First "Men's Centre" Coming to Canada's Capital As Fundraising Campaign Reaches Target

OTTAWA, ON--(Marketwired - May 03, 2017) - Canada's capital city will soon welcome its first "Men's Centre." The fundraising campaign to open the Canadian Centre for Men and Families in Ottawa has been so successful that the Canadian Association for Equality (CAFE), the charity leading the project, has increased its goal from $50,000 to $75,000, launching a new GoFundMe crowdfunding campaign to make up the difference.

"This unique Centre will provide critical services currently unavailable to boys and men in Ottawa, while acting as an urgently needed voice responding to federal policies that regularly dismiss the seriousness of issues affecting men and fathers," said CAFE Ottawa Director David Shackleton.

A Gala Lunch and Entertainment event on May 28th at 1:00 PM, featuring Senator Anne Cools, will celebrate the upcoming opening of Ottawa's first home for boys, men and fathers. The longest serving Senator will be joined by John Robson, CFRA Ottawa Radio personality, and Nora Spinks, CEO of the Vanier Institute of the Family.

"The Ottawa Centre will follow the lead of our sister agency in Toronto, which in under three years has become an important community partner, serving men referred to us from hospitals, Victim Services offices, homeless shelters and other agencies," said CAFE Executive Director Justin Trottier.

"Our work has reconnected fathers and children, supported neglected victims of domestic abuse, and offered hundreds of men access to free mental health services, all in an environment that is welcoming to the concerns of boys, men and their families. We are making a difference in Toronto and we are eager to do the same in Ottawa."

Media is welcome at our Gala Lunch on May 28th. Full information at http://www.menandfamilies.org/ottawa/

To learn more about the GoFundMe Campaign, visit https://www.gofundme.com/open-ottawas-first-center-for-men