Hellenic Community of Ottawa

The Hellenic Community of Ottawa is a Canadian non-profit organization founded in 1929. Its primary mission is to preserve and promote Hellenic culture, language, history, and the Greek Orthodox faith in Ottawa and Canada.

Purpose and Activities

The Hellenic Community of Ottawa is dedicated to maintaining and sharing Greek heritage with both its own community and the broader Ottawa area. It offers a variety of cultural, spiritual, and recreational activities for adults and children, including Greek language classes and traditional dance lessons. The organization emphasizes the importance of community integration and multiculturalism, aligning with Canada's ideals on these issues[5].

Key Events and Initiatives

• Ottawa GreekFest: One of the largest and most celebrated Greek festivals in North America, held annually. It features traditional Greek food, live music, and entertainment such as the famous Zorba Show[2][3].
• Gold Plate Dinner: A prestigious fundraising event that has raised over $2 million for local charities, including the Ottawa Heart Institute and the Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario[2][3].
• Hellenic Kaleidoscope on Rogers TV: A broadcast that showcases various aspects of Greek culture and community life[1].

Community Impact

The Hellenic Community of Ottawa plays a significant role in the Ottawa community by supporting local charities and promoting cultural exchange. It serves as a hub for community activities, fostering social cohesion and cultural diversity. The organization's commitment to inclusiveness helps bridge gaps between ethnic groups and the mainstream community, enhancing Ottawa's multicultural fabric[5].

Registration and Status

The Hellenic Community of Ottawa is registered with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) under the business number 118955731RR0001, affirming its status as a charitable organization[4].

[1] https://greeklanguage.ca/en/organization/hellenic-community-of-ottawa/ [2] https://helleniccommunity.com [3] https://helleniccommunity.com/about/ [4] https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/hellenic-community-of-ottawa/ [5] https://www.athensjournals.gr/social/2020-7-1-2-Karlis.pdf