Roger Neilson Children’s Hospice (RNCH) was built through a shared community effort long before the first shovel broke ground. More than 300 companies and 75,000 people came together to help make Canada’s second pediatric palliative hospice a reality. On April 21, 2006, RNCH officially opened its doors — marking the start of a legacy built on compassion that continues today.
Among those early champions was the Ottawa Dragon Boat Festival (ODBF), now the Tim Hortons ODBF, which helped fund the project before construction began, working closely with then-Ottawa Senators Foundation president Dave Ready.
Since opening, RNCH has cared for thousands of children and families across Eastern Ontario, Western Quebec and Nunavut through respite, grief and bereavement and end-of-life care — enriching the quality of every life, no matter how short.
Built on Compassion, Shaped by Roger Neilson Children’s Hospice’s Care
“I know firsthand what RNCH means to children and families going through the hardest times in their lives,” says Janet Wilson.
In August 2006, just four months after the hospice first opened, Janet’s family received care in the final month of her eight-year-old son Patrick Hadden’s life. He had been diagnosed with neuroblastoma, a rare form of childhood cancer.
During that time, Janet and her family — including Patrick’s twin brother, Logan — found a space to connect, create meaningful memories and be supported through compassionate, family-centred care.
Since Patrick’s death, Janet has remained closely connected to RNCH as a board member, serving on its communications committee and honouring her son’s memory.
“It’s a privilege to be involved with RNCH,” says Janet. “The staff are incredible. While it was one of the most painful times in my life, I have so many positive memories there.”
For Janet, serving on the board has meant watching that early community investment grow into something far beyond what anyone could have imagined. From expanding pediatric hospice capacity from eight to 10 beds, to extending grief support services that care for the whole family including siblings, parents, caregivers, and grandparents.
Paddling with Purpose at Ottawa’s Dragon Boat Festival
Janet’s connection to the Rideau River runs deep.
“My parents first brought my sister and me down to the Rideau Canoe Club in the 1970s, and I’ve been paddling that stretch of the river ever since, first as a kayaker and war canoer, and now as a dragon boater.”
Her first experience with ODBF came as a journalist with the Ottawa Citizen, covering the festival in its early years and then joining a workplace team. Witnessing its impact on the community left a lasting impression.
She later returned as a participant, eventually becoming one of the founders of the Ottawa Galley Girls and competing at the World Dragon Boat Championships in Macau, China, in 2010.
Janet’s lifelong connection to Ottawa’s paddling community eventually led her to join one of ODBF’s top fundraising teams — Fleet of Foote — which has raised more than $500,000 over the past 30 years.
“The festival represents both sides of my life,” says Janet. “It’s the sport I love, and the community I care deeply about.”
Celebrating 20 Years of Care at Roger Neilson Children’s Hospice
“When we saw Roger Neilson Children’s Hospice’s 20th anniversary approaching, we wanted to be part of the celebration and recognize the extraordinary work they do for children and families,” says John Brooman, CEO of the Tim Hortons Ottawa Dragon Boat Festival.
Twenty years after the community first came together to help build RNCH, that same spirit will once again be on display at this year’s ODBF, taking place Friday, June 19 to Sunday, June 21 at Mooney’s Bay.
Established to support philanthropic efforts in the local community, the Ottawa Dragon Boat Foundation has raised more than $5.5 million for 75+ local charities.
As one of five recipient charities in the Pledge Challenge, RNCH will receive funding for its Young Grievers Camp — Eastern Ontario’s first sleepaway grief camp for children and youth aged 7–17 who have experienced the death of someone significant to them.
For Janet, this moment is especially meaningful.
“This year marks 20 years since Patrick passed and 20 years since RNCH first opened its doors,” she says. “To see the Tim Hortons Ottawa Dragon Boat Festival once again rally around the hospice feels incredibly full circle. I’m so proud that this community continues to show up with the same compassion and generosity that helped build RNCH.”
It’s a legacy carried forward — in every paddle stroke, every donation, and every family supported — ensuring that no one has to face their journey alone.