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Event Organizers
We are sisters, Kristina Allen and Kimberly McMullen, the youngest of seven children from Aylmer, Quebec. Raised in Ottawa in a family where music and art was always part of our lives, we've come together to organize Hope & Harmony, a benefit dedicated to supporting youth experiencing homelessness in our community. If you want to learn more about why we are doing this click here.
Kristina is excited to embark on her journey in support of youth experiencing homelessness. With a background in business and event management, she brings a unique skill set to her role as co-organizer of Hope & Harmony. A lover of travel and adventure, Kristina enjoys spending time on the water and discovering new experiences. Through this event, she is eager to connect with the community and contribute to a cause that makes a meaningful impact.
Kimberly is deeply motivated to support youth experiencing homelessness, a cause she feels a personal connection to. With a background in finance, Kimberly brings valuable experience to her role as co-organizer of Hope & Harmony. Her love for music plays a significant role in her life, inspiring her to harness the power of the arts to create change. Kimberly is excited to channel her skills and enthusiasm into this initiative, helping to create lasting impact for vulnerable youth in Ottawa.
Photographer
We are excited to welcome photographer Anne-Marie Robert to the Hope & Harmony team! We couldn't be more thrilled to collaborate with her and capture the heart of this cause through her lens. Click here for Anne-Marie's company website.
Born, raised and still living in Ottawa, I absolutely love being behind a lens and truly connect with the people, pets, scenery and raw moments in front of me. ​I have an educational background in criminology, social work and emergency management.
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Over the years I have volunteered for different organizations that mean a lot to me. Spending time with some of Ottawa’s most vulnerable homeless individuals taught me so much about life. Offering end of life photography to families in the region allowed me to grow and discover the need for and power of compassion.
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There is no way I can hide it – I strive when I am able to offer support to others. Caring for my own family and friends is something that brings me so much joy. Caring for complete strangers or people simply passing through makes me feel whole.
Why We Are Organizing Hope & Harmony
At its core, Hope & Harmony was born out of a shared belief that music and art have the power to unite communities and spark positive change. This event is more than just a concert; it’s a platform to raise awareness and vital funds for Operation Come Home, a charity dedicated to helping homeless youth in Ottawa break the cycle of homelessness.
A Personal Connection
This event is especially important to us because of the personal connection we share with the cause. For one of our event organizers, Kimberly McMullen, this fight is deeply personal—her eldest child is currently experiencing homelessness. This is a reality that hits home, and it fuels our passion to help other families avoid this heartbreaking experience.
We want to create a safe space for conversation, awareness, and real support for youth in our community who are struggling. To read more about Kimberly’s story click here.
Power of Music and Art
We believe that music and art have the ability to bring people together in powerful ways. Hope & Harmony is a celebration of local talent, featuring artists and musicians who understand the importance of supporting vulnerable youth in our city. The event will not only showcase incredible performances but also creates a space where art and community intersect for a common cause.
Every note played, and every brushstroke is a reminder that we are united in the belief that everyone deserves a chance at a brighter future, regardless of their circumstances.
Rising Youth Homelessness
Youth homelessness is on the rise in Ottawa, with numbers doubling since the pandemic. Many of these young people find themselves without stable housing due to factors like family breakdowns, mental health struggles, or financial hardship. Operation Come Home works tirelessly to provide life-changing support, offering programs that help youth secure education, employment, housing, and essential mental health services.
Our event is a chance for the community to rally behind this cause and make a meaningful difference in the lives of those who need it most.
Giving Back to Our Community
Our community is strongest when we lift each other up. At Hope & Harmony, we’re not just organizing an event—we’re creating an opportunity for real change. Ottawa’s youth face serious challenges, with too many slipping through the cracks. This is your chance to stand with us and help ensure they have the resources, support, and opportunities to escape the cycle of homelessness and build a brighter future.
By attending or supporting Hope & Harmony, you're doing more than enjoying a night of music and art—you’re joining a collective effort to change lives. Together, we can create a safer, more compassionate Ottawa, where every young person has the chance to thrive.