There’s something slightly Ted Lasso-like about 100 Men Who Care Ottawa, a group built around kindness, community and the idea that a series of small acts can add up over time to greatness.

That’s why a sports field felt like the perfect place to get together Monday night to raise money for two local causes supported by event partner OSEG Foundation.

The gathering was held in the Log Cabin End Zone at TD Place. JW-Jones Band provided live music while Mayor Mark Sutcliffe made a special appearance.

Since launching in 2014, 100 Men Who Care Ottawa has raised more than $350,000 for local charities. At each gathering, participants donate at least $100, directing it all to one cause or splitting it between the two however they choose. One of the group’s co-founders, MacEwen Petroleum senior vice-president Brian Boucher, was among those in attendance Monday.

Sutcliffe congratulated the grassroots organization for its good work. The group’s two-hour gatherings, held four times a year, deliberately build in an hour for drinks, food and conversation before the formal program begins. A representative from each invited charity shares more about their work.

“We’re a generous community,” said Sutcliffe. “There are people all over this city who are making a difference in their own little way because they want to see the city get better. They want to help the most vulnerable, they want to make a difference in the lives of other people.”

100 Men Who Care Ottawa is proudly chaired by retired business development executive Ron Smith.

Mayor Mark Sutcliffe dropped into 100 Men Who Care during its gathering held at TD Place on Monday, Sept. 14, 2026, in support of Autism Moves and the Support Our Troops’ Champions Program. Photo by Caroline Phillips

The JW-Jones Band performed at 100 Men Who Care, which held its latest gathering in the Log Cabin End Zone at TD Place on Monday, Sept. 14, 2026. Photo by Caroline Phillips

Ashley MacCormack, senior manager of special events and sponsorship at OSEG Foundation, 100 Men Who Care chair Ron Smith, and OSEG Foundation executive director Micah Garten at TD Place for a 100 Men Who Care event held in support of Autism Moves and Support Our Troops’ Champions Program. Photo by Caroline Phillips

Brian Boucher, senior vice president at MacEwen Petroleum, helped to launch 100 Men Who Care Ottawa back in 2014, not long after he moved here from New Brunswick. Photo by Caroline Phillips

The goal Monday was to raise at least $10,000 in total for Autism Moves and the Support Our Troops’ Champions Program, which is a multi-sport program for children and youth from military families. Both are supported by OSEG Foundation, which recently welcomed nonprofit leader Micah Garten as its new executive director.

Garten was joined by several Ottawa Redblacks players, including veteran defensive lineman Cleyon Laing, who talked about the volunteer work he does with kids of military families through the Champions Program.

“Some of these kids are real competitors, I must say. By the end of it, I’m dripping sweat,” said Laing with a smile.

He also spoke about how rewarding it is to mentor young people and watch them become more outgoing and engaged over time.

The Redblacks players really do care, said Garten. “These guys don’t have egos; they just want to be part of the community and help out, and I have seen the difference that makes.”

Ottawa Redblacks defensive lineman Cleyon Laing spoke about volunteering with the Support Our Troops’ Champions Program during the 100 Men Who Care gathering held at TD Place on Monday, Sept. 14, 2026. Photo by Caroline Phillips

From left, Reza Mashkoori, manager of corporate sponsorships at Christie Lake Kids and president of CrossFit NCR, and Shay Faisal, senior account manager at Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC), are both newer board members with 100 Men Who Care, a grassroots group of philanthropists who meet four times a year in support of small, local charities. Photo by Caroline Phillips

Garten also talked about OSEG Foundation’s work to break down barriers and help more kids participate in sport. “I recognize that not everybody is going to be a world-class athlete, and not every mayor is going to be a marathon runner,” he added, referring to Sutcliffe’s well-known love of long-distance running.

“All of us who love sports get something really valuable from it. It’s confidence, it’s camaraderie, it’s leadership. That is what sport is really about.”

OSEG Foundation, he said, creates its own programs and invests in other initiatives that use sport to give young people life skills that last long after the games are over.

Attendees heard about the benefits of Autism Moves from Ottawa dad Jacques Sturgeon, who described his 15-year-old son Daniel as joyful, funny, affectionate and profoundly autistic. The program provides structured sports and physical activity for children and youth with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

As Daniel has grown older, the world has become trickier to navigate for him, said the dad. The program has had “a tremendous impact” on his self-esteem and his mental health, said Sturgeon, who spoke about concerns over his son’s tendency to isolate himself through video games and YouTube.

“He is seen, supported and accepted, and retreats less into his own world.”

Sturgeon joked that he’s no longer allowed to simply hand Daniel a yoghurt while in the kitchen. He has to throw it. Football will do that to you, he added with a smile.

Sturgeon also spoke about his family’s habit of practising gratitude every day. “Everyone has their own battles; we are not alone in this,” he said. “Regardless of what the challenges are, when we are in an uplifting and caring environment, like with Autism Moves, we are more than grateful for this program in Daniel’s life and our lives.”

Jacques Sturgeon, left, spoke about how the Autism Moves program benefits his son at the 100 Men Who Care gathering held at TD Place on Monday, Sept. 14, 2026. Photo by Caroline Phillips

From left, Jon Sinden, principal at Nine Brains & Three Hearts, and Derek Cosgrove, senior account manager at seoplus+, at the 100 Men Who Care gathering held at TD Place. Photo by Caroline Phillips

John Laframboise, director of community relations at Kelly Funeral Homes by Arbor Memorial, was briefly recognized at the 100 Men Who Care gathering for his 55 years with the company. He started with Kelly Funeral Homes in 1971. Photo by Caroline Phillips

Christopher Ouimet, left, portfolio manager at RBC Dominion Securities, and retired wealth management consultant Mike Wood in conversation with Josh Delves from HEROS Hockey at 100 Men Who Care. Photo by Caroline Phillips

Retired executive Ron Smith, who began volunteering as chair of 100 Men Who Care Ottawa sometime during the pandemic, welcomed attendees to the group’s latest gathering, held Monday, Sept. 14, 2026, at TD Place. Photo by Caroline Phillips

From left, Mitch Miller, director of advancement at ONFE (Ottawa Network for Education), and Redblacks linebacker A.J. Allen at the 100 Men Who Care gathering held at TD Place. Photo by Caroline Phillips

Andrew Bailes, president of Hertford Advisors, was spotted in the crowd at the 100 Men Who Care gathering held at TD Place on Monday, Sept. 14, 2026, in support of Autism Moves and the Champions Program. Photo by Caroline Phillips

Carman Joynt, a retired Deloitte partner and longtime Ottawa business and community leader, and his wife Gail Joynt at the 100 Men Who Care gathering held at TD Place. Photo by Caroline Phillips

OSEG Foundation executive director Micah Garten shared the mission of the charitable organization at a 100 Men Who Care event held at TD Place to raise funds for two local initiatives that OSEG Foundation supports. Photo by Caroline Phillips

From left, business development professional and CAPO founder Ted Carty and James Baker, CEO of Keynote Search, at the 100 Men Who Care gathering held at TD Place on Monday, Sept. 14, 2026, in support of Autism Moves and the Champions Program. Photo by Caroline Phillips

Gary Seveny, executive director and chairman of Apaylo Finance Technology, proudly sported his 100 Men Who Care Ottawa shirt at the group’s gathering at TD Place. Photo by Caroline Phillips

From left, Jonathan Hatchell, strategic advisor for Seven Seals, Laura Zentner and Adrian Spitzer, co-founder and president of Dunrobin Distilleries, at 100 Men Who Care, held at TD Place on Monday, Sept. 14, 2026. Photo by Caroline Phillips

100 Men Who Care Ottawa took its latest gathering outdoors to the Log Cabin End Zone at TD Place, where members and guests raised money for two local causes supported by OSEG Foundation. Photo by Caroline Phillips

This article is made possible through sponsorship from Star Motors, WEALTH (WCPD), Syntax Strategic, RBC, Marilyn Wilson Dream Properties, ExecHealth, Altis Recruitment, Bell Canada, First Avenue Investment Counsel, Welch LLP, Brazeau Seller Law, Westland Benefits and Ottawa Rapid FC.

hello@carolineinthecapital.ca