Shepherds of Good Hope

Real Conversations. Shared Stories. Community in Action.

Cup of Hope is a storytelling and conversation series from Shepherds of Good Hope Foundation, featuring meaningful conversations with the people who help shape our community: volunteers, donors, partners, community leaders, team members, and board members.

Each episode invites you to pull up a chair and listen in as we explore connection, compassion, and the collective effort to build a community where everyone belongs.

About Cup of Hope 

Cup of Hope was created to open space for honest, human conversations about community, belonging, and the impact of coming together with purpose. 

Hosted by Meighan Hartley, Interim CEO of Shepherds of Good Hope, each conversation shares a cup of coffee and offers insight into the people and partnerships that make our work possible. 

Whether you’re a long-time supporter or just learning about Shepherds of Good Hope, Cup of Hope offers a window into the heart of our mission. 

Watch the Conversations 

Watch for NEW episodes bi-weekly with your host Meighan Hartley!

Episode 1  |  Wednesday, January 7, 2026

Stephen Bartolo |  Chief Executive Officer Shepherds of Good Hope

“What gives me hope is our commitment to transforming the sector by ensuring emergency shelter is brief and non-recurring, helping people move forward as quickly as possible, and investing in purpose built supportive housing.”

Episode 2 | Wednesday, January 21, 2026
Emily Larocque
Vice President of People and Culture, Shepherds of Good Hope
“We do not exist without our staff. If we want to do this work well, we have to take care of the people doing it.”
Episode 3 | Wednesday, February 4, 2026
Shawn S. Hamilton
Principal Broker, Proveras Commercial Realty
“I love our city, and I want our city to thrive."
Episode 4 | Wednesday, February 18, 2026
Yasser Ghazi
Vice President, Commercial Financial Services, Royal Bank of Canada
“Nobody chooses to be homeless. Seeing the dignity and respect given to every individual is what makes the greatest impact."
Episode 5 | Wednesday, March 4, 2026
Karin Finlay
Volunteer, Shepherds of Good Hope Foundation
"About a year and a half after I last served him dinner, I ran into him working in a restaurant, and that has always stayed with me."
Episode 6 | Wednesday, March 18, 2026
Benjamin Lidzbarski
Board Member, Shepherds of Good Hope Foundation, Hockey Helps the Homeless Committee Member
“I truly believe everyone deserves to have a roof over their head and a warm meal to eat every day.”
Episode 7 | Wednesday, April 1, 2026
Yazeed Al Dawsari
Assistant Manager, Programming, Richcraft Hope Centre
“I looked around during meal 5service and saw residents sitting in groups, chatting and joking with each other and the staff. In that moment, it truly felt like a home.”
Episode 8 | Wednesday, April 15, 2026
Kaveh Rikhtegar
Chair, Board of Directors, Shepherds of Good Hope Foundation
“Being transparent about your successes as well as your challenges creates credibility. That is how we enable trust.”
Episode 9 | Tuesday, April 28, 2026
Ashley McCullough
Senior Manager of Programming, Shepherds of Good Hope
“The more you care for someone, the more they start to realize they matter and start caring for themselves and working towards their goals.”
Episode 10 | Tuesday, May 12, 2026
Susan Margles
President and Chief Executive Officer, Ottawa International Airport Authority, YOW
“What gives me hope is seeing key stakeholders in the city coming together to identify and address the challenges and opportunities that we have.”
Episode 11 | Wednesday, May 27, 2026
Phil Laplante
Co-CEO of Ideal Roofing Co. Ltd.
“We love being part of a bigger team with Shepherds of Good Hope. When we’re all together, I think we can do a lot better.”

 

Why Cup of Hope Matters 

Every conversation shared through Cup of Hope reflects the belief that lasting change begins with understanding, connection, and collaboration. 

By sharing stories from across our community, Cup of Hope helps: 

  • Break down stigma 
  • Highlight real solutions 
  • Celebrate the people behind the work 
  • Strengthen community connection and belonging 

 

Be Part of the Conversation 

There are many ways to be part of Cup of Hope and the work of Shepherds of Good Hope: 

  • Watch & Share: Help amplify these stories by sharing episodes with your network. 
  • Get Involved: Volunteer, partner, or support our programs. 
  • Learn More: Discover how Shepherds of Good Hope supports people through emergency services, supportive housing, and community-based programs. 

Find out more by contacting us at donate@sghottawa.com

 

Stay Connected 

New Cup of Hope conversations are released regularly. 

Follow Shepherds of Good Hope Foundation on social media or subscribe to our newsletter to stay updated. 

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