Gislaine Hamelin
Community Pillars
Gislaine Hamelin is a passionate advocate for women and children escaping abusive situations. Her lifelong commitment to community support and empowerment has left a profound mark on the National Capital Region. As a founding member and guiding force behind the Ottawa Basketeers, Gislaine has played an instrumental role in providing tangible, life-changing support to hundreds of women and children who have fled violence and are rebuilding their lives.
Since 2009, the Ottawa Basketeers have been a beacon of hope for those who arrive at local shelters with little more than the clothes on their backs. Gislaine has dedicated herself to organizing bi-annual events to collect and distribute essential household items, ensuring that women who are starting over have the basic tools to begin rebuilding their homes. Through her leadership, hundreds of baskets, filled with new household goods, have been delivered, offering a sense of dignity, stability, and warmth to those most in need.
Her work is grounded in compassion and understanding, recognizing that material support is only one part of the recovery process. Gislaine’s efforts go beyond providing household goods—they offer a message of solidarity and community at a time when these women need it most. The baskets she helps organize are not only filled with practical items, but also with the hope and encouragement of Ottawa’s caring community.
Gislaine’s commitment to helping others is deeply personal. Having grown up in a household marked by violence, she understands firsthand the importance of creating safe spaces for those who have endured trauma. Her advocacy for women’s rights and safety has spanned decades during which she has organized significant events like International Women’s Day celebrations, The Clothesline Project, and the Take Back the Night March. She has also served on numerous boards, including the Women’s Initiatives for Safer Environments (WISE) and the Ontario Association of Library Technicians, while also supporting women’s health initiatives.
However, it is with the Ottawa Basketeers that Gislaine truly found her life’s calling. Co-founding the organization alongside her friend Brenda Huber, Gislaine has been the heart of Ottawa Basketeers. Together, they have turned the initiative into a powerful force for change, providing support year after year to women beginning the difficult journey of rebuilding their lives. Their work has brought countless women a renewed sense of hope and empowerment.
For her dedication to Ottawa Basketeers and the broader community, Gislaine has received numerous accolades, including the Ontario’s Leading Women Community Building Award in 2015 and the Nelson House Women’s Shelter Appreciation Award in 2016. These recognitions reflect the deep and lasting impact of her work.
Through her leadership and unwavering dedication, Gislaine has created a legacy of hope, empowerment, and solidarity that continues to uplift and inspire women across the region.
