Nancy Hough
Community Pillars
Nancy Hough is a distinguished Ottawa community leader whose creativity, determination, and sustained volunteer leadership have made a significant impact both locally and internationally. Widely respected for her vision and ability to mobilize others around meaningful causes, she has demonstrated an exceptional commitment to philanthropy and community building, particularly through her long-standing work with the Stephen Lewis Foundation and Parkinson Canada.
Nancy’s most notable contribution is the creation and leadership of the Ride to Turn the Tide (RTTTT), a multi-day cycling fundraising event supporting the Stephen Lewis Foundation’s work with grandmothers in sub-Saharan Africa raising children orphaned by HIV/AIDS. Inspired by similar initiatives in other communities, Nancy developed the concept of a three-day, 260-kilometre ride in Eastern Ontario that would combine physical challenge, grassroots fundraising, and community engagement.
Launched in 2010 after extensive planning and partnership development, the inaugural ride surpassed expectations, raising over $29,000 against an initial goal of $10,000. Under Nancy’s leadership, the event quickly expanded in scope and impact. She built strong relationships with local sponsors, including early corporate support, and engaged community groups across Almonte, Merrickville, Perth, and Metcalfe, who provided meals, lodging, and essential logistical support.
Over the years, RTTTT evolved into a signature community initiative, raising over $1 million in support of the Stephen Lewis Foundation. Nancy’s leadership is distinguished not only by fundraising success, but by her ability to create a deeply relational model of engagement. She brought together “grandmother groups” along the route, fostering enduring partnerships that transformed the ride into a network of shared purpose and solidarity. The event also played an important role in raising awareness of HIV/AIDS in Africa and highlighting the leadership of Canadian grandmothers in addressing its impact.
Even after being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2018, Nancy has continued to demonstrate remarkable resilience and commitment. While no longer able to participate as a cyclist, she remains actively involved in organizing, supporting riders, and sustaining key community relationships. Her lived experience has further strengthened her advocacy, leading her to expand her volunteer engagement with Parkinson Canada, where she has become an active fundraiser and community contributor.
Nancy has also shown innovative leadership within the Grassroot Grannies network by reimagining long-standing fundraising traditions. Recognizing the challenges of earlier book-sale events, she introduced a new author-focused literary fundraising model that successfully revitalized participation, increased attendance, and exceeded previous fundraising outcomes. This initiative reflects her strategic thinking, adaptability, and ability to inspire confidence in change.
Beyond formal initiatives, Nancy fosters community connection through informal support and engagement, including hosting gatherings that provide social connection for individuals living with Parkinson’s disease. Her leadership is consistently marked by inclusivity, perseverance, and a belief in collective action.
Nancy Hough’s legacy is defined by innovation, resilience, and impact. Through decades of volunteer leadership, she has strengthened community networks, raised substantial funds for critical causes, and inspired others to act with generosity, purpose, and compassion.
