It takes a lot of effort to keep the wheels turning.
The First Unitarian Congregation of Ottawa is funded by its members and it costs about $2,000 per member to keep running our programs and maintaining our building. We have several different annual campaigns and events to raise funds for the congregation, plus other fundraising events for specific causes.
something old, something new
FirstU is in the process of replacing the Old railings on our upper patio and updating our AV tech with some New equipment. Thence our ongoing Something Old, Something New fundraiser to cover the costs of these much-needed upgrades (click HERE for details). We're doing everything from donation drives to concerts to help raise money for this cause. Got an idea for a Something Old, Something New fund-raising event that you want to take point on and bring to fruition? Contact renewal@firstunitarianottawa.ca to get the ball rolling!
swingin' for syrians
Join FirstU and Or Haneshamah on Sunday, May 28, for Swinging for Syrians: A fun night of Big Band hits performed by the Silver Swing Band, plus a silent auction and delicious Syrian treats! Funds from the event will support our Syrian refugee family, who are expected to arrive in 4-6 months. The Silent Auction opens at 6pm (so come early), and the music kicks off at 7pm. It's all happening at 30 Cleary. Tickets are $35/person.
Click HERE to order tickets online OR you can purchase them during Coffee Hour.
Click HERE to order tickets online OR you can purchase them during Coffee Hour.
Fall Fair at FirstU
The “Fall Fair at FirstU” is BACK! Fall Fair has been described as "the biggest church bazaar in Ottawa", and it's the event of the year at FirstU! It's a study in Unitarian Universalist principles in action: Volunteers having fun getting to know each other, caring for each other, overcoming problems (more or less gracefully), and working together to a common cause – to raise money for the church. |
This year, Fall Fair will be held on Saturday, November 12.
We can't wait for you to experience our big event!
Volunteer, donate, or just stop by our place on November 12th to find some treasures to take home! Lots of great items - from jewelry and gifts to clothing and take-out food - will be available, and we know you'll find something you'll love.
We can't wait for you to experience our big event!
Volunteer, donate, or just stop by our place on November 12th to find some treasures to take home! Lots of great items - from jewelry and gifts to clothing and take-out food - will be available, and we know you'll find something you'll love.
Spring for Something Special
Since 2020, the “Spring for Something Special” online auction has become an annual feature of FirstU's fundraising year. Members and friends donate jewelry, antiques, fine china, and an array of other treasures which are then sorted into categories by volunteers. We partner with a local auction house, who photograph the pieces and make them available online for a two week, open-to-the-public bidding blitz. You can help by donating something special that needs a new home, offering your time to sort donated items, and even just by spreading the word and inviting your friends to check out what's available.
Since 2020, the “Spring for Something Special” online auction has become an annual feature of FirstU's fundraising year. Members and friends donate jewelry, antiques, fine china, and an array of other treasures which are then sorted into categories by volunteers. We partner with a local auction house, who photograph the pieces and make them available online for a two week, open-to-the-public bidding blitz. You can help by donating something special that needs a new home, offering your time to sort donated items, and even just by spreading the word and inviting your friends to check out what's available.
Time and Talent Auction
Every year, we at FirstU, participate in a silent auction where we share our time and our talents with each other and our community. Everything from yard work to meal prep to financial planning lessons and walking tours of Ottawa go up for auction. Plus we go out into the larger community asking businesses and organizations for their support too. Time and Talent is the third largest annual fundraising event for FirstU and we'd love to have you to take part.
Every year, we at FirstU, participate in a silent auction where we share our time and our talents with each other and our community. Everything from yard work to meal prep to financial planning lessons and walking tours of Ottawa go up for auction. Plus we go out into the larger community asking businesses and organizations for their support too. Time and Talent is the third largest annual fundraising event for FirstU and we'd love to have you to take part.
Pledge Campaign
We hold an annual pledge campaign in the fall - starting in early October and running through mid-December - that educates our church community about our budget and what is needed to fund us for the year.
This is, by far, our biggest "fundraiser" of the year. About 70% of FirstU's annual budget is supported directly by pledge donations from members and friends.
We hold an annual pledge campaign in the fall - starting in early October and running through mid-December - that educates our church community about our budget and what is needed to fund us for the year.
This is, by far, our biggest "fundraiser" of the year. About 70% of FirstU's annual budget is supported directly by pledge donations from members and friends.