We (Kristen and Brandon) are excited to share that Adam Marc Bignell Fundraising (AMBF) is partnering with the Youth Services Bureau (YSB) again this year.

We will be hosting an amazing live music event Sunday, August 3, 2025 from 5 – 11PM. The event will be held at Broadhead Brewery in Orleans and food will be available from Meatings Barbecue. Eric Luca, local singer/songwriter, Alana J Brown, 2025 Bluesfest Artist, and headliner is Riley Burns, Bluesfest Artist and folk musician, will be the musical entertainment. This special night supports the YSB’s shelter program, which helps vulnerable youth in Ottawa find safe, stable housing – and a path forward. 

YSB offers the only dedicated shelters for youth in Ottawa, along with transitional and long-term housing options. They are truly an amazing organization that has made a tremendous impact in our community, including helping many kids from Kristen’s school who have needed help.

Why YSB you ask? The Bignell house, both in Toronto and here in Ottawa, have always been places where people gather, where those who need a spot to stay have a room (or a couch with Avon) and while never quiet and it is highly likely you will have jokes made at your expense, you can be sure everyone is treated like Ohana (family). This partnership is a chance to expand that sentiment to those who need it the most and really give back to a tremendous organization.

We really look forward to seeing everyone at the event, and even if you can not attend, please feel free to donate to help an amazing organization!

Those who can not attend but would still like to contribute can purchase ticket and make a donation, as 100% of all tickets sales and donations go directly to the Ottawa Youth Services Bureau.

Please note for donations of $20.00 or more, a tax receipt will automatically be issued and emailed to you.  YSB Foundation Charitable number # 84053 4853 RR0001.

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Milo's Story

Every year when I was little, I’d think “this will be the year that everything will be okay”. And every year, I’d be crushed. By the time I was 18 I couldn’t take my dad’s drinking or my mom’s crying anymore, so I packed a knapsack with the warmest clothes I had and I left. It was freezing cold, and I was alone…but I was free.

The next few months were rough and at times very scary. I spent nights in parks, doorways and even under bridges all with just an old sleeping bag a friend had given me. One night it was so cold that I walked until the sun came up, afraid that I would freeze to death if I slept.

It took me awhile to get over the embarrassment to start asking people for money. But, it was swallow my pride or stay cold and hungry. After two weeks of doing this I learned about YSB. I didn’t know it then but, in that moment, my life changed for the better. I got connected to YSB’s Young Men’s Emergency Shelter and my first night in the shelter I slept 11 hours. I felt so safe and secure. I remember that moment clearly and I felt so hopeful I now have my own apartment in one of YSB’s long-term housing buildings, am attending college to become a graphic designer, and am working part-time to support myself.

“For the first time I can remember, I’m really excited about my future. Growing up I just thought about getting by one day at a time.” I hope my story conveys just how life changing it was for me to be able to access YSB’s shelter during a really difficult time in my life. The team at YSB supported me every step of the way, and I’m grateful they were by my side. I hope you’ll consider taking the opportunity to transform the life of another young person like me today.

Milo*

*While Milo’s story is real his name has been changed to protect his privacy