Chat with Jeff Snyder – Long-Term Chair of the Evening in the Maritimes Committee by Rick Burns

Jeff Snyder with incoming EiTM Chair Danielle Demark at Evening in the Maritimes on May 1st, 2024. Photo by Caroline Phillips

I recently had a chance to chat with Jeff Snyder, a long-time volunteer and supporter of ABLE2, most notable for his many years of service as chair of the Evening in the Martimes organizing committee. If you did not already know, the success of ABLE2’s marquis fundraising event is due in large part to the leadership that Jeff has provided over the years. With him at the helm, ABLE2 has raised millions to help people of all ages across the disability spectrum, and their families.

As Jeff is vacating his role as Chair, our conversation was a chance to reflect on all of his efforts and contributions over the last two decades. It was also an opportunity for me – on behalf of everyone in the ABLE2 community – to acknowledge and offer our collective thanks for his dedication and great work over the years.

The first thing I asked Jeff was how he first got involved with ABLE2 and what drove him to take on this leadership role. He responded that it goes back to 1994, as a recent university graduate, settling in Ottawa for his first real adult job at 23 years old. Originally from Halifax, Jeff was looking to make connections in his new city, but did not know many people here, save for a friend’s girlfriend whose mom happened to work as a social worker for ABLE2 (known as Citizen Advocacy at the time). He was then introduced to Brian Tardiff, the CEO and fellow Haligonian –- and the rest, as they say, is history

Giving back to the community is something Jeff always knew he wanted to do – it is a value that was instilled in him by his parents throughout his life. Knowing how good volunteering can be in terms of making friends and connections, he asked Brian how he could get involved. Jeff ended up signing up for ABLE2’s matching program and was paired with someone who was not technically eligible for the matching program (a young man without a disability but with a family with hearing impairments). The pair quickly formed a solid friendship, and then some-time later, they were both matched and became friends with a person with a disability. A successful three-way friendship match! But as we know, life happens. Jeff had started a family and found that he had less time to give for a formal match. He wanted to stay involved, however, so he joined the organizing committee for Evening in the Maritimes and ended up co-chairing it for 11 years.

I asked Jeff about some highlights, lowlights and lessons learned from his experiences in this role.

Perhaps wanting to get it out of the way, Jeff first spoke of one “low light” that came to mind, but it also came with an important lesson learned. He went on to describe the one year where the sales team pushed hard and ended up being a victim of their own success, unexpectantly selling almost 900 tickets. Jeff and the organizing committee quickly learned that high numbers like this took away somewhat from the “East Coast, church basement party vibe”, so numbers were capped for future years, with the lost revenue made up through more focused fundraising elements within the event itself (e.g., silent auction).

When asked about highlights, with a smile, Jeff was quick to say there were too many to mention, referencing all of the incredible people with whom he has had the opportunity to work. To name a few, he spoke of the engagement and enthusiasm of the honorary chairs, from Senator Vernon White, local businessperson David Cork, former Mayor Bob Chiarelli, former NHL defenseman and disability advocate Jim Kyte, and most recently, entrepreneur and comedian, Michael Lifshitz.

Jeff Snyder with incoming EiTM Chair Danielle Demark at Evening in the Maritimes on May 1st, 2024. Photo by Ashley Fraser

As for his favourite part, without hesitation Jeff pointed to the tradition of having a successful match being profiled and interviewed at the event to help attendees better understand the impact that such matches can have. Jeff noted that this portion of the event tends to really hit home for the attendees. He has even seen a few tears over the years as people learn firsthand how meaningful these matches can be – people are often surprised to learn that these friendships are very much a two-way street that can benefit both sides equally.

Jeff and I ended up chatting about the effectiveness of ABLE2’s matching program and how simple yet effective it is. As with all friendships, the most important thing is to show up, be present – even if it is just checking-in to have a quick phone chat, or maybe someone in the community needing help with the smallest of tasks, things that many of us take for granted. It could be as simple as helping with bills, ordering ParaTranspo or going shopping – helping in such small ways can make a world of difference to someone in the community who is otherwise too isolated.

We are sad to see Jeff step down as Chair of the Evening in the Maritimes committee after all these years, but what a legacy to leave behind! On behalf of ABLE2 employees, Board members, friends, clients, allies – and the entire city of Ottawa – thank you Jeff!! The community is forever in your debt.