Ashley Fraser

On Saturday, Oct. 26, the Westin Ottawa played host to the highly anticipated annual Fight for the Cure (FFTC), presented by Heart and Crown.

On Saturday, Nov. 2, the Infinity Convention Centre buzzed with excitement as over 450 business and philanthropic leaders gathered for the sold-out Black Tie Bingo, presented by Emond Harnden. Celebrating its 10th anniversary, this upscale event combined elegance and entertainment, offering guests a chance to win prizes valued at over $25,000 while supporting Bruyère Health.

On Wednesday, Nov. 6, the Trillium Ballroom at the Rogers Centre Ottawa, formerly known as the Shaw Centre, set the stage for the 30th annual AFP Ottawa Philanthropy Awards (the PHILS). The event, which overlooked the lights of Ottawa’s downtown core, marked a shift in format, moving from a formal sit-down dinner to an engaging cocktail reception and award ceremony. The Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) Ottawa Chapter celebrated the exceptional individuals and organizations whose philanthropic contributions have shaped the community. The evening was a testament to the enduring spirit of philanthropy in Ottawa.

Dress for Success Ottawa’s signature event, Stepping Back Out, made a triumphant return on Thursday, Nov. 14, at Lago Bar & Grill. After a hiatus, the evening exceeded expectations with its bold theme, a crimson and noire soiree, and a mission to empower women and gender nonconforming individuals in the community.

The CHEO Gala, presented by TD Bank Group, made a spectacular return to the National Gallery of Canada on Nov. 20, raising an impressive $270,000 for children and youth with multiple physical and developmental disabilities. This annual event, attended by over 350 of Ottawa’s corporate and community leaders, showcased the unwavering support for CHEO’s development and rehabilitation programs.

The holiday extravaganza has opened for the 2024 holiday season, running through December.

The 19th annual Raising the Roof corporate dinner, held Tuesday, Nov. 26, at Villa Marconi, raised $163,400, bringing the event’s total fundraising to over $2 million since its inception in 2005. As the largest annual fundraiser for Villa Marconi Long-Term Care Centre, Raising the Roof continues to provide vital support for essential upgrades to the facility's aging infrastructure and equipment.

The Christmas Cheer Breakfast, now in its 73rd year, kicked off the holiday season Friday, Dec. 6, with a powerful display of community spirit and generosity. Held at the Infinity Convention Centre, the sold-out event brought together 600 attendees to support local charities, raising $150,000 for 31 organizations — up from 28 last year.

Thyme & Again owner Shelia Whyte, along with a close-knit group of friends, came together with a shared vision to make a meaningful impact on the growing issue of food insecurity in Ottawa. What began as a casual gathering over a glass of wine soon blossomed into a collaborative effort to support those in need. In particular, they chose to help the Britannia Woods Food Pantry with a holiday shopping night and plans for more.

Here are the stories behind photographer Ashley Fraser's top photos of the year, including an unusual proposal, heartbreak and more.