About StoryBook Ottawa
Gifting books to over 3,300 children in 15 high-need elementary schools in 2025-2026
Our Story
Established in March 2021, StoryBook Ottawa Inc./Livre de contes Ottawa Inc. is a not-for-profit corporation with the stated purpose, “To advance education by providing books to students attending publicly-funded English and French elementary schools in low-income Ottawa neighbourhoods.”
In 2011, Shaun and Susan Hopkins decided to buy a book for every child at St. Anthony Catholic School in Ottawa because of their close family connection to the institution, which spans over 100 years.
St. Anthony is located in the Little Italy neighbourhood of Ottawa. The majority of students at the school are from families that have immigrated to Canada and who cannot afford to buy books for their children.
Shaun and Susan Hopkins created StoryBook Ottawa to expand their book-giving efforts to other elementary schools in need in Ottawa’s four English and French school boards.
Support Our Mission
Board of Directors
StoryBook Ottawa has assembled a core group of dedicated and skilled volunteers who act as its Board of Directors.
Shaun Hopkins
President
Shaun is currently the President of Shaun Hopkins Seminars Ltd., a firm that designs management and leadership training programs to organizations in Canada and the United States. Shaun is StoryBook’s fundraiser and spokesperson.
Susan Hopkins
Vice-President
Susan provides administrative support to StoryBook Ottawa. She is skilled in administration, bookkeeping, record keeping, and banking. Susan has been an administrator for over 40 years.
Sabrina Marques
Secretary
Sabrina is a manager for a national not-for-profit organization. Sabrina holds an MA in English Literature and her duties include research, event planning, and social media. Sabrina assists StoryBook Ottawa with communications strategy and all forms of social media.
Lorna Crowe
Treasurer
Lorna is a Senior Tax Accountant with the firm of Lekadir LLP. Lorna is experienced in working with registered charities. She is skilled in government filings and the financial controls required of the sector.
Kyle Wallace
Director
Kyle holds a Masters of Education and is both a teacher and acting department head at Notre Dame High School in Ottawa. Kyle acts as liaison between StoryBook Ottawa and the two English Ottawa school boards.
Marc Lepage
Director
Marc holds an MA in Library and Information Science from McGill University and is the former Director of Library and Information Services at the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). Marc is the liaison between StoryBook Ottawa Inc./Livre de contes Ottawa Inc. and the two French Ottawa school boards.
Dr. Rania El-Hawary
Director
Dr. El-Hawary is the owner of Dow’s Lake Dental. She graduated from University of Ottawa with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biochemistry and a Bachelor of Applied Science in Chemical Engineering before receiving her dental degree from McGill University. Dr. El-Hawary assists StoryBook Ottawa with business development, fundraising, and book selection.
Financial Statements
We are committed to transparency. Download our audited financial statements below.
Financial Statements July 31, 2025
StoryBook Ottawa Inc. audited statements
Financial Statements July 31, 2024
StoryBook Ottawa Inc. audited statements
Financial Statements July 31, 2023
StoryBook Ottawa Inc. audited statements
Financial Statements July 31, 2022
StoryBook Ottawa Inc. audited statements
Land Acknowledgement
StoryBook Ottawa acknowledges that Ottawa is built on un-ceded Algonquin Anishinabe territory. The Algonquin Anishinabe people have lived on this land since time immemorial. We are grateful to have the opportunity to be present in this territory.
We recognize the enduring presence of Indigenous peoples connected to and on this land. We are thankful for the opportunity to gather on this territory and work toward reconciliation through education and literacy.
Join Us in Making a Difference
Together, we can ensure every child in Ottawa has the opportunity to experience the joy of owning their very own book.