How 'Make Ottawa Boring Again' went from inside joke to serious fundraiser
Jess Rawk has already raised thousands from T-shirt sales
When the occupation of downtown Ottawa streets started at the end of January, there wasn't a day that Jess Rawk wasn't affected each time she stepped out of her home to walk her dog.
"I could not leave my house any day throughout this occupation without being yelled at or threatened or intimidated by people in my own neighbourhood, which is normally very quiet and friendly," she told CBC Radio's Ottawa Morning.
"It was quite scary."
Then she saw residents fighting back with counter-protests and a blockade of their own. When she saw a sign that said "Make Ottawa Boring Again," she was immediately drawn to it.
Rawk said the phrase became an inside joke and catchphrase — even for those, like her, who normally dislike Ottawa being called a sleepy city.
"I don't love Ottawa being called boring. I never have. I've never agreed with that statement, so it's quite ironic that I'm involved in this."
Rawk and some friends decided to turn the slogan into a bilingual T-shirt fundraiser for three non-profits. In less than a day, they raised more than $2,000.
"That's incredible to me. People have been very generous," she said.
"It's been amazing, and even people who don't want to buy T-shirts … We've just suggested that they donate to one or all three of the affected charities."
Those charities are Cornerstone Housing for Women, which said its clients were especially affected, Minwaashin Lodge, which is near the former Coventry Road supply camp and chose to close, and the Canadian Anti-Hate Network.
WATCH | The early effects of the occupation on Cornerstone:
Rawk said she's also received requests to honour people who have been hailed as protest heroes, like the resident who led a lawsuit against protesters and "pot-banging guy."
Ultimately, Rawk hopes her fellow downtown residents will feel comfortable enough to have a large celebration of their own. For now, she said there's one thing they want even more.
"I know most residents want some peace and quiet for a little while and I super respect that."