Each May, rain or shine, the Multifaith Housing Initiative (MHI) hosts Tulipathon, a 3KM walkathon fundraiser at Commissioners Park. This annual event invites MHI’s 80+ faith group members, their congregations, and the wider community for a scenic walk through the tulips. With 100% of all proceeds going toward MHI’s subsidies program, our goal this year is to raise $125,000. With our fall 2024 amalgamation with Gloucester Housing Corporation, MHI has an increased number of families and individuals that qualify for rent subsidies. We are ready to work with our community to make this Tulipathon the most successful one yet.  

The foundation of Tulipathon is built around the Tareen family. Tulipathon was founded in 2000 by the late Dr. Farook Tareen, with support from the Ottawa Muslim Association. Dr. Tareen was deeply committed to raising awareness and funds for causes he cared about, including addressing homelessness and the affordable housing crisis in Ottawa. Initially, MHI was one of the beneficiaries of Tulipathon’s efforts, but as the fundraiser continued to grow, its ownership was eventually gifted to MHI. Tulipathon plays a vital role in MHI’s ability to provide more than $400,000 annually in rent subsidies to residents, helping them maintain their housing affordability. None of this would be possible without the ongoing support of the wonderful Tareen family and the generosity of Ottawa’s faith communities. 

Save the date! 

Our 25th annual Tulipathon will take place on May 25, 2025. This event will feature welcome speeches from community and faith leaders and government officials, and a lively post-walkathon reception. In addition, this year’s Tulipathon will offer special musical entertainment, as well as a Family Fun Zone. Children and youth have aways been welcome to attend Tulipathon, but this year we will have several activities lined up that are catered directly to them, including inflatable structures and face painting stations. We encourage you to bring the whole family for a meaningful and fun day together.  

This is also the first year that MHI is actively seeking corporate sponsorship. We have a sponsorship package that features dynamic sponsorship levels and assets. Huge thank you to DanCan Electric, Go! Pest Control, HVAC Maximum Heating and Cooling Inc., and Sunshine Snow Service Inc. for joining the cause as Community Champion Sponsors. We are also fortunate to have the Archdiocese of Ottawa-Cornwall as our Reception Sponsor this year. If you know of any businesses that may be interested in supporting Tulipathon, please direct them to MHI’s Fundraising Department at [email protected] or 613-686-1825 x 312.  

The fundraising period for Tulipathon runs from April 1st to June 31st, 2025.  

Tulipathon is MHI’s signature fundraiser, and it is an inspiration to see the different faith groups, organizations, families, and individuals that come together each year to raise money for safe, permanent, and affordable housing for those who need it most. As always, we remain delighted by the generosity and commitment that we see in our supporters.  

For more information and to find your fundraising team, please visit: www.multifaithhousing.ca/tulipathon

There was a barely audible buzz from the amplifiers inside the sanctuary of Barrhaven United Church on Friday night March 14. A series of chords from the keyboard sounded like the opening of a hymn. Then a catchy riff. That signalled the rest of the Retrosonics to bring in their parts.

‘Walk of Life,” a song written by Mark Knopfler, and recorded by his band Dire Straits, kicked off the first of a series of concerts for the Multifaith Housing Initiative’s latest development at LeBreton Flats. 

Knopfler’s song is about a busker playing hits from the 1950s in the subway.  He was cruising through life, realizing the good with the bad. For many, the walk of life is not very pleasant with mostly negative results, especially when you are unhoused.

The Barrhaven United Church committee took on the challenge with this concert series to fundraise for Odenak at LeBreton Flats, MHI's newest affordable housing development. The first concert was designed to be simple: featuring The Retrosonics, a local band with a dedicated following, performing one set of classic rock and another of Celtic music. The evening also included a presentation highlighting the importance and necessity of these fundraising concerts.  

Sahada Alolo from MHI remarked, “what a joy it was to see people having fun on a Friday night!” And what fun they had. The last song was “The Parting Glass ,“ a very old Scottish tune that is also popular in Ireland. The song offers guests a tribute to friendship and wishes for all safe travels. When the house lights were turned on, and a successful event was over, it was time for all to go home and think about what a great evening it was.

Dancing, singing and making the first concert of Odenak a success. Just over $5,000 was raised. Money that will enable more people to enjoy their “Walk of Life.”