CANADIANS RALLY BEHIND RENEWAL OF 24 SUSSEX AS NATIONAL APPEAL REACHES OVER $5.7 MILLION

Public launch introduces Council for 24 Sussex and invites Canadians to help restore the official residence of Canada's prime minister

OTTAWA, ON, Oct. 28, 2026 /CNW/ -- The national fundraising appeal to renew 24 Sussex Drive, led by the Rideau Hall Foundation (RHF), has already attracted over 4,000 contributions, ranging from individual donations of $25, $50 and $100 to significant commitments. With over $5.7 million secured and major gift momentum underway, the public launch marks an important step toward the fundraising goal of $50 million.

Today's announcement also marks the introduction of the Council for 24 Sussex, a growing group of volunteers from across Canada who will help mobilize support for the appeal and encourage participation in this once-in-a-generation national project.

"We are deeply grateful to the Canadians and philanthropic leaders who have helped us reach this milestone. Every sovereign country is defined, in part, by institutions and symbols that reflect its place in the world," said Robert Prichard, Chair of the RHF Board of Directors. "As the official residence of Canada's prime minister, 24 Sussex is part of the architecture of our democracy. Renewing it is not simply about preserving history; it is about ensuring that our national institutions reflect the confidence and ambition of the country they represent."

Introducing the Council for 24 Sussex

The Council for 24 Sussex is a growing group of volunteer philanthropic leaders from across Canada who will help mobilize support for the appeal. Council members will lend their names, networks and commitment to the effort, engaging Canadians and encouraging philanthropic participation across the country.

"Canada has provided me with extraordinary opportunities, both personally and professionally," says Vancouver-based Roger Hardy, Co-Founder, Chairman and CEO of KITS Eyecare and Hardy Capital, Founder of Clearly, and a member of the Council for 24 Sussex. "Growing up in Ottawa, I saw firsthand the dedication and sacrifice that public service requires. When I brought my own children to see 24 Sussex, I wanted them to feel proud of Canada and the institutions that help shape our country. Renewing 24 Sussex is an opportunity to preserve a place that belongs to all Canadians, and I hope to help build support for that effort across Western Canada and beyond."

The inaugural members of the Council for 24 Sussex include:

Lesley Bentley, British Columbia Roger and Jenny Hardy, British Columbia John Montalbano, British Columbia Joanne Cuthbertson, C.M., Alberta Deanna Zumwalt, Alberta Susan Glass C.M. and Arni Thorsteinson O.M., Manitoba Patsy Anderson, C.M. and Jamie Anderson, C.M., Ontario Maureen Boyd, C.M. and Colin Robertson, C.M., C.D., Ontario Ed Clark, C.M., Ontario

Mark Cullen, C.M., Ontario Anthony S. Fell, O.C., Ontario Roger Greenberg, C.M., Ontario Charlie Pielsticker, Ontario J. Robert S. Prichard, O.C., O.Ont , Ontario Susan St. Amand, Ontario Cornell Wright, Ontario Anne-Marie Hubert, C.M., Q.C., Quebec Evan Price, Quebec Hon. Aldéa Landry. P.C., C.M., New Brunswick

The Council will continue to grow as the campaign engages volunteer leaders from across Canada.

An Invitation to Canadians

With the campaign now open to the public, Canadians across the country are invited to help renew 24 Sussex and preserve it for generations to come.

"We are enormously grateful to the Canadians who have already stepped forward to support this project," said Teresa Marques, President and CEO of the RHF. "There are very few opportunities for Canadians to contribute personally to a project of national significance that will still matter generations from now. The renewal of 24 Sussex is one of them. Whether through a leadership gift or a modest contribution, every donor is helping write the next chapter in the story of 24 Sussex."

Through the national appeal, Canadians can make a donation, explore opportunities to volunteer and learn more about the project and the people supporting it.

To learn more, view the campaign's virtual donor wall or make a contribution, visit realize24sussex.ca

SOURCE Rideau Hall Foundation

Media Contact: Allison MacLachlan, Chief External Affairs and Communications Officer, [email protected]