Sharon Appotive
Community Pillars
For decades, Sharon Appotive has been a respected and generous leader within Ottawa’s charitable and civic community. Through her volunteerism, philanthropy, and unwavering commitment to helping others, she has strengthened organizations, supported vulnerable individuals, and inspired a culture of giving that continues to shape the city for the better.
Together with her husband David, Sharon is the recipient of the Rabbi Reuven Bulka Shem Tov Community Volunteer Award, recognizing a lifetime of dedicated service to the betterment and enrichment of Jewish life in Ottawa. Her philanthropic leadership was further recognized internationally when she received the Kipnis-Wilson Friedland Award at the 2024 International Lion of Judah Conference, honouring women whose lifetime commitment to philanthropy and volunteerism has made a profound impact on the Jewish world.
Sharon’s leadership has been particularly influential through her work with the Jewish Federation of Ottawa. As Co-Chair of the Federation’s Annual Community Campaign from 2016 to 2018, she helped lead one of the community’s most significant philanthropic initiatives, mobilizing volunteers and donors to support essential social services, educational programs, senior care, and community supports across Ottawa. Her thoughtful leadership, strategic vision, and personal outreach helped ensure the success and sustainability of programs serving thousands of individuals and families.
Her dedication to long-term community building continues through her service on the Board of the Ottawa Jewish Community Foundation, where she helps steward endowment funds that sustain charitable organizations for future generations. Sharon also plays a leading role in Federation’s Life & Legacy initiative, encouraging families to create lasting charitable legacies and fostering intergenerational conversations about philanthropy, civic responsibility, and community engagement.
In addition to her leadership in major fundraising initiatives, Sharon is deeply committed to direct service and hands-on volunteerism. She volunteers with Jewish Family Services of Ottawa through the StreetSmarts program supporting Ottawa’s vulnerable and homeless population, and contributes her time to Ten Yad, assisting individuals and families facing hardship. She also volunteers with the Chevra Kadisha, providing compassionate support and dignity to families during times of loss through sacred burial preparations and rituals.
Sharon’s community involvement extends throughout Ottawa. She supports mental health initiatives as a Captain for the Royal Ottawa Leaders for Mental Health Breakfast, serves as a leader on Momentum trips to Israel, and contributes to numerous fundraising events, including Hillel Lodge’s Biking for Bubbies and the Soloway Jewish Community Centre Biathlon.
What distinguishes Sharon is not only the breadth of her contributions, but the spirit in which she serves. Known for her kindness, integrity, positivity, and quiet determination, she consistently leads with compassion and purpose. Whether guiding major philanthropic campaigns or working quietly behind the scenes, Sharon places the well-being of others and the strength of the community at the centre of all she does.
Through decades of leadership, volunteerism, and generosity, Sharon Appotive has helped build stronger institutions, support vulnerable individuals, and inspire others to give back. Her lasting impact on Ottawa’s charitable and civic life makes her profoundly deserving of recognition as a distinguished community leader.
