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| Path: Main Street : NewsWeek : Archive : NewsBytes : Article |
This is an archive of CharityVillage NewsWeek.
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To view other articles in the archive, use our Chronological Index.
NewsBytes: February, 2002
Articles are arranged in reverse chronological order.
Community Foundation of Ottawa receives gift of $5 million
February 25, 2002
A family requesting anonymity presented the Community Foundation of Ottawa with a donation of $5 million. The gift is equal to half of the total donations received by the foundation during the previous year. "This shows that, even in an economic downtown, people continue to be generous," said foundation president Barbara McInnes, who also revealed that the gift was made by a person in the technology sector. This latest donation brings the foundation's investments to $63 million. For more information about the foundation, visit: www.communityfoundationottawa.ca.
February 25, 2002
A partnership between the Caledon Institute of Social Policy, the Coalition of National Voluntary Organizations, the Canadian Council on Social Development and the United Way of Canada has produced a report discussing the importance of Canada's social development. Reclaiming our Humanity examines societal development in a constitutional, political, social, and economic context and outlines key objectives to promote active citizenship. Objectives include acknowledging that environmental and social well being are intrinsic to economic growth; that communities must lead from a position of strength; and that full partnership between the government and the voluntary sector is necessary. To view the full report, visit: www.caledoninst.org/Abstracts/553820045.htm.
February 25, 2002
Canada will soon have its first research centre for health issues affecting rural women. The University of Western Ontario will match a $1 million award from the Ontario Women's Health Council (OWHC) to establish an endowed Chair in Rural Women's Health. "The University of Western Ontario Chair will strengthen our work in rural women's health by bringing together educators, researchers and community partners to share ideas, exchange information, develop collaborative programs and disseminate project findings," said Roma Harris, Western's vice-provost and registrar. The Chair will translate research outcomes into applied practice, community-based collaborative interventions, and mentorship programs targeting young women in professional programs. For more information, visit: comms.uwo.ca/wnews/stories/2002/feb/18-22/rural.htm.
February 25, 2002
The Conference Board of Canada and Spencer Stuart Canada honoured the Easter Seals Society of Ontario for its recent success in building a new governance system and a new board from the ground up. Easter Seals was the nonprofit sector winner of the 2002 National Awards in Governance, Clarica Life Insurance Company won for the private sector, and the Canada Pension Plan Investment Board received the public sector award.
"These awards allow us to recognize boards who have broken the mould and developed bold, innovative solutions to governance challenges," says awards program co-chair Andrew MacDougall, president of Spencer Stuart Canada. "By drawing attention to these approaches, it is our hope these awards will help contribute to excellence among other Canadian boards of directors." For more information about the Conference Board of Canada, visit: www.conferenceboard.ca. For more information about the Easter Seals Society of Ontario, visit: www.easterseals.org.
Fast Fact: Canadians still strong supporters of multiculturalism
February 25, 2002
Despite security fears following the terrorist attacks last year, a new poll suggests that Canadians still support Canada's multiculturalism policy. Of the 2,000 respondents, 82% said the government should preserve and enhance multiculturalism. However, when asked whether an emphasis on the multicultural heritage of Canadians was a threat to social unity and solidarity, only 64% said no, 32% said yes, and 4% were unsure. Each year the federal government spends more than $16 million on multicultural activity, with millions more spent by other levels of government.-- Association of Canadian Studies
Social entrepreneurs invited to enter business plan competition
February 25, 2002
Last week, Social Capital Partners (SCP) launched a business plan competition designed to encourage social entrepreneurship in Canada. The competition aims to identify entrepreneurs who have viable business ideas that employ members of disadvantaged populations who might otherwise have to rely on government or social service agencies to obtain training and job opportunities. The winner will be awarded a cash prize of $15,000 and SCP and its partner investors could provide up to $1 million in incremental funding for the social enterprise if they believe it is feasible. The deadline for submissions is April 30, 2002. For more information, visit: www.socialcapitalpartners.ca/competition_about.html.
February 25, 2002
Thanks to a gift from local philanthropists Richard and Beryl Ivey, the London Public Library will devote twice as much space to local history and heritage when it moves to its new location later this year. The $300,000 donation will enhance the London Room's collections and facilities, including additional and better computers, microfilm readers, printers and photocopiers. Richard Ivey said he and his wife made the personal donation because "local history has always been an area of particular interest to me. My family has been here for over a hundred years, starting when my grandfather came in the mid 1880s to commence his law practice." For more information, visit: discover.lpl.london.on.ca/news/news.php?article_uid=151.
February 25, 2002
In preparation for its 31st annual conference in November, the Association for Research on Nonprofit Organizations and Voluntary Action (ARNOVA) issued a call for papers that relate to two special areas of focus. The first area is accountability and the public trust, particularly the ways in which accountability affects nonprofits, their funders and beneficiaries, policymakers and academics. The second focus area relates to how nonprofits think about, and become involved with communities. Papers on additional topics are also being requested for the conference. The deadline for submissions in March 24. For more information about eligibility and the application process, visit: www.arnova.org/call_4_participation.html.
February 25, 2002
In a unique public relations campaign by the Canadian Cancer Society, cancer survivors pretended to hitch rides with passing motorists in Toronto last week. Wearing bright yellow vests and carry placards that read: 'Need ride to cancer treatment', the survivors were trying to raise public awareness about the need for volunteer drivers to take cancer patients to appointments. "Our goal is to be able to provide rides to everyone," said Joan Rumack, community outreach consultant for the Toronto branch of the Canadian Cancer Society. "We can't do that presently." The Toronto chapter has to turn down 25% of ride requests because of a lack of volunteer drivers. For more information about the volunteer transportation program, visit: www.ontario.cancer.ca/SiteBoth/English/CCSA3B3C0D0E0F0G0.asp.
February 25, 2002
Community Wealth Ventures (CWV) wants to hear from nonprofit groups that operate a revenue-generating business or corporate partnership in the social sector. Results from their first-ever online survey will contribute to a groundbreaking report on social enterprise, which will include best practices and lessons learned by experienced social entrepreneurs. The survey results will be made available to the public this summer and CWV will also provide case studies and essays from leaders in the field. For more information or to participate in the survey, visit: www.communitywealth.com/Survey.htm.
February 25, 2002
The mathematical theory that says a butterfly flapping its wings in one part of the world can affect weather patterns on the other side of the globe is the inspiration behind Butterfly 208, an art and essay contest sponsored by the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA). "We are hoping to provide Canadian youth with a means and a motive to discover more about the connection between their lives and the lives of others in the world," said Susan Whelan, Minister for International Cooperation.
The contest encourages youth between the ages of 14 and 18 to submit an essay or artwork based on one a variety of themes in social development, such as: child protection; education; HIV/AIDS awareness; or health and nutrition. The contest winner will travel to a developing country in Latin America to visit CIDA-funded projects. Contest deadline is June 7. For more information, visit: www.bp208.ca/.
February 25, 2002
An elderly woman's generous donation may help save more lives in Winnipeg. After seeing a demonstration of a thermal imaging camera on television, 85-year-old Patricia Condo presented the Fire Paramedic Services with a $23,000 donation to purchase one. "I figured the time had come, especially after Sept. 11, and I wanted to do something to honour our firefighters," she said. The cameras help firefighters to locate potential fire victims in burning buildings. According to the Fire Paramedic Services spokesperson Robin Alford, a donation of this size is rare.
February 18, 2002
Toronto radio station, CFRB and the Independent Order of Foresters recently hosted the 12th Annual Have a Heart for Sick Kids broadcast, raising more than $1 million for the Hospital for Sick Children. Not only did the broadcast generate almost double the amount raised the previous year, it also broke a record for the largest amount ever raised by a Canadian radiothon. The total includes $75,000 from the Foresters and $185,000 raised through the Change Bandit program at Loblaws, which encourages shoppers to donate spare change or buy a paper heart for Sick Kids. All proceeds from the event will be used to purchase much-needed equipment for the hospital's cardiology department. For more information, visit: www.sickkids.on.ca/releases/haveaheart02.asp.
February 18, 2002
Thérèse Casgrain, a native of Montreal, worked throughout her life to defend the cause of disadvantaged members of society, denouncing social injustice and lending a voice to those who had none. To commemorate her work and honour others who have demonstrated a lifelong commitment to volunteering, Human Resources and Development Canada annually presents the Thérèse Casgrain Volunteer Award. Nominations are now being accepted to recognize two Canadians, a man and a woman, for their pioneering spirit, social commitment, and persistent endeavours to advance a cause and the well being of their fellow citizens. Recipients receive a bronze medal and a $5,000 donation will be made to the voluntary organization of their choice. The deadline for nominations is March 1. For more information, visit: www.volunteeraward.gc.ca.
February 18, 2002
The Children's Health Foundation of Saskatchewan announced a major partnership to raise $5 million in the next three years for the development of a children's disease and discovery centre. The Yanke Group of Companies donated $350,000 to get the initiative started and the foundation's third annual Kids Come First radio challenge raised $132,000 last week for the campaign. Saskatchewan has the fewest pediatricians per capita of any provincial jurisdiction in Canada so the CHF hopes the disease and discovery centre will attract new interns and specialists looking to contribute to medical research in the province.
February 18, 2002
The Chronicle of Philanthropy's list of the most generous US donors of 2001 includes three gifts of more than a billion dollars. At the top of the list is Gordon and Betty Moore's gift of $5.8 billion to their San Francisco foundation and an additional $300 million pledge to the California Institute of Technology. Bill and Melinda Gates contributed $2 billion to their foundation in Seattle and James and Virginia Stowers gave $1.1 billion to the Stowers Institute for Medical Research, in Kansas City. In total there were 66 donors who gave or pledged $10 million or more in 2001, with colleges and universities continuing to be the main recipients. -- Chronicle of Philanthropy
February 18, 2002
Cash awards totalling $65,000 are available to nonprofit agencies that apply for the 5th Annual Donner Awards. This unique recognition program, created specifically for Canadaˇs nonprofit sector, rewards nonprofits for efficiency and effectiveness in their service delivery. Agency performance is calculated in ten areas: finance, income independence, strategic management, board governance, volunteers, staff, innovation, program cost, outcome monitoring, and accessibility. As part of the awards program, all participants receive a confidential performance evaluation, which delineates the agencyˇs individual performance in these areas.
Nine awards valued at $5,000 each will be presented in the categories of child care services, crisis intervention, counselling, alternative education, traditional education, prevention and treatment of substance abuse, provision of basic necessities, services for people with disabilities, and services for seniors. In addition, the prestigious Award for Excellence, valued at $20,000, will be presented to the organization that exhibits the highest level of overall excellence. The deadline for applications is Tuesday, April 30, 2002. For more information or an application form, visit: www.fraserinstitute.ca/awards/index.html or e-mail donnerawards@fraserinstitute.ca.
February 18, 2002
An Ottawa vocalist has turned her love of music into something that serves as more than entertainment. Karen Lahaise and more than 20 local musicians and singers worked on a volunteer project to create the CD Songs for the Soul, featuring 70 minutes of spirit-nurturing music. Part of the proceeds will be donated to Ottawa's St. Joseph's Women Centre and Supper Table, which serves jobless and homeless people in the city's downtown core. "I never thought my little CD project would grow into such a huge endeavour. It only happened because so many people generously donated their time and talents," says Lahaise. She will be launching the CD at a special concert on February 23rd. For more information, visit: www.songsforthesoul.ca.
February 18, 2002
Each year the Arthur Kroeger College of Public Affairs recognizes excellence in several areas that contribute to the vibrancy of Canadian democracy and society as a whole. This year the Canadian Centre for Philanthropy received the 2002 Arthur Kroeger College Award for Policy Leadership. The award was presented to Gordon Floyd, CCP's vice president of public affairs, in recognition of the centre's leadership and long-standing dedication to shaping public policy in Canadian society. For more information about Arthur Kroeger College, visit: www.carleton.ca/akcollege. For more information about the Canadian Centre for Philanthropy, visit: www.ccp.ca.
February 18, 2002
Olympic enthusiasts who can't make it to Salt Lake City have until February 26 to get their own piece of sports history. CBC Sports Online, in partnership with the Canadian Olympic Association, launched an Olympic charity auction to give everyone the opportunity to bid on signed Canadian Olympians' jerseys and memorabilia available exclusively from the COA. Proceeds from the auction will go to the association, in support of Canadian amateur athletes. "It's a great way for people to get interactive with the Olympics," said Andrew Lundy, CBC Sports Online's senior producer. "But more than that, it's a way for Canadians to help raise money that will support the country's current and future Olympians." To view available items or to participate in the auction, visit: olympics.at.edeal.com.
February 18, 2002
Justice Darlene Acton ruled that Scouts Canada must pay $12,000 in damages to an Edmonton family. The suit was launched last summer on behalf of a boy who was molested by convicted pedophile Frederick Douglas Miller at a Scouts camp in 1993. Acton found the Boy Scouts partially liable because a volunteer with the organization saw the boy being molested, but did nothing to help him. Richard Hadjuk, the lawyer for an Edmonton mother and her son, said the pair is extremely relieved. "The Scouts had argued they had no obligation to rescue the child, to act in any way," said Hadjuk. However, the court found that the volunteer, a camp chief, did have an obligation to intervene when she saw a child being molested because she was acting in the capacity of the Boy Scouts.
February 18, 2002
A seven-month campaign, involving the active participation of thousands of companies nationwide, resulted in a $50,000 donation to support Canadian Olympic athletes competing at the Winter Games. During Canada NewsWire's Canada Wins! campaign, $1 from every news release issued on its dedicated wire and every webcast conducted was donated to support Team Canada. Tom Enright, president and chief executive officer of Canada NewsWire, and Deborah Allan, executive director of communications for the Canadian Olympic Association joined gold medal winner Catriona LeMay Doan as she acknowledged corporate Canada's support of Canadian Olympic athletes. For more information, visit: www.newswire.ca/marketing/coa/wins.html.
February 18, 2002
From February 21st to the 24th Canada will play host to youth leaders from around the world. Resolve It: A Peace Odyssey is the third international youth conference on peace-building and conflict resolution, and is completely organized and run by youth, for youth. The conference gives youth, youth-serving agencies, and government the opportunity to share best practices and develop action plans in the area of youth conflict resolution and violence prevention. For program and registration information contact YouCAN at (613)230-1903, toll-free at 1-888-4YouCAN, or visit www.youcan.ca.
February 18, 2002
A project being organized by the Points of Light Foundation will establish a landmark in Washington, DC similar to Hollywood's 'Walk of Fame'. The 'Extra Mile' pathway will consist of at least 70 bronze medallions embedded in sidewalks near the White House to honour Americans who gave of themselves to help others. "It's sort of our flagship to encourage and remind people that everyone can serve," said Kimberli Meadows, the foundation's spokesperson. Among those being memorialized are: Clara Barton, founder of the American Red Cross; William D. Boyce, founder of the Boy Scouts of America; Wallace Campbell, founder of CARE; and Linda and Millard Fuller, co-founders of Habitat for Humanity. For more information on the Points of Light Foundation, visit: www.pointsoflight.org.
February 11, 2002
In accordance with an Ontario Superior Court of Justice ruling, a charity claiming to collect funds for abused women and children is no longer able to solicit donations from the public. The National Society for Abused Women and Children was first granted charitable status from the Canada Customs and Revenue Agency in 1999. Since then, only $1,365 of $1 million raised by the charity ever went to charitable works, according to auditors for the Ontario Public Trustee. "The whole operation was a scheme whereby charity was used as a cover to raise money for the benefit of the (affiliated fundraising) agency," said Justice Ernest Loukidelis. In his ruling he recommended that the federal government require charities to tell the public exactly what portion of their donation goes to charitable works.
February 11, 2002
A Vancouver-based AIDS researcher who recently received a $1 million award from the Boehringer Ingelheim group, one of the world's largest pharmaceutical companies, says he will use the money to endow a professorship in AIDS research at the University of British Columbia. Dr. Julio Montaner is the director of clinical activities for the BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS. Last November he and his team announced a revolutionary AIDS treatment hailed as the greatest advance since the multi-drug 'AIDS cocktail'. "It's not just my work but the work we have done collectively at the Centre," he said. "It's very gratifying to see this has been recognized in such a generous way." For more information about the BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, visit: cfeweb.hivnet.ubc.ca/.
February 11, 2002
Although 51% of respondents to a recent survey by the Centre for Research and Information on Canada (CRIC) feel Canada should maintain its existing level of participation in military alliances, 37% want greater involvement, a 13% increase since the last poll was conducted in March of 2001. Thirty-nine percent also feel the country should be more active in providing economic aid to poor countries, up from 29% last year, and 35% want to see more involvement in peacekeeping missions, a 5% increase. Canadians between the ages of 18 and 29 were the most supportive of increased international involvement, with almost 50% wanting an increase in economic aid. Only 17% of all survey respondents said they would like economic aid to decrease. -- Centre for Research and Information on Canada
February 11, 2002
Ontario fundraising lotteries have a rough road ahead now that a new contender is competing for ticket sales in an already crowded marketplace. The Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation, a Crown corporation, recently launched its $25 Big Ticket Lottery to compete with fundraising lotteries run by a variety of nonprofit organizations in the province. The new lottery, which is expected to raise $25 million, offers better odds of winning, a top prize of $2 million, four $1 million prizes and assorted luxury cars and boats.
"The charities are there to try and do the good things the government has pulled back from, and now the government has taken them head on in the marketplace. It is shocking," said Marshall Pollock, who founded the Ontario Lottery Corporation in 1975. "This will kill the charities. Even if that is not the intent, it will be the effect." However, the OLGC defended its right to launch the new lottery. "Lotteries are our business. We have been doing this for 27 years and the money we get goes to the government, and the majority of that goes to support hospitals," said Jim Cronin, director of communications. For more information about the Big Ticket Lottery, visit: www.olgc.ca/pres s/l_pr_01_30_02_001.jsp.
February 11, 2002
Last November, after fire gutted the warehouse where they worked, employees of Dura-Lite Heat Transfer Products were left with a lot of time on their hands. Now, thanks to a suggestion from Erin Hryniuk, the mother of the company's sales director and a regular volunteer at the Calgary Inter-Faith Food Bank, workers are busy again. Volunteer groups of about a dozen employees go to the food bank and work seven-hour shifts, Monday to Friday, on company time.
"So far, I think they've handled almost 50,000 pounds of food," said Angela Knight, spokesperson for the food bank. While the food bank benefits, so do Dura-Lite employees. "Some of us are even going to go back on our own time," said Tarah Mullens, a production worker. "Until I was there, I'd never realized how much food they handle and how high the need for their services is." For more information about the Calgary Inter-Faith Food Bank Society, visit: www.calgaryfoodbank.com/index1.html.
February 11, 2002
The Continuous Learning Section and the Gender Equality Unit of the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) collaborated to develop a new online, interactive course for anyone interested in promoting gender equality. Originally designed for CIDA employees working in Canada and abroad, the agency decided to post the course on its web site to make it available to Canadians, CIDA partners and others interested in learning about CIDA's approach to promoting equality between women and men in international development cooperation. It is based on CIDA's Policy on Gender Equality, which was launched in 1999. For more information, visit their web site at: www.acdi-cida.gc.ca.
February 11, 2002
The Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU) has reported that the Ontario government is planning to transfer responsibilities for sports and recreation funding programs to an outside agency. According to OPSEU, the Ministry of Citizenship, Culture and Recreation is negotiating a transfer of funding programs to Sport Alliance of Ontario, a private nonprofit organization. If the transfer is approved, the organization could become the lead provider of funds for provincial games, athlete development, sports awards, and recreation grants, and will receive more than $30 million in government funds next year. For more information, visit: www.opseu.org /news/Press2002/feb042002.htm. To learn more about the Sport Alliance of Ontario, visit: www.sportalliance.com/new/home.html.
February 11, 2002
Some much needed optometrical equipment will soon be helping to restore vision to people in developing countries. The family of the late Wally MacLeod, an optometrist from North Sydney, NS, and retired Cape Breton optometrist Dr. Norman MacAskill, donated $15,000 worth of equipment to Operation Eyesight Universal, a Canadian charitable organization preventing blindness around the world. "This equipment is in excellent condition and will hopefully be put to good use rather than being tucked away somewhere in storage," said Kay Johnston, niece of the late Dr. MacLeod. Since 1963, OEU has restored sight to more than 1.8 million men, women and children and treated more than 25 million people for a variety of blinding eye ailments. For more information about Operation Eyesight International, visit: www.giftofsight.com/.
February 11, 2002
A new program in the Peel region is giving youth a chance to gain valuable work experience while also helping charitable organizations. Offered by the Centre for Education and Training in Ontario, the Youth Helping Charity Project is an HRDC sponsored program designed to directly assist eight youth participants in achieving their employment goals. It includes a paid work placement in the participant's charity of choice, while also encouraging youth and the general public to support charitable organizations. Youth and charitable organizations interested in receiving more information about the program can call 905-277-2091, extension 30, to speak with the program facilitator.
February 11, 2002
A new report released by the National Council of Welfare finds that Canada's failure to eliminate child poverty is costing taxpayers too much. The Cost of Poverty reveals that poverty is more expensive than Canadians may be lead to believe. "We wanted to show the public and policy-makers that in addition to fairness and justice, there are good economic reasons why we need to make better investments to reduce poverty now," said council chair John Murphy. Costs associated with poverty include: increased health care costs; lost economic potential; an increase in crime; and strains on the prison system. To view the full report, visit: www.ncwcnbes.net/htmdocument/reportcostpoverty/Costpoverty.html.
February 11, 2002
The Canadian Environmental Youth Capacity Building Project is seeking applications from leaders of youth environmental groups across the country to participate in a Capacity Building Retreat (CBR) 2002. The CBR 2002, to be held from March 12 to 17 near Montreal, will look at developing a concrete strategy to strengthen the youth environmental movement in Canada. The goal of this grassroots approach will help build a more effective and sustainable youth environmental movement for the future. The deadline for applications is February 15th. For more information, visit: www.cen-rce.org/cbp-rmej or e-mail seanecos@yahoo.com.
February 11, 2002
FLARE Magazine has issued a last call for nominations for the 6th Annual FLARE Volunteer Awards 2002. The awards honour outstanding Canadian women who volunteer in their communities. Everyone has volunteers, mentors, and heroes in their midst, and they deserve to be recognized. Now is the opportunity. The deadline for nominations is February 13, 2002. For more information or for a nomination form, visit: www.flare.com/volunteer/about.html.
February 4, 2002
To service our growing client base in Southern and Central Ontario, CharityVillage.com has hired Doug Daye to help fill out our recruitment advertising team. Based in London, Ontario, Doug has a long history of involvement in the local nonprofit community, as well as a successful consulting practice.
"As more of our clients come from cities and towns outside of the GTA," said CharityVillage.com president and COO Maggie Leithead, "we want to be sure that our team helps cultivate this diversity. Doug is going to be there for you whether you're in Alliston, Hamilton, or Amherstburg." Find out a bit more about Doug in his profile at: www.charityvillage.com/charityvillage/dougdaye.html.
February 4, 2002
The Casey House Foundation recently accepted the largest donation ever made by an individual to an AIDS Service Organization (ASO) in Canada. Mark S. Bonham, CEO of Bonham & Co., presented the foundation with a gift of $2.5 million. "I wanted my donation to go directly to the care of individuals with AIDS and HIV and Casey House was the ideal answer," said Bonham. The money will be used to establish a $1 million Mark S. Bonham Innovation Endowment to fund new initiatives and programs; $1 million will go toward the purchase of an adjacent building, allowing Casey House to expand; and $500,000 will fund short term services. For more information about Casey House, visit: www.caseyhouse.com.
February 4, 2002
Minister Sheila Copps recently announced a new program to assist arts and heritage organizations across Canada. The Canadian Arts and Heritage Sustainability Program helps organizations improve their management and develop greater financial stability. The Capacity Building Component is now accepting applications from organizations that do not have access to assistance from a Stabilization Project in their region. The next deadline for applications is April 15th. For more information on how to apply, visit: www.canadianheritage.gc.ca/arts/pcapc_cahsp/02_e.htm.
February 4, 2002
Friends and family of Senator Gildas Molgat raised $130,000 to create an endowed scholarship fund for University of Manitoba and College universitaire de Saint-Boniface students. The donation was matched by the Manitoba Scholarship and Bursary Initiative for a total of $260,000 in available funds. Five $2,000 scholarships and five $500 bursaries will be available for graduating students in the fields of Canadian studies, political studies and history. The Senator Molgat memorial scholarship fund is part of the university's "Building on Strength" fundraising campaign, which has raised more than $140 million toward its $200 million goal. For more information about the University of Manitoba, visit: www.umanitoba.ca.
February 4, 2002
The UK Voluntary Sector Almanac 2002 reveals that the sector's income increased to £16.5 billion for 2000-2001, up by £2.3 billion since 1998-1999. However, spending also increased, from £13.4 billion to £15 billion in the same period. Income from grants and donations fell from 46% to 44% and the percentage of personal donations received dropped from 20.2% to 19.7%. The report also finds that the top 200 charities, representing only 0.4% of the sector, generate more than one third of the sector's total income, while 75% of all charities each raise less than £100,000 annually.-- National Council for Voluntary Organisations
February 4, 2002
Newborns in Nova Scotia will soon leave hospitals armed with books, as part of a pilot program aimed at boosting Nova Scotia's low literacy rates. Read To Me!, an initiative developed by the IWK Health Centre, encourages parents to begin reading to their children early. New mothers will be presented with a backpack containing two books, the baby's very own library card, information on reading development and community literacy resources. The Nova Scotia Education Department, Human Resources Development Canada, the Halifax Youth Foundation, the IWK Auxiliary, and the CBC provided funding for the program. The IWK also hopes to set up a $3 million endowment fund to guarantee that the program will continue indefinitely. For more information, visit: www.iwkgra ce.ns.ca/whatsnew/pressreleases.cfm.
February 4, 2002
The US Federal Trade Commission recently began work on the creation of a national do-not-call list to protect citizens from unwanted telemarketing calls. "Under the FTC's proposal, it would be illegal for telemarketers to call consumers who place their phone number on the national registry," said Howard Beales, director of the FTC's Bureau of Consumer Protection. The commission also proposes that consumers only receive telemarketing calls from organizations they authorize; that companies be prohibited from using third party billing information for the purpose of telemarketing; and that marketers not be allowed to block caller ID systems. A similar registry is also being studied by the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC). At present, the Canadian Marketing Association (CMA) operates a "Do Not Mail/Do Not Call Service", but only CMA member companies and organizations are obliged to follow its guidelines.
February 4, 2002
Canadians who have old European currency around the house can now put it to good use. Until June 30, Travelex Bureaux de Change outlets and UNICEF offices across Canada will accept donations of European coin and notes which will be used to fund basic health care, clean water, sanitation, and other programs for children overseas. The initiative is part of UNICEF's Change for Good program that encourages international travelers to donate unused foreign currency. Since 1987 the campaign has raised $31 million. For more information, visit: www.unicef.ca/eng/travail/news/012402.html.
February 4, 2002
Last week the federal government announced an investment of $779 million to support projects at 69 Canadian universities, colleges, hospitals, and not-for-profit research institutions. The projects selected for funding are in the areas of health, engineering, science, the environment, as well as the social sciences and humanities. "These projects will play a significant role in enhancing the well being of citizens as well as Canada's reputation as an excellent place in which to invest and live," said Industry Minister Allan Rock. A complete list of approved projects is available on the Canada Foundation for Innovation web site at: www.innovation.ca/media/index.cfm?websiteid=203.
February 4, 2002
The CanWest Global Foundation announced a donation of $150,000 to establish scholarships and fund research in media studies at Malaspina University-College on Vancouver Island. Organizers hope that this donation will encourage students to pursue careers in media and communications. For more information about the CanWest Global Foundation, visit: www.canwestglobal.com/community/index.html.
February 4, 2002
Last week, Canadian sports legends teamed up in Halifax for the annual Toshiba "Breath of Life™" Celebrity Ski Challenge, which has raised funds for cystic fibrosis since 1985. The ski challenge generated more than $22,000 for the Nova the Scotia chapter of the Canadian Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. "It is truly amazing what Canadians can do when we come together to face a challenge," said Ken Read, event organizer, Olympian, and five-time World Cup champion. "Breath of Life™" celebrity ski challenges will be held at ski resorts across Canada until April. For more information, visit: www.breathoflifechallenge.com.
February 4, 2002
In last week's State of the Union address, U.S. President Bush urged all citizens to donate two years of their life to voluntary service. "My call is for every American to commit at least two years -- four thousand hours over the rest of your lifetime -- to the service of your neighbors and nation," Bush said. As part of this, the president proposed the expansion of the AmeriCorps and Senior Corps, asking for 200,000 new volunteers to join. In addition he would like to double the number of Peace Corps volunteers to 14,000. A senior administration official said Bush hopes to send Peace Corps volunteers to Afghanistan.
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