Community Gathers to Honor Stabbing Victim with Winter Clothing Drive in Ottawa
On a cold Sunday afternoon, March 1, 2026, a dedicated group of volunteers assembled at 53 Daly Avenue in Ottawa to distribute essential winter clothing, hot beverages, and food to those in need. This heartfelt community support event was organized to pay tribute to Gilles Comtois, a 58-year-old man who tragically lost his life after being stabbed on Rideau Street near Colonel By Drive on February 19.
Remembering Gilles Comtois
Gilles Comtois was a well-known figure within Ottawa's vulnerable community, particularly in the Rideau Street area. Emergency crews discovered him with life-threatening injuries outside the Rideau Centre downtown and transported him to the hospital, where he passed away that evening. This was not the first time Comtois had been attacked; approximately three months prior, he was hospitalized after a group of teenagers stabbed him when he refused to give them cigarettes.
At the event, volunteers and attendees held signs bearing Comtois's face, honoring his memory and the impact he had on those around him. Segetlab "Ziggy" Haile, the organizer who knew Comtois for five years, expressed the deep connection felt by the community. "We're here to honor him because he means so much to us. He's our brother," Haile said. "He would go around telling people about all the events we throw. He was so involved with them, so we're here to honor him today."
Providing Warmth and Support
The clothing drive featured a wide array of winter essentials, including hoodies, jackets, sweaters, gloves, and tuques, all laid out on a tarp for easy access. Volunteers diligently handed out these items to dozens of people who lined up starting at around 1 p.m. Nearby, other volunteers distributed hot dogs and warm drinks from a table, ensuring that attendees received both nourishment and comfort during the chilly afternoon.
Haile emphasized that the event was about more than just material goods. "It's way more than the clothing, way more than what you give. It's about the times that we spend here to help people," he explained. "And our main goal is to just get people to believe in themselves and to get out of the streets and to find a way to get housed again."
Ongoing Community Efforts
This event was not an isolated initiative. Haile's community group, Protect the Rise, regularly organizes clothing and food drives to support Ottawa's most vulnerable populations. In 2024, Haile hosted a Christmas dinner in his apartment at the corner of Dalhousie and Rideau streets for individuals who could not afford a festive meal. Despite operating without formal funding, the group remains committed to its mission.
"We always do clothing drives. We usually have bigger events, but we're not really funded by anybody," Haile noted. "We just provide. We're all one, no matter the race, no matter our situations. We're all unheard. When we come together, we're all able to hear each other and help each other out."
Call to Action for the Community
Haile urged Ottawa residents to build meaningful relationships with vulnerable community members, advocating for dignity and adequate housing for all. "Even if you don't want to work in a group or anything, you could come downtown. You can create relationships with people. You can motivate them to get their life back on track," he said.
He also encouraged donations and volunteer support. "If you have any clothing like jackets or summer stuff, we're always taking clothing. You can come and volunteer, because giving service to your community is the best gift."
The gathering outside The Ottawa Mission served as a poignant reminder of the power of community solidarity in the face of tragedy, honoring Gilles Comtois's memory while providing tangible support to those in need during the harsh winter months.
