FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Turning Ottawa Orange: One Night to Celebrate Warren Creates's Community Impact

Ottawa’s business, legal, and philanthropic leaders gather on May 19 to celebrate Warren Creates and support the causes he has championed for over 30 years

OTTAWA, ON — April 8, 2026 On Tuesday, May 19, 2026, An Evening of Warrange™ will bring together some of the capital’s most influential voices at the Hellenic Event Centre for a high-energy evening of connection, celebration and purpose, all in honour of a man known as much for his impact as for his signature colour. 

For more than 30 years, Warren Creates has been bringing people together and getting things done. As Founder and long-time Chair of the Ottawa Dragon Boat Festival, he helped build it into one of Canada’s most successful charitable events, raising more than $5 million for local causes. Now, as he steps down from this role after three decades of leadership, the community is coming together to celebrate the extraordinary legacy he leaves behind.

From championing local causes to advancing human rights through the Can-Go Afar Foundation, Warren’s work has left a lasting mark both locally and globally. Now, it's the community's turn to show up for him. Perley-Robertson, Hill & McDougall LLP/s.r.l., where Creates heads the Immigration Law Group, has signed on as the presenting sponsor of the event.

Warren’s impact extends far beyond the practice of law. He has shaped communities, championed human rights and brought people together in ways that truly matter," said Dirk Bouwer, Partner & Head of the Business Law Group at Perley-Robertson, Hill & McDougall LLP/s.r.l. “We are proud to support an evening that celebrates his leadership and helps continue the important work he has inspired."

The event is organized by a group of Warren’s friends alongside Ottawa business and community leaders, reflecting the breadth of his impact across sectors. Mr Yasir Naqvi, M.P. for Ottawa Centre, is serving as Honourary Event Chair and Lawrence Greenspon, a respected leader in Ottawa's legal community, will emcee proceedings. 

In recognizing his impact, community leaders are rallying behind the event: 

“Warren Creates represents the very best of Ottawa, a leader whose compassion, energy and commitment have made a lasting impact both locally and globally. This evening celebrates that legacy while continuing the work he has inspired.” — MP Yasir Naqvi, Honourary Chair.

Guests can expect an experience as dynamic and unforgettable as Warren himself—bold, warm and full of life.

The evening will feature gourmet cuisine from some of Ottawa's most celebrated culinary leaders and Warren's friends, including Chef Joe Thottungal (Coconut Lagoon and Thali) and Sheila Whyte (Thyme & Again), and more, alongside live entertainment, a tribute presentation, and both silent and live auctions in support of the Can-Go Afar Foundation and the Ottawa Dragon Boat Foundation. 

 “There really is never a dull moment with Warren Creates said Gavin Lumsden of the organizing committee. Precious few can match his quirky energy and insatiable curiosity about all manner of things. But what stands out above all is his incredible compassion for and commitment to impactful causes, whether his own or other people's. And that's worth celebrating, in bold, and in orange!” 

In true Warrange style, guests are encouraged to embrace the theme with a hint—or a bold statement—of orange in their cocktail, business or smart-casual attire.

Tickets and information are available at warrange.ca. Sponsorship opportunities are available for organizations looking to support a vibrant, meaningful Ottawa community event. Donations are also welcome, for which tax receipts will be issued by the Ottawa Dragonboat Foundation. With limited capacity and strong early interest, the event is expected to sell out. 

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About Warren Creates

Warren Creates is an Ottawa-based immigration lawyer with more than 30 years of experience representing individuals, corporations and organizations in all aspects of immigration law. He is widely recognized for his leadership in both the legal profession and the community, as well as his longstanding commitment to humanitarian causes locally and internationally. He is perhaps best known for his ability to unite people behind meaningful causes—something this evening aims to celebrate and carry forward.

About the Ottawa Dragon Boat Foundation (ODBF)

The Ottawa Dragon Boat Foundation supports charitable and community initiatives through funds raised by the Ottawa Dragon Boat Festival—one of North America’s largest dragon boat events. Since its inception, the festival has raised millions of dollars for local charities, strengthening health, social services and community programs across the region. Learn more: https://dragonboat.net

About the Can-Go Afar Foundation

The Can-Go Afar Foundation is a Canadian charitable organization dedicated to supporting Afar communities in the Horn of Africa. Through advocacy, education and humanitarian initiatives, the foundation works to protect human rights, improve access to essential resources and empower communities toward long-term sustainability.

Learn more: https://cangoafar.org

Media Contact: Mary Jelley: 613-791-6703 | Mary@kowconnected.ca

General Information: info@warrange.ca

Links and information: 

Website: warrange.ca

Donation page: https://raceroster.com/events/2026/117542/an-evening-of-warrange

Facebook event: https://www.facebook.com/share/1Dipx8pV3o/

LinkedIn event: https://www.linkedin.com/events/7445219252934074368?viewAsMember=true