From left, guest speaker Diana Fox Carney, Salus board chair Mélanie Vadeboncoeur and Ottawa Salus president and CEO Mark MacAulay at Soirée Salus, held at the French embassy to support housing for individuals living with mental illness and substance use challenges. Photo by Caroline Phillips.”
Diana Fox Carney, Eli Tannis support mental health, housing at Soirée Salus at French Embassy
Ask Ottawa mom Nancy Dunham what Ottawa Salus means to her, and she won’t have to think twice before answering.
“It means everything,” she told the sold-out crowd at last night’s Soirée Salus held inside the picturesque setting of the French Embassy. The sold-out fundraiser drew community leaders, donors and mental health advocates, with special guests including the prime minister’s wife, Diana Fox Carney.
The evening, presented by TD Bank, raised an impressive $229,700 for Salus, a nonprofit that provides supportive housing and services for individuals living with mental illness and substance use challenges.
Dunham shared how her 35-year-old daughter Jessica has been living with a serious mental illness since she was a teen. She cycled through doctors and was in and out of hospitals. “I can’t describe the level of helplessness that we all felt, and how stigma can separate families and isolate families like ours, and how often the system leaves you to figure out things on your own,” said Dunham.
Relief finally came with a call from Salus, bringing an end to their “exhausting” eight-year wait for an apartment.
“Because of Salus, my daughter has a home, a place of her own, where she’s safe and surrounded by people who understand her. And because of that, I can finally rest easy, too,” said Dunham.
Since moving into Salus supportive housing, Jessica hasn’t needed to be hospitalized.
The mom thanked the crowd for the “incredible hope” that their generosity provides to families. “It gives Jessica a chance, and then another, and then another, because mental health is a lifelong journey.”
Nancy Dunham — seen with Ottawa Salus president and CEO Mark MacAulay — helped attendees of Soirée Salus better appreciate how the nonprofit organization gave her daughter a second chance at life by providing her with supportive housing. Photo by Caroline Phillips
For nine years now, the Embassy of France has opened up its magnificent building to Soirée Salus, establishing a tradition that bridges diplomacy and goodwill. Last night, there was live music, French-inspired cuisine and drinks, and, of course, an abundance of French cheese that was provided by Jacobsons Gourmet Concepts.
The nonprofit organization, which is almost 50 years old, was represented by its president and CEO, Mark MacAulay, along with staff and board members, including volunteer chair Mélanie Vadeboncoeur, partner at public affairs consulting firm Prospectus, and volunteer event chair Fiona Murray. Representing TD was Lee Rose, manager of community engagement.
Ambassador Michel Miraillet was warm, exceptionally generous and charming, speaking from the lower landing of the embassy’s grand staircase. He told the 285 attendees that “Canadians are always welcome”. The design and decor of the beautiful art deco building, which houses both the embassy and the ambassador’s residence, reflects the enduring friendship between France and Canada, forged during the First World War.
Graciously guiding the evening was emcee Catherine Clark, co-host of The Honest Talk podcast and digital platform, which also produces The Women’s Summit.
French Ambassador Michel Miraillet welcomed some 285 attendees to the official residence and embassy of France in Canada for Soirée Salus. Photo by Caroline Phillips
From left, event emcee Catherine Clark, co-host of The Honest Talk, and Salus board member and Soirée Salus chair Fiona Murray on the balcony of the French embassy, overlooking the Ottawa River. Photo by Caroline Phillips
Diana Fox Carney was the guest speaker at Soirée Salus held at the French embassy on Tuesday, Oct. 21, 2025. Photo by Caroline Phillips
Lee Rose, manager of community engagement at TD Bank, led the room in a toast at Soirée Salus, an annual fundraiser held at the French embassy in support of Salus and the work it does to provide supportive housing to individuals living with mental illness and substance use challenges. Photo by Caroline Phillips
From left, French Ambassador Michel Miraillet with community volunteer Whitney Fox and her husband Dan Goldberg, president and CEO of Telesat, at Soirée Salus. Photo by Caroline Phillips
As guest speaker, Fox Carney shared her thoughts on the power of community, compassion and resilience. In doing so, she reminded her attentive audience that their presence was “a powerful reminder that change happens when people come together across communities, across sectors and even across borders.”
Such partnerships, she continued, help organizations such as Salus to advance shared priorities. “We’ll never be able to tackle complex social challenges, such as homelessness and mental health, if we do not work together. Communities, when united in purpose, can achieve what no single person or government can do alone.”
The British-Canadian economist reflected on her own professional life, one that’s been focused on how ecosystems, economies and communities can adapt and thrive in the face of challenges. It comes down to putting common principles into action, much like Salus does every day, she said.
“The clients serviced by Salus show extraordinary resilience rebuilding their lives after hardship, finding hope after loss and taking courageous steps toward recovery. Their resilience is supported and enabled by an ecosystem around them with the dedicated staff, volunteers and partners who ensure that nobody is left to navigate their challenges alone.”
Community, social connections and a sense of belonging all play an important role in maintaining mental health and stability, she added.
“Since moving to Ottawa more than 20 years ago, I’ve been struck by the generosity of this city, by how people come together to lift one another up, and by the deep sense of care that runs through our neighbourhoods and organizations,” she continued.
“I will say, I’ve lived in many, many places in the world, from New York to London to a small African island, and Ottawa stands out for its sense of community … And that’s what gives me strength personally, and I need all the strength I can get. It also gives me hope because, in a world where we’re too often reminded of division and uncertainty, and where fear and isolation can feel louder than empathy and understanding, gatherings like this remind us of the strength and depth and compassion that surround us all.”
Diana Fox Carney with French Ambassador Michel Miraillet at Soirée Salus. Photo by Caroline Phillips
The evening included an awards ceremony that recognized McDonald Brothers Construction as this year’s Salus Changemaker. The Community Champion Award was presented to retired businessman Eli Tannis, who spent 40-plus years running a locally owned and operated family business, Tannis Food Distributors. He also ran as a federal Conservative candidate in Ottawa South.
Tannis played a key role in founding Karen’s Place, Salus-led supportive housing in Ottawa’s south end named in honour of his late sister.
Tannis told the room how his family lost Karen to mental illness at a time when few people openly spoke about it. In accepting his award on behalf of his siblings, he also recognized his wife of 43 years, Joyce, and his late mother, Souad. She raised six children as a single mom, after losing her husband, while also keeping the family business together.
Eli Tannis, who was honoured as a philanthropist and supporter of Salus, with his wife, Joyce, their son Jordan, Jordan’s wife Marika, and their daughter Chelsea at Soirée Salus, held Tuesday, Oct. 21, 2025, at the French embassy. Photo by Caroline Phillips
The evening concluded with a live auction led by Ryan Watson from Raising the Bid.
A one-week stay at Grand Isle Resort & Residence in Exuma, Bahamas, donated by WCPD Foundation president Peter Nicholson, sold for $10,000 to Sen. Mohammad Al Zaibak.
A dinner for 10 hosted by Ambassador Miraillet at the embassy sparked a two-way bidding war between Susannah Dalfen and Tannis’ son Jordan Tannis, with the latter buying the experience for $11,000.
Concord London donated a one-week stay in London at a downtown flat (“It’s like an apartment, but way cooler,” quipped Watson). Included were two tickets to see the Arsenal Football Club play at the Emirates Stadium. Kammal Tannis bought it for $8,000.
Salus board member Kevin Yemm, vice president of land development at Richcraft Homes, won a $3,000 auction experience that will let him and a few friends play padel with NHL Hall of Famer Daniel Alfredsson — who, while a big fan of the racquet sport, knows how to tone down his competitive streak when it’s for a good cause.
Update: The highest silent auction bidder on a seven-night, all-inclusive adventure at Amazing Abruzzo in Italy was Susan Smith from Bluesky, for $7,900. The package was donated by the owners of Amazing Abruzzo, former Ottawa reporter Jake Rupert and former Ottawa criminal defence lawyer Lisa Grassi-Blais.
Salus board member Kevin Yemm, vice president of land development at Richcraft Homes, and his wife, Monica Singhal, principal at Richcraft Homes, at Soirée Salus, held Tuesday, Oct. 21, 2025, at the French embassy. Photo by Caroline Phillips
Supporters of Salus, including Deneen Perrin from The Royal Canadian Mint, raised their bid cards to get the live auction going during Soirée Salus, held at the French embassy. Photo by Caroline Phillips
Michael Scrivens, a partner at Scrivens Insurance and Investment, with his wife, Heather Bradley, on the balcony of the French embassy, overlooking the Ottawa River, for Soirée Salus. Photo by Caroline Phillips
Catherine Clark, co-host of The Honest Talk podcast and digital platform, emceed Soirée Salus, held at the French embassy to raise funds for Salus, a nonprofit organization that provides supportive housing to individuals living with mental illness and substance use challenges. Photo by Carolie Phillips
From left, Nathalie Gauthier and Susan Smith, co-founder and principal of Bluesky Strategy Group, at Soirée Salus, held at the French embassy. Photo by Caroline Phillips
From left, Salus past board chair Janet Yale, Soloway Wright Lawyers partner Sanjay Srivastava, Soloway Wright Lawyers strategic advisor Lawrence Soloway, and Ellen Wright at Soirée Salus, the signature fundraiser held for Salus, held at the French embassy. Photo by Caroline Phillips
French Ambassador Michel Miraillet welcomed some 285 guests to the official residence and embassy of France in Canada for Soirée Salus. Photo by Caroline Phillips
TD Bank community engagement manager Lee Rose, left, with his colleague Talia Silvestri, senior manager of business management, Salus director of philanthropy Nan Wehbe, Salus board chair Mélanie Vadeboncoeur, and Salus president and CEO Mark MacAulay at Soirée Salus, held at the Embassy of France. Photo by Caroline Phillips
Salus board member and Soirée Salus chair Fiona Murray, left, and Caitlin Morrison, executive director of Matthew Perry House, at Soirée Salus, held at the Embassy of France. Photo by Caroline Phillips
Attendees of Soirée Salus gathered in the Grand Salon at the Embassy of France for an awards ceremony and live auction. Photo by Caroline Phillips
Camille Therriault-Power and Janet Yale, former board chairs of Ottawa Salus, at the French embassy for Soirée Salus. Photo by Caroline Phillips
From left, Salus board chair Mélanie Vadeboncoeur and fellow board member Kevin Yemm, Canada’s Forest Trust founder and CEO Gary Zed, and Diana Fox Carney, at the Embassy of France for Soirée Salus, held in support of Salus and the work it does to provide supportive housing to individuals living with mental illness and substance use challenges. Photo by Caroline Phillips
Ryan Watson from Raising the Bid helped to raise thousands of dollars during Soirée Salus, selling off stays in the Bahamas and London, as well as a private dinner hosted by the French ambassador. Photo by Caroline Phillips
Nelligan Law partners Debbie Bellinger, left, and Tracy Lyle at the Embassy of France for Soirée Salus, held in support of Salus and the work it does to provide supportive housing to individuals living with mental illness and substance use challenges. Photo by Caroline Phillips
From left, French Ambassador Michel Miraillet, Dr. Bella Mehta, and Sanjay Shah, CEO of ExecHealth, at the Embassy of France for Soirée Salus, held in support of Salus and the work it does to provide supportive housing to individuals living with mental illness and substance use challenges. Photo by Caroline Phillips
From left, Salus board members Joanne Chianello, senior advisor at StrategyCorp., and Candace Sutcliffe, co-owner of C.A. Paradis/The Chef ’s Paradise, at the Embassy of France for Soirée Salus, held in support of Salus and the work it does to provide supportive housing to individuals living with mental illness and substance use challenges. Photo by Caroline Phillips
Luxury realtors Marilyn Wilson and her daughter Reba Wilson, from Marilyn Wilson Dream Properties, at the Embassy of France for Soirée Salus, held in support of Salus and the work it does to provide supportive housing to individuals living with mental illness and substance use challenges. Photo by Caroline Phillips
Susannah Dalfen had fun at Soirée Salus driving up the bid on the embassy dinner donated by French ambassador Michel Miraillet. Photo by Caroline Phillips
From left, Cara Vaccarino, president and CEO of The Royal Ottawa Health Care Group, and Shirley Westeinde at the Embassy of France for Soirée Salus, held in support of Salus and the work it does to provide supportive housing to individuals living with mental illness and substance use challenges. Photo by Caroline Phillips
From left, Kristin Smith, a senior director with the Canadian Medical Association, Ottawa Community Housing Corp. CEO Stéphane Giguère, Liz Gray-Smith (president and lead strategistGray Smith Communications) and prominent Ottawa restaurateur Peter Boole (Social, Sidedoor, e18hteen, The Clarendon) at Soirée Salus. Photo by Caroline Phillips
From left, Liza Mrak (Mark Motors Group) and Salus board member Colleen O’Connell-Campbell (RBC Dominion Securities) at the Embassy of France for Soirée Salus, held in support of Salus and the work it does to provide supportive housing to individuals living with mental illness and substance use challenges. Photo by Caroline Phillips
From left, Gillie Vered (Arnon Corporation) and his wife Susan Viner Vered, Aik Aliferis from Institutional Property Advisors (a Division of Marcus and Millichap) and Samar Saab at the Embassy of France for Soirée Salus, held in support of Salus and the work it does to provide supportive housing to individuals living with mental illness and substance use challenges. Photo by Caroline Phillips
Duane Francis, branch manager and portfolio manager with Mandeville Private Client, and his wife, Julie Francis, at the Embassy of France for Soirée Salus, held in support of Salus and the work it does to provide supportive housing to individuals living with mental illness and substance use challenges. Photo by Caroline Phillips
From presenting sponsor TD Bank, from left, Michael Makichuk, Nicholas Grabiec, Victoria Ungeitis and Lee Rose at the Embassy of France for Soirée Salus, held in support of Salus and the work it does to provide supportive housing to individuals living with mental illness and substance use challenges. Photo by Caroline Phillips
From left, Ottawa writer and journalist John Geddes, Salus board member Joanne Chianello and Tobi Nussbaum, CEO of the National Capital Commission, at the Embassy of France for Soirée Salus, held in support of Salus and the work it does to provide supportive housing to individuals living with mental illness and substance use challenges. Photo by Caroline Phillips
From left, Terri Hoddinott, realtor Nila Matthews (Royal LePage Performance) and her husband, Charles McCulloch (Rideau Hall Foundation) at the Embassy of France for Soirée Salus, held in support of Salus and the work it does to provide supportive housing to individuals living with mental illness and substance use challenges. Photo by Caroline Phillips
From left, Micheline McElligott, Sandra Assaly, Bob McElligott and daughter Brigitte McElligott at the Embassy of France for Soirée Salus. Photo by Caroline Phillips
Patrick McDonald, flanked by Fiona Murray and Mark MacAulay, accepted the Salus Changemaker Award on behalf of McDonald Brothers Construction. Photo by Caroline Phillips
From left, Salus president and CEO Mark MacAulay, Leanne Maidment and Michael Maidment (president and CEO of Ottawa Community Foundation) and Ottawa Community Housing Corp. CEO Stéphane Giguère at Soirée Salus. Photo by Caroline Phillips
Kingston-based Eure Café Duo musicians Andrea Leyton and Ted Leyton performed during Soirée Salus, held at the French embassy. Photo by Caroline Phillips
This article is made possible through sponsorship from Star Motors, WCPD, Marilyn Wilson Dream Properties, ExecHealth, Infinity Convention Centre, Altis Recruitment, Bell Canada, First Avenue Investment Counsel, RBC, Welch LLP, Brazeau Seller Law.
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