OSPN is a growing, volunteer-run network! If you would like to get involved with planning, fundraising, advocacy, training or programming, let us know. What are you interested in? What skills and experience can you bring to help your community?

Many OSPN members have said that committee work and meetings are not how they want to spend their retirement. We understand! Maybe you would enjoy being part of a short-term task team? These teams look at specific questions or needs in the LGBTQ2+ community.

If you have good strategic planning skills and meetings are fine with you — our Coordinating Committee wants to expand with new members with diverse experiences and backgrounds.

There’s always a need for volunteers when we hold events — this can be just a few hours of your time, or more.

OSPN and The Good Companions have launched Saturday in-person social time at the Centre, twice a month. Watch Facebook and your email for news. Do you play a musical instrument and want to find people to jam with? Can you teach others about a topic you enjoy? Bring your talents, hobbies and crafts to share with other LGBTQ2+ seniors.

Send us an email: ospn.rfao@gmail.com to say what you might add to any of the above activities. We’ll get the right person to follow up with you.

OSPN, in partnership The Good Companions Senior Centre (TGC), worked together establish the first 2SLGBTQIA+ Program Coordinator for Ottawa’s seniors.

Sarah Rea joined the team at TGC as the Program Coordinator in 2025. Thank you City of Ottawa for recognizing the importance of this role and our partnership with TGC!

TGC has made many positive steps over the years to ensure the safety and well-being of Ottawa’s Senior LGBTQ2+ population. Sarah works with members of OSPN and other queer seniors to find available services at the Centre or in the community.

Sarah Rea is the newly appointed 2SLGBTQIA+ Program Coordinator for Ottawa Senior Pride Network (OSPN) and The Good Companions, effective Tuesday, July 2, 2025.

Sarah brings with her over 20 years of experience in community programming, education, and inclusive service delivery. A proud member of a multi-generational 2SLGBTQ+ family, she combines professional expertise with deep personal commitment to equity and community-building.

Throughout her career, Sarah has developed and led inclusive programs tailored for older adults and under-served communities. At Movati Athletic, she co-developed company-wide training on Gender, Diversity, and Inclusion and designed a wellness class specifically for older adults. Her approach is rooted in trauma-informed practices and cultural competence, values that align beautifully with our mission.

Many of you may already know Sarah from her volunteer work with the Vintage Queers Dragon Boat Team. She has coached the team for the past two years, led an introductory session at The Good Companions, and played a key role in OSPN leading the 2024 Pride parade with a dragon boat float. She has also supported our outreach at community events, including the Ottawa Senators and Ottawa Charge Pride Games, alongside members of the OSPN board.

Sarah is deeply inspired by the voices of our community and is passionate about creating spaces where older 2SLGBTQ+ adults feel a sense of belonging, safety, and pride. We’re excited for the energy, compassion, and lived experience she brings to this role, and look forward to the continued growth of our 2SLGBTQIA+ programming under her leadership.

Sarah’s email address is sarah@thegoodcompanions.ca. Send her an email or call her at the Centre 613-236-0428 extension 2353.