our achievements, and share our vision for the future as we continue supporting women and children fleeing violence.

We are grateful to everyone who joined us and contributed to making the evening a success. Your ongoing support strengthens our work and our community.

In this edition, you’ll find updates on our ongoing programs, highlights from recent events, and a look at the important initiatives ahead. Together, with your support, we are creating safety, fostering resilience, and building hope. Thank you for standing with us this season and beyond.

 Table of Content

1. Message from our Executive Director, Clarissa Arthur

2. Events

3. Gratitude for donations 

4. How You Can Help 

5. Thank you

   
   

Message from our Executive Director

Clarissa & Mayor Sutcliffe

It has been three months since I assumed my role as Executive Director of Nelson House of Ottawa Carleton. I am inspired by the dedication of staff and community members who consistently come together to support our programs and services. Repeatedly, I am reminded that this is more than just a “role”; it is a duty to educate others and raise awareness about gender-based violence.

Last month, I was honoured to attend the Mayor’s Breakfast Series, where I had the opportunity to connect with other community leaders and discuss collaborative ways to improve our city and services. Mayor Mark Sutcliffe created a relaxed yet meaningful opportunity for us to share our successes and different needs around the table.

I’ve had the opportunity to connect locally and provincially with many others across the sector. I am looking forward to attending events at Queen's Park in November to highlight National Housing Day and the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and Girls. At Nelson House, we are committed to advocating for increased funding and systemic policy reform to enable communities to work together effectively in preventing and addressing intimate partner violence (IPV).

As always, thank you for your continued support.

Honouring Susan Sherring’s Legacy

The Sue Sherring planning team and NH Executive Director

NH Executive Director addressing the crowd at the Sue Sherring Event

On October 7, 2025, the 4th Annual Susan Sherring Legacy Fundraiser brought the community together to celebrate Susan’s lasting impact and commitment to supporting women and children fleeing violence.

Nelson House is deeply grateful to everyone who attended and contributed. Thanks to the incredible generosity of supporters, $16,000 was raised in support of Nelson House and our work to provide safety, hope, and new beginnings for survivors.

Susan’s legacy continues to inspire action and compassion across our community.

Royal Lepage Night Light Walk

Shirts designed by NH residents

Nelson House is honoured to have been one of three local shelters supported through the Royal LePage Shelter Foundation’s Night Light Walk, a powerful 3 km evening event that raised awareness and funds for women and children fleeing intimate partner violence.

Thanks to the incredible generosity of our community, $32,000 was raised in total to be shared among Nelson House, Harmony House, and Maison d’amitié.

We are deeply grateful to everyone who participated, donated, and walked in solidarity with survivors. Your support helps us continue providing safety, hope, and new beginnings for women and children in need.

2025 RONA Home Sweet Home Campaign

The 2025 RONA Home Sweet Home Campaign officially concluded on October 12, and we are so grateful to have once again been selected as a recipient. From September 1 to October 12, customers at RONA+ Nepean generously donated at checkout, with 100% of proceedsgoing directly to Nelson House to support women and children fleeing violence.

Last year, this campaign raised over $5,000, and we are deeply thankful to the RONA Foundation and our local store team for continuing to stand with survivors and invest in safe, stable futures. Your generosity reminds us what community support can achieve. Thank you for helping us build safety, hope, and new beginnings.

Royal LePage Performance Donation

Nelson House is deeply grateful to Royal LePage Performance Realty for their extraordinary donation of $38,755 this summer. This contribution was made possible through the generosity of Realtors who donated a portion of their commissions as well as through small fundraising events hosted at their offices.

Your dedication and compassion make a tangible difference in the lives of women and children fleeing violence. With your support, Nelson House cancontinue to provide safe shelter, critical resources, and hope for the future Thank you, Royal LePage Performance Realty, for being such a valued partner in our mission to create safer and stronger communities.

Thank you, ETFO!

Nelson House extends our heartfelt thanks to the Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario (ETFO) for their generous support of $500. It truly takes a village to create safety and hope for women and children fleeing violence, and we are so thankful that ETFO is part of ours. Your commitment strengthens our work and helps ensure families in our community have the support they need.

Thank you, Hailey Jane Jewelry

We are delighted to thank Hailey Jane Jewelry for choosing Nelson House as a beneficiary of their 10 year anniversary celebration. Your beautiful event and the generosity of guests helped raise funds that directly support women and children fleeing violence. These contributions help provide safe shelter, counseling, essentials, and around the clock support for families rebuilding their lives. Our heartfelt thanks to Hailey, the team, event partners, and every attendee who gave, shared, and celebrated community with us. Your kindness makes a real difference.

Giving Tuesday is a global day of generosity, and Nelson House is proud to take part once again. On this day, people all around the world come together to give back and support causes close to their hearts. - Dec 2, 2025

Your donation helps us provide safe shelter, resources, and hope for women and children fleeing violence. Every contribution makes a difference. Mark your calendar and join us in making Giving Tuesday a powerful reminder of the impact we can create together.

How You Can Help

• Donate: Every dollar helps us provide shelter and support.

• Fundraise: Host a community event to raise awareness and funds.

• Follow & Share: Help spread the word on social media!

Thank You

To our donors, staff, and community partners—thank you. You are the reason Nelson House can continue being a place of safety, empowerment, and new beginnings. Together, we are building a future where all women and children live free from violence.