Tulipathon 2025: Gearing up for the big day

May has arrived, and with it, MHI’s Tulipathon Fundraiser is right around the corner. On Sunday, May 25, 2025, MHI will welcome participants to Commissioners Park to celebrate 25 years of walking together in support of a great cause. 

​Presented by valued MHI Partner, Natasha Hall & Associates -Cooperators, Tulipathon brings together friends, families, and supporters of all ages—everyone is invited to participate. This year’s event will be more family friendly than ever, featuring a bouncy castle, face painting, and live music. The Family Fun Zone is officially sponsored by BLG, and their support is greatly appreciated.   

The fundraising campaign is in full swing and continues until June 30th. Teams and individuals have put in tremendous effort to engage their communities, and continued support is encouraged to help maintain the momentum. Head to the Tulipathon website to learn more, find your favourite team, and start fundraising.  

This year, MHI has set its most ambitious goal yet, aiming to raise $125,000 for the internal rent subsidies program. With the rising cost of living, this program is a vital lifeline for families and individuals facing financial challenges. Your continued support provides much-needed assistance, enabling people to continue to make ends meet during difficult times. Further, a donation to Tulipathon is an investment in good health for low-income households. A safe, affordable, and permanent home is more than just a roof overhead--it’s the foundation for strong communities and essential to one’s mental, physical, and emotional well-being.  

To highlight the real impact Tulipathon rent subsidies make, here are some reflections shared by MHI tenants themselves: 
 “I am a single mother and my children, and I are grateful and appreciate the subsidized housing and it also helps me manage and balance my expenses so me and my children can worry less about the expenses of housing cost. I have much less worry about making ends meet because of having my rent decrease”. – Tenant at The Haven  

“People often say Vanier isn’t a good place to live or raise a family, but that hasn’t been my experience. I haven’t seen anything bad in our community.  I’m grateful for the support I receive through subsidies—it helps take the pressure off and allows me to better support my family.  I’m glad to live at Blake House with my family—my kids can play safely around the neighbourhood” – Tenant at Blake House  

These tenants are appreciated for their willingness to be open and share their personal stories with the community. Ongoing support remains essential to ensure continued housing stability for those in need. 

Tulipathon Presenting Sponsor Natasha Hall & Associates – Cooperators shares a strong commitment to safe, affordable, and permanent housing: “Supporting MHI’s initiative of providing safe and affordable permanent housing, aligns with the values of The Cooperators. As a Canadian owned  co-operative we are rooted in the concept that together we are stronger, safer and more resilient.  By supporting MHI, we are all committing to take action to address the affordable housing crisis and allow struggling families to thrive in a secure place they can call home” 

Thank you to Natasha Hall & Associates – Cooperators for your commitment to affordable housing in your community.  

Thank you to Fun Zone Sponsor, BLG and Reception Sponsor, the Archdiocese of Ottawa-Cornwall. And a big Thank to you to all Community Champion Sponsors: Giant Wholesale Distributors, Waidt Developments Ltd., A Everest Locksmith, HVAC Maximum Heating and Cooling, DanCan Electric, Go! Pest Control, and Sunshine Snow Service. 

This is the first year of Tulipathon Corporate Sponsorships, and the response from vendors and partners has been encouraging. As the fundraising goal comes into focus, every dollar raised and every step taken plays an important role. The continued fundraising efforts are making a meaningful difference. 

If your faith group would like to schedule an MHI Staff member to come and speak to your congregation about MHI, Tulipathon, and the profound relief that our rent subsidies program brings to our tenants, please contact:  

Sheldon Leong – Director of Fund Development  
[email protected] / 613 686 1825 x 312   
 
Ella Matheson – Fund Development Coordinator   
[email protected] / 613 686 1825 X 309 

MHI’s Tulipathon Walkathon Fundraiser  
Sunday May 25, 2025 at Commissioners Park Dow's Lake 
Opening Ceremonies begin at 2:30 with the walk starting at 3:00 PM