Canadian Pride unveiling at the Ottawa International Airport
Canadian Pride, a rendering of the Canadian Parliament buildings nestled within the Canadian Flag, was unveiled in the Ottawa International Airport today. This extraordinary work measures more than 3.5 feet high by 13 feet long and took five-and-a-half years and 3,712 hours to complete, using 115 ballpoint pens on cotton paper from France. The piece will be temporarily displayed in the Arrivals area until early 2018 where travellers from around the world can admire its multi-layered detail and beauty.
Alberta artist Ted Flower created the piece in tribute to Canada’s 150th Birthday, and donated it to the Edmonton Food Bank as a means of raising awareness and funds for an organization that he looked to for support at one time. The gift was his way of offering thanks to the food bank and as a testimony to how help from the community can transform someone’s life for the better. Originally unveiled in the Edmonton Airport, the piece also travelled to Calgary Airport where funds were collected for their respective food banks.
Presented in partnership with the Ottawa REDBLACKS, Purolator, Deloitte, and the Ottawa Airport Authority, funds raised in Ottawa will be donated to the Ottawa Food Bank under the banner of Purolator’s Tackle Hunger Program, in partnership with the Canadian Football League (CFL). The Honourable Lois E. Mitchell, Lieutenant Governor of Alberta, who has been a driving force behind the project to connect Canadian Pride with the CFL, sponsor organizations and other food banks in Canada, was in Ottawa to help unveil the artwork along with the Honourable Elizabeth Dowdeswell, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, and special guests Henry Burris and the Grey Cup.
The Ottawa REDBLACKS and Deloitte kicked off the fundraising initiative for the Ottawa Food Bank, each making a $5,000 donation.
In addition to creating a beautiful display case to help preserve and present the artwork here and in its permanent home in the Edmonton Airport, the Ottawa Airport Authority will layer on its annual holiday fundraising drive for the Food Bank with a view to raising even more funds for the community during the artwork’s stay here.
“We are proud to support an important fundraising initiative that will make a difference in our community through the Ottawa Food Bank,” said Mark Laroche, Ottawa Airport Authority President and CEO. “Ted Flower’s initiative is an inspiring story of using one’s talent to pay forward the help received while making a difference in the lives of many more.”
“The REDBLACKS are privileged to be associated with this wonderful initiative led by the Honourable Madame Mitchell,” said Bernie Ashe, CEO of the REDBLACKS parent company, OSEG. “As we approach the Thanksgiving holiday weekend, it’s a poignant reminder that the Ottawa Food Bank supports tens of thousands of individuals and families every month. We hope visitors for the 105th Grey Cup and all air travellers enjoy Canadian Pride and take pride in supporting the Ottawa Food Bank.”
Canadian Pride can be found by carousel 5 alongside a donation bin for those who wish to donate to the Ottawa Food Bank.
About the Ottawa International Airport Authority
OMCIAA manages, operates and develops airport facilities and lands in support of the economic growth of Canada’s Capital Region, generating more than $2.2 billion annually in total economic activity in Ottawa and Gatineau.
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For more information:
Krista Kealey
Vice-President, Communications and Public Affairs
613-248-2050
[email protected]