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 $1,000 per member to keep running our programs and maintaining our building. We have several different kinds of campaigns and events to raise funds for the congregation.
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.

Fall Fair at FirstU
...Has been cancelled, due to the Pandemic, for the second year in a row.
The “Fall Fair at FirstU” has been described as the biggest church bazaar in Ottawa. Most years, a week of preparation transforms our 16,000 square foot church into a market selling almost anything donated, from diamond rings at the Silent Auction and designer labels in the Boutique, to sushi and salads at our Bistro. You name it, we probably sell it. Everything possible, including items not sold, is re-used, re-purposed or recycled & even waste meets environmentally responsible guidelines.
...Has been cancelled, due to the Pandemic, for the second year in a row.
The “Fall Fair at FirstU” has been described as the biggest church bazaar in Ottawa. Most years, a week of preparation transforms our 16,000 square foot church into a market selling almost anything donated, from diamond rings at the Silent Auction and designer labels in the Boutique, to sushi and salads at our Bistro. You name it, we probably sell it. Everything possible, including items not sold, is re-used, re-purposed or recycled & even waste meets environmentally responsible guidelines.
Pledge Campaign
We hold an annual pledge campaign in the early winter that educates members about our budget and what is needed to fund us for the year. Learn more about our annual pledge campaign.
We hold an annual pledge campaign in the early winter that educates members about our budget and what is needed to fund us for the year. Learn more about our annual pledge campaign.
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.