The May Court Club of Ottawa is involved in many community projects to which its volunteers devote many hours (almost 20,000 per year!) and to some it also provides necessary financial support.
Click on the following to get a brief description of the Club’s present involvement:
May Court Hospice
In 1997, the May Court Club of Ottawa, faced with new provincial government regulations and escalating costs, made a very difficult decision and closed its Convalescent Home. As a much- valued institution in the community, it had provided service for women since 1916. The Club then set about to find a use for the facility in keeping with its mandate of service to others. After exploring several possibilities the May Court Club of Ottawa entered into a purchase of service agreement with the Hospice at All Saints. The Club had been involved with palliative care in Ottawa since the 1970’s when it established its Palliative Care Committee at the Riverside Hospital. The Club had also provided funding for three palliative care nurses over a period of three years, so this was a continuing, rather than a new, initiative for the Club. The May Court Hospice continues as a vital part of Hospice Care Ottawa. Rent-free accommodation and an annual grant to the Hospice are still part of the Club’s commitment.
Since 1999 this has proved to be a remarkably successful partnership for both parties. The May Court Club sees its facility used as an important part of its outreach to the community. Its members volunteer at the hospice reception desk, in administrative duties, and in its palliative care activities. The hospice is a serene and attractive home which provides compassionate care and support for individuals and their families. All programs are provided at no charge thanks to many volunteers, generous donors and supporters.
The May Court Bargain Box
Since 1970 the May Court Bargain Box has been selling second-hand clothing, footwear, linens, jewellery, decorative and household items – all “new to you” and all at very affordable prices. We rely solely on donations – sorry no consignments – and we are most grateful to all the generous donors who have helped us keep the store stocked for many years. Friendly and helpful May Court volunteers staff the shop and are always ready to assist our donors and customers who are all highly valued members of the Bargain Box community.
Thanks to our customers, who come from far and wide, and to our donors, the Bargain Box has already contributed over $1,000,000 to the May Court Club for its support to community charities including the May Court Hospice. The Bargain Box also provides assistance to others such as:
- Clothing for Charity: a non-profit organization that takes lots of otherwise unusable donations.
- Salvation Army
- New Canadians and Refugees: wherever the need is in any community.
- Debra Dynes Family House: clothing donations.
- AIDS Committee of Ottawa
- Dalhousie Food Cupboard: we donate clothing.
- Sandy Hill Community Health Centre: we collect inexpensive wallets and purses for their ID project, as well as sample size toiletries for their annual Sock Project Giveaway.
- Student Placement: Students are encouraged to work towards their volunteer hours by volunteering for shifts at the Bargain Box.
Come to 228 Laurier Avenue, on the south side just east of King Edward Avenue, and explore our wide range of items that provide an inexpensive alternative to shoppers on a budget, to collectors and to discriminating buyers who are looking for name brands at affordable prices. A warm welcome awaits you!
Aberdeen Artisans Committee
Knitting has been part of the May Court Club from its inception, including knitting socks for service men during World War I! In the last few years the Club had donated more than 250 Blankets for Babies to the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario.
A number of years ago, the Knitting Committee expanded and is now called the Aberdeen Artisans. This group meets on the fourth Wednesday of every month (see Community Service Reports). The meetings may include workshops or demonstrations of a variety of hand-crafted items (quilts, knitwear, jewellery, etc.). These items are sold along with baked goods, confectionaries and more at the May Court Christmas Markets held each November.