Volunteer Appreciation Awards

The Ottawa South Basketball Association proudly recognized two outstanding volunteers whose dedication has shaped the strength and spirit of our community. This year, OSBA honoured Alyson Fair, outgoing Social Media Director, and Cathy Istead, long-serving volunteer and former VP Admin and Gyms Coordinator, for their exceptional contributions to the association.

When OSBA issued a call for help with communications in 2023, Alyson stepped forward without hesitation. With her professional background in communications, she revitalized OSBA’s online presence and expanded our reach across Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. Her leadership increased brand awareness by more than 50%, ensuring the accomplishments of athletes across all programs were captured and shared with creativity, professionalism, and heart. Alyson’s commitment helped strengthen OSBA’s voice and deepen connection across our community. Past President Tyler McLaren presented Alyson with a volunteer award in recognition of her service.

OSBA also celebrated the remarkable long-term contributions of Cathy Istead, whose involvement spans more than two decades. Cathy first joined the association with her family in the early 2000s and soon became an essential leader behind the scenes. As Gyms Coordinator—one of OSBA’s most demanding roles—she provided stability, organization, and unwavering dedication, ensuring teams had the spaces they needed to train, compete, and grow. Her influence extended far beyond scheduling; Cathy helped build the culture and reliability that OSBA is known for today. Outgoing President Tyler McLaren and Past President Geoff Crampton presented Cathy with the Long-Service Volunteer Award, honouring her decades of exceptional commitment.

OSBA extends heartfelt gratitude to both Alyson and Cathy. Their legacy of service continues to inspire, reminding us that volunteers are the foundation of our success.