The Ottawa Mission & Chef Ric’s: Ottawa’s Heart for Community Support

The Ottawa Mission has embodied the spirit of compassion in Ottawa for over a century, and has been a lifeline for people experiencing homelessness, hunger, and hardship. The Ottawa Mission not only offers meals and shelter to those in need, but a path forward. One of their most inspiring initiatives is Chef Ric’s, a social enterprise that transforms lives through culinary training and affordable, nutritious food.

Thanks to the many generous sponsors of the 2025 Mike McCann Charity Golf Tournament, CLV Group and InterRent are proud to contribute $50,000 to support The Ottawa Mission’s work, helping expand programs that feed thousands of people in Ottawa and create opportunities for those in need. Our work with the Ottawa Mission reflects a shared belief that when businesses and communities work together, real change happens.

In this article, we’ll explore the incredible impact of The Ottawa Mission and Chef Ric’s, the story behind their home in the former Rideau Bakery building, and how you can get involved to contribute to a stronger community.

The Ottawa Mission – Feeding, Housing & Transforming Lives

Since 1906, The Ottawa Mission has been more than an emergency shelter. The Ottawa Mission continues to serve Ottawa by offering food, warmth, clothing, and life-changing services. In 2024-2025, the Ottawa Mission served 1.2 million meals in our community, successfully housed 270 clients, had 131 educational and job training graduates, along with many more accomplishments. The Ottawa Mission also provides primary care in health and dental services, and in 2024-2025, cared for 3,469 individuals. The organization also provides people with the opportunity to do a Food Service Training Program, where 90% of graduates find employment afterwards. Every contribution to the Ottawa Mission leads to recovery and a renewed purpose.

Chef Ric’s – From Rideau Bakery to a Social Enterprise

Located in the historic former Rideau Bakery building, which served the community for nearly 90 years, Chef Ric’s continues that legacy of warmth and nourishment. Chef Ric’s offers the following to the community of Ottawa:

• A retail storefront offering healthy, affordable meals.
• A four-month training program (FSTP) for men and women looking to build culinary careers. This program is tuition-free, offers tools and confidence, and a 90% job placement rate.
• A catering service, with proceeds reinvested into the program.

Chef Ric and his team prepare 400 daily meals for food trucks that reach low-income communities in Ottawa.

The location at 384 Rideau Street has been a cornerstone of Ottawa’s neighborhood life for nearly a century. Originally opened in 1930 by the Kardish family, the Rideau Bakery became a staple for generations, offering freshly baked breads and pastries. The Rideau Bakery served as a welcoming gathering place. For 89 years, this bakery stood as a symbol of home, warmth, and unity. Cheryl Kardish-Levitan, a commercial leasing and sales broker at CLV Group and proud member of the Kardish family, had the special opportunity to revisit her family’s former bakery and see how the cherished space has been transformed into Chef Ric’s. She proudly presented this year’s MMCGT donation during the visit – a truly heartwarming and fulfilling moment for all involved.

How You Can Get Involved in Ottawa

• Donate: Your contribution would help feed families, fund training programs, and support health and wellness.
• Volunteer: The Ottawa Mission welcomes volunteers for meal service, food training, outreach, and more.
• Support Chef Ric’s: Visit the storefront on Rideau Street or order catering. The proceeds from Chef Ric’s go directly to training and employment.

Together, We Build a Stronger Community

The Ottawa Mission and Chef Ric’s are proof that compassion changes lives. From providing over a million meals each year to offering training that leads to meaningful careers, their impact is seen throughout our city. Every volunteer hour, shared meal, and dollar donated helps someone take a step toward stability and strength. Whether you visit Chef Ric’s for a healthy meal, support their catering services, or contribute to The Ottawa Mission’s programs, you’re investing in a stronger Ottawa.