Hospitality and tourism students brought Hero for CHEO to life at Algonquin College's International Restaurant with help from culinary students and superhero volunteers
Talitha Kumi Scott
Photos: Talitha Kumi Scott
April 13, 2026 Revised: April 13, 2026 4:12pm
Photo: Talitha Kumi Scott
League of Superheroes volunteers, Captain Marvel and Squirrel Girl.
Guests arrived in their finest formal wear for the Hero for CHEO gala hosted by Algonquin College’s hospitality and tourism students on April 8 in support of families who rely on CHEO and Roger Neilson Children’s Hospice.
The student-led event at Restaurant International was organized by final-year students in Algonquin College’s bachelor of hospitality and tourism management program. It was a chance to put what they have learned into practice in an authentic setting, with actual guests and real pressure.
“There’s a mystery shopper in there as well,” said Abdullah Almutabagani, the event’s marketing manager and final-year hospitality and tourism management student, commenting on the high stakes. “I am very proud of the work we have achieved.”
Students were not just trying to host a polished event. They were also being assessed on the skills they had learned throughout their training, while raising money for a cause that mattered deeply to many people in the room.
The efforts stretched far beyond the hospitality and tourism management students. Culinary students prepared the food, Cody Party Rentals provided much of the décor and sponsors helped support the gala.
Volunteers from League of Superheroes Ottawa brought the superhero theme to life, with Captain America and Squirrel Girl greeting guests and posing for photos. A giant CHEO teddy bear mascot also welcomed guests at the door.
Jean Charbonneau, a League of Superheroes Ottawa volunteer who appeared as Captain America and who used to serve as the group’s president, said the group supports fundraisers like this by encouraging donations to CHEO.
“We’re here to ask that if you support what we do, you make a donation to CHEO in our name,” he said.
The evening was emceed by Bilal Ahmed, who kept the program moving and helped carry the room between lighter moments and more touching ones.
The night balanced celebration with emotion. Guests bid on impressive silent auction items, stopped by the photo booth and watched live performances, while speeches throughout the evening brought the room back to the real reason for the fundraiser: supporting children with serious illnesses and the families who rely on CHEO and Roger Neilson House and Children’s Hospice.
Some of those speeches left the audience in tears, giving the night a deeper weight beneath all the energy and excitement.
With a goal of $10,000 raised, the team came very close to reaching their target by the end of the night.
For the students behind the event, the experience itself was just as valuable as the amount of money raised.
“I truly believe that having hands-on education, such as the events program, is a very real and enlightening learning experience,” said Stephanie Case, the event’s marketing coordinator.
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It was a chance for the 67’s to bounce back and send the series to Ottawa tied, but it went the opposite direction
Scott Crowell
Photos: Ottawa 67's Youtube
April 13, 2026 Revised: April 13, 2026 4:00pm
Photo: Ottawa 67's Youtube
Spencer Bowes scores tying goal at Sadlon Arena on April 11, 2026 during Game 2 of the second-round series against Barrie.
Game 2 of the second round for the Ottawa 67’s was a clubbing blow, with the team now being in a two-game deficit against the Barrie Colts. Barrie won the April 11 game 5-3.
The 67’s kicked off the game in Barrie better than they did in Game 1 and matched the Colts’ physicality with some hop out of the gate.
The recipe in the goal department stayed the same, however, as Barrie was able to snatch an early lead from a Cole Beaudoin goal that saw him burst by the 67’s defence and beat Ryder Fetterolf.
Ottawa was able to respond quickly as Spencer Bowes scored his third of the playoffs on a two-on-one with Filip Ekberg shortly after Beaudoin’s goal.
Heading into the second period tied was exactly where the 67’s wanted to be, right in the hockey game and ready to pounce. They did exactly that as captain Cooper Foster gave Ottawa their first lead of the series as he drove the net and buried a centre pass from Spencer Bowes while falling.
The Colts would respond once again to tie it as Calvin Crombie followed up with a rebound goal that 67’s goaltender Ryder Fetterolf didn’t even see go over him.
Game 2 saw the 67’s get themselves into some serious penalty trouble as they took four penalties, really putting them behind the 8-ball many times throughout the hockey game.
Barrie’s Carter Lowe extended his team’s lead with a power-play goal right at the end of the second and Ottawa found themselves down in a big hole that would be hard to climb out of.
The third period was where the 67’s had a little bit of themselves self-imploding. They gave up two more goals. One was from Emil Hemming on the first shot of the third period. Another was power-play goal at the hands of Ben Wilmott and the game became out of reach at 5-2.
Barrie took advantage of a 67’s team that became undisciplined and broke down on the rush, which has been a common theme in both games. Barrie thrives off the rush and that’s where their success has been so far in the playoffs.
67’s veteran defenseman Frankie Marrelli scored his first goal of the playoffs after receiving a pass from Filip Ekberg, stepped in and wired it past Ben Hrebik to give the 67’s some sort of life in the third period and you could feel the desire and want from the 67’s.
Ottawa did make some late pushes but not enough. Barrie takes a 2-0 series lead to Ottawa for the next two games
67’s goaltender Ryder Fetterolf stopped 30 of 35 shots on goal with a 5.00 GAA and once again kept the game from getting ugly on the score sheet. One question is if head coach Dave Cameron will go to Jaeden Nelson in Game 3 to give a change and spark for the team.
Game 3 goes on April 14 at TD Place. The 67’s will have a chance to re-enter this series or to go down three games and be on the verge of being swept.
Rick Leary was announced as OC Transpo's new boss with a mandate to restore reliability and users' faith in the public transit system
Mohamed Abdallah Jbili
Photos: Mohamed Abdallah Jbili
April 13, 2026 Revised: April 13, 2026 1:14pm
Photo: Mohamed Abdallah Jbili
Bus route 39 stops at Orleans Station in Ottawa's east end.
Rick Leary, who was introduced as OC Transpo’s new general manager on March 27, has said he intends to listen, be as transparent as possible and act more decisively when change is needed.
But for Algonquin College students who depend on Ottawa’s transit system daily, the only thing that matters is whether those commitments actually translate into a service that’s reliable and maintains a solid level of consistency.
“Riders are counting on us, not months from now and not years from now, but today,” Leary said during his first press conference. “I began my assessment this morning of the current rail situation, including the ongoing disruptions, and I’ll be developing a clear plan to restore full service.”
At the same press conference, city manager Wendy Stephenson said Leary’s extensive background is what made him stand out during the hiring process.
“Rick brings more than 25 years of experience across the transit sector here in Canada and in North America,” Stephenson said. “It was very clear that Rick was the candidate that stood out to us in terms of the experience that he brings to the table, what he’s done over his career.”
Ottawa Mayor Mark Sutcliffe echoed that confidence, saying the city is fortunate to have someone with Leary’s experience leading OC Transpo during a difficult period.
“We’re really lucky that somebody like Rick has chosen to move to Ottawa and to take on this significant challenge,” Sutcliffe said, calling it “a very difficult time for our passengers.”
Students at Algonquin College say they feel those difficulties every day.
Muskan Gill, a 20‑year‑old brand management grad, relies on OC Transpo to get to campus and says delays have become routine.
“They have very bad timings, OC Transpo,” she said. “I don’t take only one bus, I take two buses… sometimes it comes after half an hour, and it’s always late.”
Gill also mentioned she hasn’t personally felt unsafe on transit but she is aware of incidents reported in the news.
Another Algonquin College student, social service worker Grace Irakoze, said the unreliability has affected more than just punctuality.
“When the buses don’t show up or they’re late, it throws off your whole day,” she said.
Irakoze often sees students scrambling after missed connections or cancellations.
“People rely on transit for everything like school, work, placements, appointments,” she said. “When the system isn’t reliable, it affects your opportunities.”
As the winter term comes to an end, students share what they believe the future holds
Tyrell Taylor
Photos: Tyrell Taylor
April 13, 2026 Revised: April 13, 2026 1:05pm
Photo: Tyrell Taylor
Algonquin College has cancelled over 60 programs since January 2025, citing ongoing financial issues as the problem.
After the Algonquin College Board of Governors’ voted on March 2 to implement college leadership’s recommendations to suspend and cancel 30 programs, some students are feeling skeptical about the safety of other programs.
Students shared their thoughts about the recent cuts with Algonquin Times staff prior to the summer break.
“The biggest thing I’mconcerned about for my program is the industry surrounding it. Music industry arts fuels a lot of other entertainment things within Ottawa,” said Corbin Mahoney, a first–year music industry arts student.
The Board of Governors voted in favour of cutting the music industry arts program.
Mahoney reinforced the importance of programs like music industry arts and the potential consequences of cutting them.
“Audio tech in the bar scene or people who do audio at big stadiums — stuff like that will have a lack of input and therefore there will be a deficit,” said Mahoney.
On the other hand, Jeremy Stevens, a first-year TV broadcasting student, isn’t too worried about his program’s future, feeling that broadcasting will always be needed.
“(Broadcasting) it’s the future of the mediaand I think it’ll be more helpful for students to accomplish their education,” said Stevens.
Jeremy Stevens, a first-year broadcasting student, understands why other students' confidence may be "thrown out to the curb and left stranded.” Photo credit: Tyrell Taylor
Acknowledging that his confidence comes from a place of security, Stevens understands why others feel differently.
“Students are concerned because that’s their future and their money. Maybe that’s why I’m so confident because my program’s not being cut, but other people’sconfidence are just thrown out to the curb and left stranded,” said Stevens.
Professor and program coordinator for the graphic design program Alain Paradisbelieves the best thing to do is to try and stay ahead of the curve.
“I think we’re just being cautious. We’re trying to stay ahead of everything. We’re updating our programs and our curriculum,” said Paradis.
After watching the Board of Governors meeting last month, Mahoney believes the college has “dug themselves into a grave,” cutting programs for what he believes was for “purely monetary reasons.” He doesn’t see a way out for the college.
The Algonquin Times reached out to the college for comment regarding the safety of future programs but didn’t receive a response by the deadline.
The 67's kicked off their Round 2 series with the Colts in a game where they didn’t bring the same energy as Barrie
Scott Crowell
Photos:
April 12, 2026 Revised: April 12, 2026 7:39am
It was not the Ottawa 67’s finest effort on April 9 as they weren’t able to muster any energy or mojo from the hop of Game 1 of the OHL playoffs second round series with the Barrie Colts.
The Colts won 4-2 on home ice in the Sadlon Arena.
67’s head coach Dave Cameron had the fourth line starting again for the fifth straight game which seems to be a very common theme as he wanted them to spark the team early on.
That was not what happened. The Barrie Colts came to play, strikng twice just under five minutes into the game, including a goal just 33 seconds in. Ottawa suddenly found themselves in a pickle. Those Colts’ goals were from Mason Zebeski and Kashawn Aitcheson.
It was mainly all Barrie in the first period and they fed off a loud home crowd.
Ottawa cut the lead to one with a goal from Nic Whitehead who had his first of the playoffs but was replied with a Barrie goal from Ben Wilmott, who got in all alone and beat Ryder Fetterolf. The momentum was sucked out of the 67’s.
At the end of the second period, Ottawa 67’s defenceman David Bedkowksi’s night came to an end early, as in back-to-back games he has now been ejected. This time it was for spearing Kashawn Aitcheson when the two teams crossed paths at the end of the period. He received a match penalty.
Barrie got one more goal early in the third period from Emil Hemming to give the Colts a three-goal lead on that lengthy penalty from David Bedkowski.
67’s rookie Thomas Vandenberg scored a late goal for Ottawa and it would be the last of the game. It gave Ottawa something to look forward to as they head into Game 2.
The 67’s will have a chance to watch film, tighten up and force them to be ready for Game 2 in the hopes of tying the series on April 11 before coming home to Ottawa.
67’s goaltender Ryder Fetterolf stopped 30 of 34 shots in his first loss of the playoffs. He kept the 67’s in the game and kept it from being a blowout.
Have you ever noticed the same numbers showing up again and again? Like 11:11 or 2:22?These are called angel numbers. People believe they are small messages that guide youand help […]
Lauren Levean-Allard
Photos:
April 10, 2026 Revised: April 10, 2026 11:59pm
Have you ever noticed the same numbers showing up again and again? Like 11:11 or 2:22? These are called angel numbers. People believe they are small messages that guide you and help you understand what’s happening in your life.
Here’s what each number means:
111 – Intuition Trust your gut and listen to your heart. If you keep seeing 111, it means your thoughts are important right now. Pay attention to what you feel.
222 – Alignment You are in the right place at the right time. Even if things feel confusing, everything is working out the way it should.
333 – Support You are not alone. You have support around you, and people (or energy) are guiding you in the right direction.
444 – Protection You are safe and protected. Even if things are hard, you are being guided and looked after.
555 – Change Something new is coming. Big changes may happen soon, so be open and ready for what’s next.
666 – Reflect Take a step back and think. This number is a reminder to refocus and look at what really matters in your life
777 – Luck Good things are about to happen. You are on the right path, so keep going.
888 – Balance Everything is falling into place. Life is starting to feel more stable and balanced.
999 – Release It’s time to let go of what no longer helps you. Ending something can open the door to something better.
Final Thought: If you keep seeing the same number, don’t ignore it. Take a moment and think about your life. The message might be exactly what you need right now.
The event continues to draw students with the same irreverent spirit that shaped its earliest editions
Mariana Vega Andrade
Photos: Mariana Vega Andrade
April 10, 2026 Revised: April 10, 2026 9:30am
Photo: Mariana Vega Andrade
Krystal Caring and Zelda Marshall Caring take the stage at Dirty Bingo’s 15‑year anniversary.
Fifteen years in, the people behind Dirty Bingo are still surprised by how far the event has come.
For Matteo Mongroo from the Students’ Association, the anniversary highlights just how much the tradition has evolved since its early days.
“A member of our team, I think, Chris L., has been here from when it first started. And now, he’s seeing it basically 15 years later what it’s transitioned into over the years,” Mongroo said.
The 15-year anniversary edition in the Observatory on April 1 drew a full room of people who filled the space from the moment doors opened.
What began as an attempt to create a fun, judgment‑free space has become a defining part of campus life, one that continues to sell out month after month.
Part of that longevity comes from the event’s ability to adapt while keeping its core intact. Mongroo credits much of its staying power to longtime hosts Krystal Caring and Zelda Marshall, whose presence has shaped the tone of Dirty Bingo since the beginning.
Over the years, the event has shifted from a public community gathering to a more student‑focused one, a change made to strengthen engagement. That shift also opened the door for students to influence the event directly.
“It gives students the option to give us the feedback,” Mongroo said. “So, they can give us feedback about things they want to see at the event, types of prizes they want to see…they kind of have their own input on how the event is being run.”
For Mongroo, the 15th anniversary is less about celebration and more about community.
With recent events selling out and interest continuing to grow, the team is now exploring expanding Dirty Bingo beyond the fall and winter terms.
“We’ve had a lot of requests this year, just with the increase in kind of like the response and engagement with the event, with the possibility of doing all of the summer semesters,” Mongroo added.
Surveys are already underway to measure interest, a sign that even after a decade and a half, the event is still evolving and very much alive.
For first‑time attendee Niko Cholette, the anniversary show lived up to the anticipation.
“I think it’s amazing. Like, I just think it’s really cool to see drag performers in the college and just see them still kicking after all these years is so amazing,” Cholette said.
After wanting to attend since arriving at Algonquin, Cholette finally made it.
“I’m really happy to say that I think I popped my cherry at the bingo and it’s totally worth it.”
What stood out most for Cholette was the sense of belonging the event creates.
“I think it’s just the community. I mean, all of us come in. We’re just here to have a good time,” Cholette said.
Niko Cholette poses for a photo during Dirty Bingo’s 15‑year anniversary event. Photo credit: Mariana Vega Andrade
Adding that the show offers a break from the stress of finals, Cholette described the atmosphere as “very, very gay, which I love. It’s very cool and it’s fun with a positive environment.”
Cholette joked that improvements are simple.
“I mean, you can never have too many drag queens.”
For Sam Rundle, a student attending the event, the longevity of Dirty Bingo says a lot about why people keep coming back.
“The fact that this event has been running for so many years, it shows that people like to come together and, you know, have a good time. It brings community together. You get a lot of laughter,” Rundle said.
Rundle had attended before, but the anniversary pulled them back in.
“I’ve been a couple times before, but I haven’t been in a long time. But when I saw that it was the 15‑year anniversary event, I was like, I gotta go. And no regrets. Love it,” Rundle said.
Friends pose between rounds at Dirty Bingo’s 15‑year anniversary. Photo credit: Mariana Vega Andrade
What stood out most for Rundle was the sense of connection the event creates.
“It’s just like the amount of community that there is. You get to meet new people. You all get to share, you know, a good laugh with each other,” Rundle said, adding that the night helps people de-stress as finals approach.
Rundle described the atmosphere as welcoming and positive. “The community is very welcoming…Everybody’s really friendly, staff members really friendly, the queens are iconic, it’s a really lovely environment to be in.”
When asked what could make it even more fun, Rundle kept it simple.
“Honestly, like a fun live show, it’s pretty fun and interesting already, but maybe karaoke. Yeah, music, absolutely.”
For longtime host Zelda Marshall, Dirty Bingo’s anniversary is more than just a milestone — it’s a reminder of how long she’s been part of the show. Her first Dirty Bingo was in September 2010.
Hosting for so long means watching the audience cycle through every couple of years.
“Most of the programs that students pursue here are two‑year programs. So we only see them for maybe two years and then it’s a whole new set of faces. You’re pretty much guaranteed a completely new audience every two years.” she said.
Marshall believes the event’s success comes from the release it offers.
“It’s an opportunity to blow off some steam, you know, get some stress out. Like any show or event you go to just escape the regular pressures, the stressors,” she said.
She also highlighted how the show has served as a space to talk about sex in an open and fun way, especially when the campus Health Services used to attend with informational materials. Over the years, she’s seen the event evolve, and even the prizes have changed.
For Krystal Caring, hosting Dirty Bingo for 15 years still feels unreal.
“For 15 years? It feels amazing. I’m constantly amazed we’re still here, we’re still going and enjoying it,” she said.
Caring believes the event’s longevity comes from its energy and openness.
Over time, she’s watched the show transform.
“It’s definitely changed a lot. It’s a completely different feeling from what it was originally (which) was more unfiltered, more alive. I find now it’s not as open, it’s more political,” she said.
As the anniversary show wrapped up, Caring wanted to acknowledge the people who’ve kept Dirty Bingo alive.
And she closed with a wish that echoed the night’s energy.
“I hope we get 15 more.”
Arts & Entertainment | Featured Hero | Featured Story | Home Feature | Home Hero
Top stories in your community and around the world as noted by Algonquin Times journalists
Talitha Kumi Scott
Photos:
April 9, 2026 Revised: April 9, 2026 7:54pm
Local
CTV News: Ottawa is considering a bubble-zone bylaw that would keep protests at least 50 metres away from schools, places of worship, hospitals, childcare centres and residential care facilities.
City staff say the bylaw is meant to prevent people from being blocked, harassed or intimidated when trying to enter those locations. Supporters say it would improve safety, while critics argue it could limit protest rights.
Council is expected to review the proposal after staff finish examining public feedback.
National:
CBC News: Health officials in Newfoundland and Labrador are warning Canadians about rhabdomyolysis after an unusual number of people, mostly young women, were hospitalized following intense workouts.
The condition happens when damaged muscle breaks down and releases substances into the blood that can harm the kidneys, and in serious cases, lead to organ failure.
Experts say the cases are a reminder to ease into exercise, stay hydrated and pay attention to warning signs like severe pain, swelling and dark urine.
International:
Al Jazeera: Iran says the United States would be making a mistake by letting Israel undermine diplomacy through continued attacks in Lebanon.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi says the real ceasefire effort must include Lebanon if it is going to hold.
The dispute over Lebanon’s inclusion has quickly emerged as one of the biggest threats to the ceasefire.
Business and finance students volunteer to help lower-income students file their taxes
Rory Haley
Photos: Rory Haley
April 9, 2026 Revised: April 9, 2026 1:30pm
Photo: Rory Haley
A volunteer helps a student file her taxes at the Algonquin College tax clinic in the CA-building on April 7.
Algonquin College has been offering free tax filing services to students who have simple tax situations.
The tax clinic can be found in C-building and has already hosted four sessions this week. The next clinic is on April 10, running from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Shawn Sutton, professor in the financial services program and organizer of the event, encouraged all students to come to the clinic and get their taxes done for free.
“It’s a fantastic event. Students could get their tax return done for free by other students who are working on their degree,” he said. “They’ll get all their benefits that they’re entitled to under the Income Tax Act.”
Outside of Algonquin College's tax service clinic in the CA-building on April 7. Photo credit: Rory Haley
The volunteers are registered with the Canada Revenue Agency’s Community Volunteer Income Tax Program, which hosts tax services country-wide. According to the CRA, over 6,000 volunteers helped over 280,000 individuals file their taxes through the 1,240 CVTIP clinics across Ontario in 2025.
The Algonquin College tax clinic has 31 student volunteers: 22 from the financial services program and nine from the business accounting program.
Aum Patel, a fourth-level financial services student and event volunteer, says he volunteered for the Algonquin College tax clinic to help others while gaining his own working experience.
“This is a safe environment for us where we can practice our skills and we can also help people which are not capable,” he said.
Aum Patel, a fourth-level financial services student, volunteers at Algonquin College's free tax clinic on April 7. Photo credit: Rory Haley
Free financial and tax clinics help low-income populations secure benefits, rebates and tax returns, assisting clients to ensure they get the maximum amount of their money back.
Students are among those who struggle most with the cost of living and the government aims to provide relief for this crisis by giving different financial benefits to people who file their taxes before the April 30 deadline. These deductions help to support taxpayers by providing financial relief for costs like groceries, tuition or housing.
One of these benefits referenced by Patel was the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit (CGEB), which will allow eligible taxpayers to receive a payment from the government to provide relief from rising food costs.
“When you pay your school fees, the federal government will tell you that you do not have to pay any taxes on the amount you have paid with your fees,” Patel said. “So you can come in, come to us with your tuition fee receipt and we will add it to your tax return.”
Another benefit for students is the Ontario Trillium Benefit, which provides eligible taxpayers with payment to help with living costs, property tax and sales tax, typically monthly.
Algonquin College students who are Quebec residents, self-employed, business owners or individuals with foreign property or income are unable to participate in the Free Student Tax Clinic.
The AC Hub and Organization'elle held a workshop on a Monday afternoon aiming to give students the tools they need to take control of their lives
Owen Riendeau
Photos: Owen Riendeau
April 9, 2026 Revised: April 9, 2026 10:34am
Photo: Owen Riendeau
Life coach Syed Hassan speaking to students at Algonquin College on March 30.
The AC Hub hosted a workshop on March 30 in collaboration with Organization’elle in an effort to help students better manage time and stress.
Algonquin College students are in a stressful portion of the year. Student are anxious about approaching exams and there is growing uncertainty surrounding recent program cuts.
In response, the AC Hub hosted a student workshop in collaboration with Organization’elle, a company that offers a wide variety of coaching services.
The workshop focused on useful tips like how to prioritize tasks, set up structured study blocks and balance school and personal duties. The goal was to give students the tools they need to deal with the stress of upcoming exams and entering the professional world.
“As a previous student, I know the struggles that I had trying to organize my life as a student and trying to figure out how to navigate procrastination and stress,” said Algonquin College event officer Reanne Richards. “So I thought that having some people who actually know how to deal with it and have experience and have tips and tricks might be helpful, because I know I would have loved that when I was a student.”
The AC Hub on March 30. Photo credit: Owen Riendeau
On top of exams, the recent Board of Governors’ decision to cut 30 programs ahead of the fall 2026 semester has left a number of students feeling uneasy.
Considering this, the time management workshop can be seen a benefit for students at a crucial time. Professional organizer Charlie Hassan and life coach Syed Hassan emphasized strategies like dividing large tasks into smaller ones, using digital planning tools and making time for breaks in order to avoid burnout.
Life coach Hassan said students shouldn’t feel discouraged by things that are out of their control, and things like program changes are unavoidable in the educational sector.
“So anytime something like this happens, students should not take it too hard, and should not feel that it’s them who are responsible, or they had anything to do with it,” said Syed Hassan. “What they need to focus on is their lives and what they’re trying to achieve and what they’re trying to accomplish.”
Life coach Syed Hassan speaking to students at Algonquin College on March 30. Photo credit: Owen Riendeau
For now, students have to deal with both educational demands and ongoing concerns regarding the future, one schedule and one study session at a time.
Life coach Hassan said “there’s a better opportunity and a better door waiting to be opened up.”
