AGM Success! Celebrating Our Community and Looking Ahead
By Liz Smith
Yay! We fulfilled sections 52 and 83 of Ontario’s Not-for-Profit Corporations Act!!!
And it’s not the first time!
In fact, we do it every year, as required by law, as non-profits like the SSO must hold an Annual General Meeting (AGM) at least once every 15 months, and within 6 months of the end of the last fiscal year.
it was a lively, music-filled, idea-sharing celebration of everything that makes our community strong. Thank you to everyone who joined us!
What Makes an AGM Special?
An AGM isn’t just about reports and elections—it’s about connection! This year, we really encouraged members to come out and take part in thoughtful discussions about the SSO’s future as we navigate ever-tighter resources. Your input matters more than ever, and we were heartened by the turnout, enthusiasm, and ideas shared. We extend grateful thanks to all who participated.
Board Elections & Appointments
We’re thrilled to introduce our new members to our leadership team:
• Chair: Donald Macdonald
• Vice Chair: Jen Hill
• Development Directpr: Alix MacGregor
• Director-at-Large: Ross Chase
• Membership Volunteer: Izzy Adams
We’re still seeking a Treasurer, and extend special thanks to Brenda van Berkom for continuing in this role voluntarily. We are also seeking a Youth Director.
Since the AGM we’ve had volunteers come forward to fill the positions of Volunteer Director and Logistics Director and we shall share details news once our Nominations Committee completes all related steps.
AGM Report Highlights
Here’s a quick look at what was presented by board members:
Financial Overview
• Hogman-eh was the Society’s largest expense, and attendance was lower than expected, causing a drop in our financial balance
• We’re actively seeking more paid memberships and business sponsorships to increase existing funds
Hogman-eh
• The Society will move this, our signature event, back downtown
• The new venue, yet to be confirmed, will be smaller, with the aim of being cost-neutral or slightly profitable.
Volunteers
• Thanks was expressed to all volunteers who assisted in 2024-25! We couldn’t have done it without you!
• More volunteer help is needed across events and operations – don’t be shy!
Communications
• SSO informs members via our regular newsletter, occasional Newsflashes, and the SSO website, Instagram & Facebook pages
• A team of 8 volunteers edit the newsletter, design the newsletter and Newsflashes, and create and post content for the website and social media team. A special thanks to those talented volunteers!
• SSO offers occasional online 6-week Gaelic lessons, watch for announcements in the newsletter
• Always open to content feedback
• New – and revisiting older – content suggestions were noted, watch for them in future newsletters!
Kilt Skate Goes Global
• Well not quite – but in 2024 we celebrated Kilt Skate not only across Canada in 15 venues, but also, for the first time, we had simultaneous kilt skates in Petawawa, Renfrew County and in Renfrewshire in Scotland. It was an exciting high-profile event on both sides, and hopes are high to build on this connection across the waters!
• In fact, we named the Renfrew County and Renfrewshire Scotland the 2025 Co-Kilt Skate Capital!
• The well attended event in Petawawa raised funds for a great cause: Wounded Warriors
• The SSO Kilt-skate is a tradition that’s uniquely ours and proudly growing!
Handing over the Reins
We said not a “good=bye”, but a “see you around” to John McLuckie after his 3.5 years on the Society’s Board including the past 2 years as Chair, where he guided us through a mix of rocky waves and gentle breezes.
In reflection he let everyone know how much he had enjoyed his time as a board member and he thanked all of the other board members and volunteers that made his time as chair a success. John recalled fondly the various events like Hogman-Eh! and Tartan Day Trivia that he had been involved in over the years.
John promised that he would still be around at many of the Society’s events in the future and wished the new Board members the best for their upcoming term.
The incoming Chair, and our favourite piper, Donald MacDonald, shared some of his vision for the upcoming year, including having the Society be a central hub for the promotion of Scottish culture, as per our mission. We’ll continue to partner with other local organizations to boost event awareness – as examples, special Scottish-themed performances held at the NAC and the Meridien theatre in 2024.
He also hopes to see the SSO re-engage the business community and governments for sponsorship through the formation of a new Development Committee. As well, Donald would like to see the Society actively engaging younger crowds and coordinating with other cultural institutions.
Final Thoughts
We came together, shared ideas, and moved forward—with purpose and a dash of Scottish grit! If you missed the AGM, you can still be part of what’s next. Whether you're ready to volunteer, have a bright idea, or want to join a committee, please reach out! You’ll find ways to contact us on our website at ottcot.ca
Together, we’re shaping the future of the SSO—one step, one skate, one ceilidh at a time!
