In the world of giving and community leadership, Barb McInnes was a legend.

So it was no surprise to see so many people turn out for the launch of Lessons in Philanthropy, a new book celebrating her and the exceptional role she played in making Ottawa a stronger, more vibrant and inclusive city.

The gathering was co-hosted by two of Barb’s close friends, former Ottawa Mayor Jackie Holzman and Russ Mills, a longtime former publisher of the Ottawa Citizen.

“She had chutzpah,” said Holzman, borrowing a Yiddish term to describe her ability to lead, inspire and get things done in the community.

Russ Mills and Jackie Holzman with a copy of Lessons in Philanthropy: The Legacy of Barb McInnes, launched during a celebration at the Ottawa Art Gallery on Monday, Sept. 15, 2025. Photo by Caroline Phillips

Barb’s daughters,  Leah McInnes-Eustace and Emily McInnes, joked that they were “running a little late” in honouring their mom, who died more than four years ago from cancer, at age 77. “My mom’s passing left a big gaping hole in our lives, and it’s taken time to adjust to a new reality without her,” said Emily, a senior art consultant.

“Certainly, this book would not have taken the shape it had without the power of time,” she acknowledged. “And being in the field that I am, I think this is what all great art is about; it’s about having the perspective of time to be reflective and to take pause to create something beautiful out of something so difficult.”

Leah, who’s followed in her mother’s footsteps to become a fundraising professional in Ottawa, acknowledged that the event was more than just a book launch; it was “a celebration of a remarkable life.”

She continued: “Our mom, Barb, touched the lives of so many people in this community and far beyond. She had an incredible gift for bringing people together, for inspiring generosity and for making you feel like you could be part of something larger than yourself.”

Emily McInnes, left, and her sister, Leah Eustace-McInnes, greeted guests as they arrived to the celebration book launch for Lessons in Philanthropy: The Legacy of Barb McInnes, held at the Ottawa Art Gallery on Monday, September 15, 2025. Photo by Caroline Phillips

Former federal minister John Manley and his wife, Judith, were among the many to attend the celebration book launch for Lessons in Philanthropy: The Legacy of Barb McInnes, held at the Ottawa Art Gallery on Monday, September 15, 2025. Photo by Caroline Phillips

From left, Diane Hodgins, executive vice president of Shorefast, and Sheila Whyte, owner of Thyme & Again Creative Catering and Take-Home Food Shop, at the celebration book launch for Lessons in Philanthropy: The Legacy of Barb McInnes, held at the Ottawa Art Gallery on Monday, September 15, 2025. Photo by Caroline Phillips

That Barb had built a huge fan base over the years was clear once prominent health care leader Alex Munter began his remarks: “Good evening, fellow members of the Barb McInnes Community — because that’s what we are.”

Munter pointed out that Barb had a talent for persuasion. “You knew she was going to ask you to do something, and you knew you were going to say ‘No’ because you were too tired, too busy, overextended, or had other priorities. But, by the time you left the conversation with Barb, you had joined a committee.”

Even though McInnes retired as president and CEO of the Ottawa Community Foundation in 2014, her name kept coming up when Michael Maidment stepped into the role in 2023. “They talked about her as the heart of the Foundation,” said Maidment.

“They described her as a connector, a builder and a champion, and as I found my own footing here I came to understand exactly why,” continued Maidment. “She didn’t set out to build an institution, she set out to build a community, a community where generosity was never abstract. It was personal. It was rooted in relationships, and always about helping Ottawa become a place where everyone could thrive.

“She knew that the true strength of a community foundation wasn’t in balance sheets but in the trust it builds, the conversation it sparks and the steady work of bringing people together to make something good happen.”

Michael Maidment, president and CEO of the Ottawa Community Foundation, spoke about the late Barb McInnes at the launch of a new book in her honour. Photo by Curtis Perry

Maidment shared a personal story of how, earlier in his career, he desperately wanted to apply for the vacant CEO position at The Ottawa Food Bank. One of his mentors and friends discouraged him, claiming he wasn’t ready. “I was crushed,” said Maidment, who subsequently turned to Barb for her advice on his dream job.

“Barb was incredible,” said Maidment of how she strongly encouraged him to apply. He did, and won the role.

“That’s really who Barb was. She didn’t just build organizations; she built people. She saw potential where others saw limitations, and she gave you the confidence to step into it,” said Maidment, acknowledging that her belief in him changed the course of his career.

Said TELUS Ottawa and Eastern Ontario Community Board Chair Manjit Basi, who took over the volunteer leadership role after her dear friend and mentor passed: “Barb led well because she knew who she was. She was clear, joyful and grounded in her values. She was a bright constellation that people — and even their communities — could navigate by.”

Manjit Basi, chair of the TELUS Ottawa and Eastern Ontario Community Board, spoke about the late Barb McInnes at the launch of a new book, Lessons in Philanthropy, in her honour. Photo by Curtis Perry

Tribute was also paid, via video, from Zita Cobb, chair of Shorefast Foundation and Fogo Island Innkeeper.

The launch was sponsored by the Ottawa Community Foundation, Rogers TV, Ottawa Art Gallery, Doherty & Associates Investment Counsel, GGFL Chartered Professional Accountants and Gowling WLG.

But most importantly, there was Barb’s husband, Glenn McInnes, “whose love for Barb and passion for this project,” said Russ Mills, “made both this evening and the book possible.”

Guests gathered in the Alma Duncan Salon at the Ottawa Art Gallery on Monday, September 15, 2025 for the celebration book launch of Lessons in Philanthropy: The Legacy of Barb McInnes. Photo by Curtis Perry

Ian Sterling, president at Doherty & Associates Investment Counsel, and his wife, Tanya Sterling, at the Ottawa Art Gallery on Monday, September 15, 2025 for the celebration book launch of Lessons in Philanthropy: The Legacy of Barb McInnes. Photo by Caroline Phillips

From left, Richard Plummer (BNP Inspire), Peggy Austen (Pallium Canada), Mark Taylor (United Way East Ontario), and Derek Rumboldt-deLouché (Carleton University) at the celebration book launch for Lessons in Philanthropy: The Legacy of Barb McInnes, held at the Ottawa Art Gallery on Monday, September 15, 2025. Photo by Caroline Phillips

Tribute guest speaker Alex Munter and Linda Jones hold up their copies of Lessons in Philanthropy: The Legacy of Barb McInnes at the celebration book launch held at the Ottawa Art Gallery on Monday, September 15, 2025. Photo by Caroline Phillips

Actor and director John Koensgen and his wife, Laurie, attended the celebration book launch of Lessons in Philanthropy: The Legacy of Barb McInnes held at the Ottawa Art Gallery on Monday, September 15, 2025. Photo by Caroline Phillips

Ottawa Centre MP Yasir Naqvi and Jacques Shore, partner at Gowling WLG, at the celebration book launch of Lessons in Philanthropy: The Legacy of Barb McInnes. held at the Ottawa Art Gallery on Monday, September 15, 2025. Photo by Caroline Phillips

Emily McInnes and her sister Leah Eustace-McInnes at the celebration book launch of Lessons in Philanthropy: The Legacy of Barb McInnes. held at the Ottawa Art Gallery on Monday, September 15, 2025. Photo by Caroline Phillips

A lone violin player performed during the reception for the celebration book launch of Lessons in Philanthropy: The Legacy of Barb McInnes. held at the Ottawa Art Gallery on Monday, September 15, 2025. 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.

hello@carolineinthecapital.ca