Alongside families, partners and special guests, we were proud to unveil the new official name and dedication of our kitchen, the Senators Foundation Kitchen. Our kitchen naming marks an amazing 20 years of support from the Ottawa Senators Community Foundation and Ottawa Senators hockey club.
The kitchen is at the heart of the hospice, serving as a warm and welcoming space where families can gather, prepare meals, and find a sense of home during some of the most challenging moments of their lives. For 20 years now, the Ottawa Senators have been a pillar of support for Roger Neilson Children’s Hospice, not only helping to build our facility two decades ago, but ensuring pediatric palliative care and grief services remain accessible to children, youth, and their families when they need them most.
A portion of the previously announced $1 million donation from the Ottawa Senators Community Foundation will go towards upgrading the kitchen at Roger Neilson Children’s Hospice, enhancing accessibility and ease of use for the activities enjoyed by our guests. The donation will also support our programs and services, ensuring children and families continue to receive specialized care.
“The Senators Foundation Kitchen is more than a room — it is a place of connection, comfort, and togetherness,” said Megan Wright, CEO of Roger Neilson Children’s Hospice. “We are deeply grateful to the Ottawa Senators Community Foundation and the Ottawa Senators Hockey Club for their extraordinary support over the past 20 years. They’ve helped to ensure children and families don’t have to walk this journey alone — helping us provide not only expert medical care but a home-like environment for the children and families we serve.”
Representatives from the Ottawa Senators, CHEO Foundation and the Mayor of Ottawa joined our staff, families and kids for the dedication ceremony, celebrating a partnership rooted in compassion, community, and a long-standing commitment to supporting children and families in Ottawa and the surrounding area.
“It is an honour to be here today,” said Cyril Leeder, President, Ottawa Senators Hockey Club. “I’m so proud of our team and staff at the Hockey Club and Foundation and so grateful to our community for supporting our mission to help youth in Ottawa-Gatineau in times of need. Our team of young men are fathers, brothers, sons and friends and know the importance of giving back – it’s our culture to give back and I hope that the renewed space here at RNCH will provide families with special moments and memories to last a lifetime.”
Also present was Chris Neil, Ottawa Senators alum and current Vice President of Business and Community Development for the hockey club. Both on and off the ice, Neil has shown what it means to lead—and with his wife Caitlin who works for RNCH, their shared commitment speaks volumes. As Chris put it: “When you see what these families go through, it really puts life in perspective. Helping kids and their loved ones isn’t just about support—it’s about giving them moments of joy and hope when they need it most. That’s what being part of this community is all about.”
All our work would not be possible without the support of a truly special and amazing community. We are so grateful to all who joined us to mark this special occasion.