Darnell Stokes

H.O.P.E. Helping Other People Everywhere

HOPE is a volunteer-driven, not-for-profit events management organization that raises funds for community-based charities. Inspired by Terry Fox's run across Canada, in 1981 a group of friends in Ottawa founded HOPE to make a difference in their community. HOPE's flagship Volleyball SummerFest event combines recreational volleyball with live rock entertainment. Each year, more than 25,000 players and spectators flock to Mooney's Bay Beach in Ottawa for the greatest summer party in the region. These participants have helped HOPE donate over $3.5 million in support of more than 110 local charities. Not bad for a group of friends that wanted to make a difference. The inspiration that led to HOPE's founding twenty-eight years ago continues to guide us today. Now as then, the goal is to serve our community by serving up fun. HOPE is living proof that dreams can come true, ideals are worth nurturing, and a committed group of volunteers can work miracles..