Senators announce the formation of the Senators Community Foundation

OTTAWA - The Ottawa Senators (@Senators) announced today the formation of the Senators Community Foundation and that former Senators alternate captain and community ambassador Chris Phillips will serve as its Executive Director. The announcement was made in conjunction with Senators owner Eugene Melnyk at the group's first public community appearance this morning at Ottawa's Brewer Assessment Centre.

The Foundation will be working closely with appropriate governmental agencies and charitable organizations to complete necessary registrations over the next several weeks to serve the needs of the Ottawa-Gatineau region by supporting Canadian charities and their worthy causes. These organizations include the Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario, the Roger Neilson House and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Ottawa, among many others. The goal of the Foundation is to maximize its impact on Canadian charities and the beneficiaries of their charitable programs and services.

In addition to his many on-ice successes with the Senators, Chris, along with his wife, Erin, have become fixtures and pillars in the local community. They have spent countless hours lending their voices and support by attending events for more than 20 charities and charitable causes in the community including Candlelighters Childhood Cancer Support Programs, Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario, Movember Canada, 24h Tremblant and Hockey Fights Cancer. Phillips also worked hard to help raise awareness and funds for his hometown following the devastating fires in Fort McMurray, Alta., in 2016.

"We are extremely proud to have Chris Phillips lead our Foundation as he personifies what a community leader is all about," said Mr. Melnyk. "From being our first overall pick in 1996, to his 17 remarkable seasons that led to his jersey retirement earlier this year, he's a natural fit for this role. His energy, enthusiasm and his community involvement will take our Foundation to a whole new level."

"We are extremely excited about starting this new endeavor with the goal of lending more support to the many worthy causes throughout the region," said Senators President of Business Operations, Anthony LeBlanc. "As we enter a new chapter in franchise history, we're starting this Foundation so we can serve the many needs of our community in a new and exciting fashion, and ultimately do our part to make this a better place for all."

"I want to thank the Senators organization for extending to me this tremendous opportunity to help serve the community my family calls home," said Mr. Phillips. "I've worked with many great community leaders and organizations over the years, and I look forward to continuing those relationships and developing new programs that will help those who are truly in need."

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