August 2009 - Association Update

OPHA Staff Put On Their Hard Hats to Support Habitat for Humanity

“Mobilize volunteers and community partners in building affordable housing and promoting homeownership as a means to breaking the cycle of poverty” — Habitat for Humanity Canada’s Mission
OPHA Staff at Habitat worksite.
OPHA’s Habitat for Humanity Team: L-R: Cindy Scythes, Stephen Kavchak, Kathleen Orth, Dorothy Birtalan, Jennifer Lodge, Christine Herrera, Ben Rempel, Donna Galasso and Nivedita Ravi

On Saturday July 18th, 2009, a team of OPHA staff, friends and family members took time out of their weekend to come together and volunteer for Habitat for Humanity. The forecast threatened to be a gloomy and rainy day across Toronto but the OPHA team was not giving in to any weather threats. With luck, it turned out to be a beautiful sunny day and the OPHA team was put to work by Habitat for Humanity volunteer site coordinators.

The OPHA team formed two groups assigned to a different house with different tasks. Together the OPHA team built a second story floor and began the fireproofing of various parts of a house.

In an effort to contribute both time and funds to this cause, the OPHA staff members took it upon themselves to raise $1140.00 for their build day and spent seven hours in hard hats and tool belts building hope and homes for those in need in the city of Toronto.

The event was a great joy for all those who participated and special thanks goes to staff, friends, and family members who, in lieu of attending the build day, generously supported our team with donations. Everyone at OPHA contributed to a successful build day and we are proud to say we helped make a difference!

OPHA 2009 Conference: Registration is now Open

OPHA is pleased to announce that the online registration for our 2009 conference — Building for the Future — is now open. Please visit the conference website and follow the Registration link in the menu.

Hosted by OPHA and all its Constituent Societies, the conference celebrates 60 years of advocacy and interdisciplinary collaboration in public health with a thematic focus on Collaboration, Knowledge Exchange, Innovation, Health Equity, and Public Health Workforce.

Highlights of the four day event include a Presidents’ Reception on Monday November 2, 2009 at 7:00 pm celebrating key achievements in the history of the organization and honoring our past presidents, many of whom have confirmed attendance. Further information on this event will be provided in the coming months.

OPHA Student Essay Competition

As part of our commitment to Building for the Future, OPHA is pleased to invite all students in health-related disciplines to enter our Essay Contest for Students. A $1000 grand prize will be awarded to one winning video or written essay submission. Other prizes will also be awarded. Please visit our web site for details.