Article – The iconic Whispers pub in Westboro closed its doors for the final time last month, but its spirit of community lives on through a heartwarming auction that’s putting food on the tables of Ottawa’s most vulnerable residents.
Nearly 300 pieces of memorabilia from the beloved neighborhood watering hole went under the hammer this weekend, with all proceeds benefiting the Ottawa Food Bank. The event drew crowds of nostalgic patrons eager to take home a piece of local history while supporting a crucial cause.
“I’ve been coming to Whispers for over 20 years,” said longtime customer Janet Wilson, clutching the vintage Irish whiskey sign she’d successfully bid on. “This place was more than just a pub – it was where we celebrated birthdays, mourned losses, and found friends who became family.”
The auction featured everything from vintage beer signs and sports memorabilia to the establishment’s custom-made bar stools and iconic neon window displays. Most items sold for between $50 and $200, though the pub’s handcrafted mahogany bar top fetched an impressive $1,750.
Former owner Michael O’Connor, who operated Whispers for 27 years before deciding to retire, was visibly emotional throughout the event. “When we knew we were closing, my wife and I decided the community that supported us for nearly three decades should benefit,” O’Connor explained. “The Ottawa Food Bank was the perfect choice.”
According to Rachael Wilson, CEO of the Ottawa Food Bank, the timing couldn’t be better. “Summer donations typically drop by 30% while demand increases with children home from school,” Wilson noted. “This incredible gesture from Whispers will help bridge that gap during our challenging season.”
The auction raised over $23,000, enough to provide approximately 69,000 meals to Ottawa residents experiencing food insecurity. That figure continues to grow as additional items are being sold through an online extension of the event running until July 15th.
Local city councillor Jeff Leiper attended the auction, praising the establishment’s community-minded farewell. “Whispers exemplified what makes Westboro special – businesses that see themselves as integral parts of our neighborhood fabric,” Leiper said. “This auction perfectly captures that spirit.”
The event highlighted the growing challenge of food insecurity in Ottawa, where food bank usage has increased by 17% since 2019, according to data from Feed Ontario. The pandemic, inflation, and housing costs have created a perfect storm pushing more families to seek emergency food assistance.
For many attendees, the auction represented a bittersweet opportunity to preserve personal connections to a business that served as a community hub for generations.
“My husband proposed to me at that corner table in 1998,” said local resident Sarah Mahoney, who successfully bid on the very table where her marriage began. “Now our daughter is getting married next year, and we’ll have this piece of our history at her rehearsal dinner.”
The property that housed Whispers has been purchased by a development company with plans to build mixed-use retail and residential units. While the developer has promised to incorporate elements honoring the pub’s legacy, many locals expressed concern about the changing character of Westboro.
“These small, independent businesses are what gave this neighborhood its charm,” remarked longtime resident Tom Fitzgerald. “I understand progress, but I worry we’re losing something special with each closure.”
O’Connor, however, remains optimistic. “Change is inevitable. What matters is that we supported each other while we were here, and through this auction, we’ll continue supporting our community even after our doors are closed.”
The online portion of the auction features additional memorabilia including signed photographs from Ottawa Senators players who frequented the establishment, vintage brewing equipment, and the pub’s extensive collection of international beer glasses.
Those interested in participating can visit the Ottawa Food Bank website for details on accessing the online auction platform.
As the final gavel fell on the in-person event, O’Connor raised a pint in a toast that left few dry eyes in the house: “To Whispers – not just a business, but a home away from home for so many. May its spirit of community continue through each item finding new life in your homes and through the good work of the Ottawa Food Bank.”
For information on food assistance or how to support local hunger relief efforts, the Ottawa Food Bank encourages residents to visit ottawafoodbank.ca or call their main office.
