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This is an archive of CharityVillage NewsWeek.
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NewsBytes: May, 2002
Articles are arranged in reverse chronological order.
McLaughlin Foundation bids a fond farewell
May 27, 2002
In 1951, when successful industrialist Col. Sam McLaughlin built a sunset clause into the governing of the newly established McLaughlin Foundation, his rationale was rather pragmatic. "Who will remember Sam McLaughlin in 2001?" the 80-year old asked. "Let's wind it up then." So, since August of 2001 the foundation has been distributing its $100 million capital base, with the final cheque - for $3 million - recently being presented to St. Michael's Hospital in downtown Toronto. That final disbursement brings the foundations total contributions to almost $200 million in its 50-year history. One quarter of that amount, $50 million, will be used by the University of Toronto to establish the R. Samuel McLaughlin Research Centre. The centre's goal will be to develop new strategies for diagnosing, treating, and preventing diseases. For more information about the McLaughlin Foundation or the new research centre, visit: www.newsandevents.utoronto.ca/mclaughlin.
Another successful year for Tim Hortons' fundraiser
May 27, 2002
There is one day each spring when everyone can feel good about how much coffee they drink, if it comes from Tim Hortons, that is. This year's annual Tim Hortons Camp Day, which raises money through coffee sales and other fundraising events, brought in $4.8 million for the Tim Hortons Children's Foundation. The funds will help send more than 9,000 children, who otherwise wouldnŽt be able to afford it, on an all-expense paid camping adventure this summer. "I want to thank everyone for buying a cup of coffee and participating in Camp Day this year," said Don Schroeder, president of the foundation. "ItŽs because of fundraising efforts such as this that the Foundation is able to offer more programs to even more deserving children." For more information, visit: www.timhortons.com/english/english.html.
May 27, 2002
As part of the Voluntary Sector Initiative, the Canada Customs and Revenue Agency (CCRA) was directed to issue a clarification of the rules regarding business activities by charities. In response, a paper was recently released which outlines the CCRA's proposed administrative policy on charity-related businesses. It is now seeking comments and suggestions on how these guidelines can be improved. Instructions for submissions are set out on their web site and CCRA will consider all comments received before October 31, 2002. For more information, visit: www.ccra-adrc.gc.ca/tax/charities/consultation_policy-e.html.
Fast Fact: Low salary growth expected in US nonprofit sector
May 27, 2002
The economic slowdown in the United States has translated into relatively static salary increases in many areas of the nonprofit sector. Increases are expected to be between 3 and 4 percent overall with some areas experiencing increases of less than one percent. Nationally, the average projected pay (in US dollars) for 2002 for 10 common positions are as follows: CEO/president/executive director - $90,903; CFO - $61,518; program director - $53,782; planned giving officer - $58,753; development director - $57,312; major gifts officer - $62,951; chief of direct marketing - $53,011; director of volunteers - $35,349; webmaster - $45,165; chief of technology - $58,699. -- The NonProfit Times
May 27, 2002
In 2001, the Canadian Red Cross established the Power of Humanity awards to recognize individuals and groups in BC's Lower Mainland who demonstrate their humanity by responding to a local social need. Individuals, community organizations, and businesses that perform exceptional acts of volunteerism, implement a social program, or motivate others to take action to improve the circumstances of others will be eligible for the award. The 2002 awards will be presented at a gala dinner on July 16th, where former New York City mayor, Rudy Giuliani, will be the guest speaker. The deadline for nominations is Friday, May 31. For more information, contact the Red Cross office at (604) 709-6621 or e-mail Heather Kerr at hkerr@redcross.ca.
May 27, 2002
The Muttart Foundation names up to five executives of social service charities in Alberta, Saskatchewan, Northwest Territories, and Yukon as Muttart Fellows each year. The three recipients for 2002 will each receive a sabbatical year to work on special projects of benefit to the broader charitable sector. The Muttart Foundation will pay the salary and benefits for each of the Fellows and provide each with an expense allowance to cover costs associated with their projects. Karen Bruce, executive director of the Alberta Safety Council, will undertake research into managing major organizational change within a charitable agency. Anne Campbell, executive director of the YWCA of Saskatoon, will work on a project involving the development of a workbook to help charities with strategic planning, and Hadassah Ksienski, CEO of the Calgary Immigrant Aid Society, will focus on how charities can better recruit and retain volunteers from ethnic communities. For more information, visit: www.muttart.org/news/news2002.htm
May 27, 2002
In an effort to mobilize community support for York University's goals and ambitions, the institution recently launched a new foundation. The York Foundation, a fully independent entity, will raise funds to help York reach its academic and research goals. "The Foundation has galvanized the York community," says Timothy Price, chair of the Board of Trustees of the foundation. "It provides a home for the energy and resources of people who support the York idea. York's history is one of producing new, visionary thinking that has real application in the world. The Foundation will help the University build the capacity to continue and expand this essential work." For more information, visit: www.yorku.ca/ycom/release/archive/f050222f.htm.
May 27, 2002
A recent donation of $325,000 from the Bernard and Norton Wolf Family Foundation will improve patient care before and after surgery at the London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC). The gift was announced during the opening of a new Pre Admit clinic, which will be named for the Wolf family. The clinic will offer pre-operative care to patients and features an expanded waiting room and centralized services. The donation will also benefit the Wolf Family Surgical Day Unit, which provides post-operative care for patients ready to be released from hospital. The family foundation was established in 1982 and has since become a major contributor to cultural and medical institutions in the city. For more information about the London Health Sciences Centre, visit: www.lhsc.on.ca.
May 27, 2002
Two research reports commissioned by the Human Resources Committee of the Capacity Joint Table of the Voluntary Sector Initiative (VSI) are now available for download. Prepared by Warren Dow, the reports serve as backgrounders for the development of an action plan to help the voluntary sector become more of an 'employer of choice'. The Backgrounder on Trends in the Changing Workforce and Workplace provides an overview of trends that will impact the workforce in both the short and long term. The second report, Backgrounder on the Literature on (Paid) Human Resources in the Canadian Voluntary Sector, is a literature review and analysis of research done on human resources in Canada's voluntary sector since 1997. In addition, the results of a web survey on the voluntary sector as an employer of choice are also available.
Each of the documents is available in PDF format.
To view the overview of trends, visit: www.vsi-isbc.ca/eng/joint_tables/capacity/pdf/rod_sept26_trends.pdf.
To view the literature review, visit: www.vsi-isbc.ca/eng/joint_tables/capacity/pdf/rod_sept26_litreview.pdf
F or survey results, visit: www.vsi-isbc.ca/eng/joint_tables/capacity/pdf/rod_sept26_web_survey.pdf
May 27, 2002
A charity based in Waterloo, Ontario is ceasing operations following accusations in the US that its sister organization funneled donations to terrorists. Stating that donations have simply "dried up", Benevolence International Fund-Canada will wind down by June 1. "Because of all the publicity, everybody is afraid to donate money," said Faisal Kutty, the charity's lawyer. "The publicity was just so negative." Despite the fact that the US government froze the bank accounts of the Illinois-based Benevolence International Foundation, Kutty says BIF Canada has not been contacted by the RCMP or by Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS). "I'm not aware of any investigation here," Kutty said, adding that the charity's bank account has not been frozen. For more information about BIF Canada, visit: www.benevolence-ca.com.
May 27, 2002
A recent British study by Adrian Sargeant reveals some of the top reasons why donors choose to stop donating to a particular charity. More than one quarter of respondents (26.5%) said they felt that other causes were more deserving, while 22.3% said they could no longer afford to give. Another reason why lapsed donors say they stopped giving was that they had no memory of ever supporting the charity (11.4%). At the bottom of the list were reasons such as inappropriate communications by the charity (3.6%), not reminding the donor to give again (3.3%), asking for an inappropriate amount (3.1%) and not informing the donor of how the contribution was used (1.7%). -- Henley Management College
May 27, 2002
A new Child Advocacy Project will represent Ontario children in trouble with the law or the educational system and will also provide mediation services and lawyers to fight test cases. The Ontario-based Advocates' Society is showing its support for the project by encouraging its 2,600 members to take on a minimum of one child-related case a year on a pro bono basis. "We are very keen on this, because there is no question that a great number of children are not adequately represented," said Bruce Carr-Harris, president of the society. The project is being coordinated by Pro Bono Law Ontario, a resource centre set up by various lawyers' groups last year to provide legal help for those in financial need. For more information, call (416) 947-3300 ext. 2071 or e-mail: lburns@lsuc.on.ca
May 27, 2002
Allianz Canada is inviting nominations for its annual Caregiver of the Year Awards, a program that began in 1998 to honour the kindness and hard work provided by non-professional caregivers. People from across Canada are asked to nominate a non-professional caregiver whom they consider to be exceptional for the $10,000 national award or one of four $1,000 regional awards. The awards are given to outstanding Canadian caregivers in the following regions across Canada: Atlantic Region (Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Newfoundland and Labrador), Quebec, Ontario, Western Region (Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta) and British Columbia (BC and the Territories). Submissions should include a testimonial of 500 words or less, describing the circumstances both of the caregiver and the care recipient. The deadline for nominations is August 31. For more information or nomination requirements, visit: www.allianz.ca/public/english/caregiving_annual_awards_2k2_index.html.
May 21, 2002
A long-time supporter of the Vancouver Opera recently presented the organization with the largest single contribution in its 40-year history. The $1 million gift will be recognized as the Martha Lou Henley Orchestra Endowment. "I see this gift as my opportunity to help Vancouver Opera stay the exciting and vibrant company it has become with Jim Wright [general director] and his Board and staff," said Henley, who supports a wide variety of arts organizations in Vancouver. "It is my hope that others will follow suit by becoming further involved with the company and its wonderful programs throughout the community." Henley is a former recipient of the Ramon John Hnatyshyn Award for voluntarism in the performing arts, presented as part of the Governor General's performing arts awards. For more information, visit: www.vanopera.bc.ca.
May 21, 2002
Each year the United Nations Association in Canada (UNA-Canada) honours a Canadian for his or her outstanding achievements in the field of international service and understanding. The Pearson Peace Medal is awarded to a Canadian who has personally contributed, through his or her working life or voluntary commitment, to those causes to which Lester B. Pearson devoted his distinguished career: aid to the developing world; mediation between those confronting one another with arms; help for refugees and others in need; equal rights and justice for all humanity; and peaceful change through world law and organization. Any Canadian may nominate a fellow citizen for this prestigious award. Nominations must be received no later than August 15, 2002. For more information, contact Joan Broughton at (613) 232-5751 ext. 230; e-mail joan@unac.org; or visit www.unac.org/en/news_events/pearson/index.asp.
May 21, 2002
Last week, the Government of Alberta announced a plan to amend several provincial laws in order to protect the security and safety of Albertans, their province, and its interests. Through the Security Management Statutes Amendment Act, many laws will be affected, including the Charitable Fundraising Act. A provision will be added under which government may refuse, suspend or cancel the registration of a charitable organization or license of a fund-raising business if it is found by the Government of Canada to be providing funding to groups associated with terrorism. For more information, visit: www.gov.ab.ca/acn/200205/12338.html.
May 21, 2002
Although 87% of Canadians are aware that charities must be officially registered in order to issue tax receipts, only 11% correctly identified the Canada Customs and Revenue Agency (CCRA) as the organization responsible for determining which groups receive charitable status. The survey, conducted by CCRA, also revealed that 72% of respondents were not aware that annual tax returns filed by registered charities are available to the public. Despite this lack of knowledge, the findings suggest that Canadians want more information. Sixty-two percent believe that knowing the name of the organization responsible for registering charities is very important and 51% say that knowing a charity is registered gives them greater confidence in making a donation.-- Canada Customs and Revenue Agency
May 21, 2002
McMaster ChildrenÚs Hospital took a different approach this year for its 10th Annual Mother's Day Telethon and the change resulted in a record year for the telethon, which raised $2,052,622. Instead of broadcasting from a television studio, the 24-hour telethon was broadcast live from the hospital, bringing donors more in touch with the people they were helping. "Celebrating the telethonÚs 10th anniversary at the home of McMaster ChildrenÚs Hospital added to the excitement and exceeded our expectations," said Mike Farrell, executive director, Hamilton Health Sciences Foundation. "It was wonderful to see children who were cared for at McMaster ChildrenÚs Hospital over the years return to share their remarkable stories." Funds raised will go toward the purchase of state-of-the-art equipment, a research development fund, and the expansion and improvements of outpatient clinics at the hospital. For more information, visit: www.hamiltonhealth.ca/news_result.asp?id=31
May 21, 2002
Officials with New Dawn Enterprises announced two substantial donations to their recently launched educational foundation. The donations, totaling $240,000, were given to the Community Development Educational Foundation by two prominent Cape Breton families, including $140,000 from the David family. New Dawn is a not-for-profit community development corporation which is committed to establishing and operating locally-based ventures that contribute to the creation of a self-supporting community. For more information about New Dawn, visit: www.newdawn.ca/frameset.htm.
May 21, 2002
In recognition of Toronto residents who are making positive changes on behalf of all Torontonians, the city is currently seeking nominations for its Access, Equity and Human Rights Awards. The Constance E. Hamilton Award is presented to a person who has made a significant volunteer contribution to the equitable treatment of women in the City of Toronto. The William P. Hubbard Race Relations Award honours a person who has made a positive contribution to race relations in the city, either through individual actions or group leadership. Finally, the Access Award recognizes people or organizations that have made a significant contribution, beyond legislated requirements, toward improving the quality of life for people with disabilities within the city. All nominees must be residents of the City of Toronto. The deadline for submissions is July 15, 2002. For more information or a nomination form, visit: www.city.toronto.on.ca/awards_grants.
May 21, 2002
It was another record-breaking year as more than 330 M&M Meat Shops across Canada fired up their grills for their annual BBQ in support of the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of Canada (CCFC). The company surpassed its own fundraising goal and was able to present the CCFC with a donation $1,025,000, representing the largest gift ever donated to the organization. "Since the beginning of our partnership we have made a commitment to raise the needed funds to help find a cure for inflammatory bowel disease through our annual Charity BBQ Day," said Mac Voisin, president of M&M Meat Shops. "We are ecstatic to have surpassed the million dollar mark for the first time!" For more information about the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of Canada, visit: www.ccfc.ca/en/index.html.
May 21, 2002
Thanks to students and teachers 70 Nova Scotia schools, 5,000 Afghan children will soon receive supplies to help them during the next school year. Through the Sabak - Afghanistan's Return of Learning relief campaign, organized by the Nova Scotia Teachers Union (NSTU), more than $27,000 was raised - often pennies at a time - for school supplies for Afghanistan. Brian Forbes, the NSTU president, recently presented a cheque to UNICEF Atlantic regional director Jocelyn Boyd, who says the money will be used to supply "School-in-a-Box" kits to Afghan teachers and students. The kits contains everything a teacher needs to educate 80 students for an entire school year, all packaged in a secure metal case. "The Nova Scotia Teachers Union has shown tremendous vision and leadership through its commitment to the return of learning in Afghanistan," says Boyd. "We are grateful for its support of UNICEF's Back to School in Afghanistan campaign." For more information, visit: www.nstu.ns.ca/sabak/index.html.
May 21, 2002
The AFP's Greater Toronto Chapter has gathered together a dynamic group of mentors and is now seeking partners for their Mentoring Program. To qualify for participation in the program, each partner must be a fundraising professional with less than three years experience and a member in good standing with the Greater Toronto Chapter of AFP. Participants will be in a mentoring relationship with a seasoned fundraiser for a year, with mentors providing time, expertise, knowledge, and advice to help their partners become better fundraisers. For more information regarding the program parameters or for an application questionnaire, contact Cynthia Quigley at 416-941-9212 or toll-free at 1-800-796-7373.
May 21, 2002
Between May 28 and 30, CEOs from Ontario's high-tech industry, senior members of the voluntary sector, public sector officials, technology champions, and philanthropy managers will gather in Scarborough for the Voluntary Sector Technology Summit. As a strategic component of the Making IT Work for Volunteers initiative, the summit will offer two days of applied, interactive training workshops and strategic plenaries on key technology issues; a table-top trade show; a facilitated, interactive partnership clinic; and an opening reception, and a gala dinner featuring a key note by Dr. Richard Heinz, co-founder of Medecins sans frontieres / Doctors Without Borders Canada. For more information, visit: www.volunteersonline.ca/summit or contact Rachel Gillooly, Summit Coordinator, at rachel@haliburtonhighlands.com.
May 21, 2002
The Bank of Montreal announced a $160,000 donation for ORT Toronto's Youth Technology and Mentor Program, which provides technology training and mentor programs to youth from disadvantaged families. "This program is focused on building self-confidence," said Renee Bleeman-Bernbaum, co-president of ORT Toronto. "It enhances not only computer skills, but language skills, social skills, attitudes towards academic performance, and interest in succeeding." Launched in 1999, the program offers an enriched computer-training program taught by accredited computer specialists, with support from social workers and volunteer high school student mentors. After completing the 15-week after school program, students are given a free computer and software for home use. For more information, visit: www.ort-toronto.org/news0514bmo.htm.
May 13, 2002
In celebration of its 18-year relationship with the Canadian Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (CCFF), the Zellers Friends of the Family Fund donated more than $2.2 million to help fund cystic fibrosis research. The donation, which was announced just as CCFF kicked off National Cystic Fibrosis Month, is the largest corporate donation ever to be received by the CCFF. "Since the beginning of our partnership we have made a commitment to help raise the needed funds to help find a cure for cystic fibrosis," said Thomas Haig, Zellers president and COO. "Through the strong support and dedication of Zellers employees and customers, we have been able to raise over 19 million dollars in the past 18 years for cystic fibrosis research." For more information about the Canadian Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, visit: www.cysticfibrosis.ca.
May 13, 2002
This fall, six outstanding women will be recognized for their contributions to the advancement of women's equality. The Governor General's Awards in Commemoration of the Persons Case were instituted in¤1979 to honour the 50th¤anniversary of the "Persons Case" and the five Alberta women whose determination led to a landmark victory in the struggle of Canadian women for equality. They achieved not only the right for women to serve in the Senate, but also paved the way for women to participate in other aspects of public life. The awards are presented to women, including one youth, who have continued the tradition of courage, integrity and hard work which the Famous Five of the Persons Case inspired. The deadline for submissions is May 17. For more information or a nomination form, visit: www.swc-cfc.gc.ca /persons/persone.html or call the Governor General's Awards office at 613-995-7835.
May 13, 2002
Unilever Canada, producers of household products ranging from shampoo to margarine, announced a new philanthropic initiative dedicated to supporting the communities in which the company operates. The Unilever Canada Foundation, a consolidation of Unilever CanadaŽs philanthropic programs, will focus on youth and the environment. The child-focused component is based on a partnership with Invest in Kids, a national nonprofit organization that promotes the healthy social, emotional and intellectual development of children ages zero to five. Growing Towards Green, the environmental component, will work with a number of environmental organizations, including Pollution Probe, the East Kootenay Environmental Society (EKES), and the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority, in an effort to raise awareness of current environmental issues. The foundation is also encouraging Unilever Canada staff members across the country to participate in Volunteer Afternoons, a program which allows them to take the afternoon off and volunteer at various locations nationwide. For more information, visit: www.unilever.ca/news/PressReleas es/index.cfm.
May 13, 2002
Most Canadian adults are involved in intentional informal learning activities - learning that is viewed as significant and which is undertaken without externally imposed criteria or an authorized instructor. According to a research paper recently published by Canadian Policy and Research Networks, an average of fifteen hours per week is spent on such activities with six of those hours spent on job-related informal learning. Comparatively, the average Canadian adult spends only four hours per week on organized education courses. David Livingstone, author of Work and Learning in the Information Age: A Profile of Canadians suggests that one of the reasons as many as 20% of workers feel their skills aren't being fully used in their work is the failure of employers to take full advantage of informal learning and experience.-- Canadian Policy Research Networks
May 13, 2002
The Council of Agencies Serving South Asians (CASSA) is putting together a booklet of South Asian Canadian experiences to be distributed at the First National Pan Asian Conference taking place in Vancouver, BC from June 7 – 9, 2002.Organizers are seeking stories from individuals across Canada on a range of topics relating to their experiences. For full details of the subject areas and contact information, visit: action.web.ca/home/cassa/whatsnew.shtml?sh_itm =5d65edfcc7524f757d785bd3a8190544
May 13, 2002
Last week, 800 young people from across the Greater Toronto Area prepared for World Youth Day by volunteering 20,000 hours in a single day. For the 4th Annual 24 hours of Service, students took part in various community-building service projects, including gardening, spring clean-ups, visiting seniors, and serving the homeless. Each year the event, spearheaded by ShareLife, allows youth to touch the lives of those most in need and to give back to the community while learning valuable leadership skills. "Twenty-thousand hours of service in a 24-hour period is an impressive accomplishment," says ShareLife executive director, Terry Thompson. "These students will never forget the experience and it's quite possible the people they help won't either. Events like this help challenge and inspire both young people and our entire community to follow this example of caring and sharing." For more information on ShareLife, visit: www.sharelife.org.
May 13, 2002
If you've ever been told to walk a mile in someone else's shoes now is your chance. Singer Tom Jones, the Toronto Raptor's Vince Carter, comic Ellen DeGeneres, and pop stars Fat Boy Slim and Alanis Morrisette are among the celebrities who donated their autographed sneakers to raise money for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation's (JDRF) second annual Celebrity Sneaker Auction. The auction is running on eBay.ca until June 10th and funds raised will reinforce the Walk to Cure Diabetes, which takes place on various dates in communities nationwide between May 26th and June 9th. For more information about the JDRF, visit: www.jdrf.ca and to participate in the auction, visit: members.ebay.ca/abou tme/jdrf_canada.
May 13, 2002
Twenty of Canada's best and brightest students were recently awarded the TD Canada Trust Scholarship for Outstanding Community Leadership in recognition of their strong commitment to their communities. Each recipient receives full tuition to the Canadian college or university of their choice, $3,500 per year towards living expenses, and a guaranteed offer of summer employment at TD Canada Trust for up to four years. "TD is proud to honour, once again, an exceptional group of young Canadians," said Ed Clark, president and COO of TD Bank Financial Group. "These students are inspiring examples of how one person can truly make a difference in the lives of many." The TD Canada Trust Scholarship for Outstanding Community Leadership awards more than $1 million each year and is the largest program of its kind in Canada. For more information, visit: www.tdcanada trust.com/scholarship/index.jsp.
May 13, 2002
Beginning in September, Scouts Canada will no longer permit anyone who has ever been convicted of a crime to volunteer with the organization. Even a minor offence such as shoplifting will prevent someone from volunteering. "We will be further beefing up our criminal records checks to make sure they (volunteers) are absolutely clean," said Jennifer Austin, spokesperson for Scouts Canada. The policy change is partially because of a case involving a former Kitchener Scout leader who was recently declared a dangerous offender for sexually assaulting 20 boys, including members of his various Scout groups. In 1997, Scouts Canada initiated a volunteer screening policy requiring volunteers to get a police record check but the organization did allow people with long-ago convictions for minor crimes to volunteer. The new policy will change that and Durham says it may affect existing volunteers. "If there is any record at all, they will not be able to volunteer," she said. For more information about Scouts Canada, visit: www.scouts.ca/index-v.stm.
May 13, 2002
Eighteen thousand Canadians in more than twenty communities took to the streets for what turned out to be the most successful event ever for Kids Help Phone. The first annual Bell Walk for Kids raised an estimated $1.3 million for the organization, which provides anonymous phone counselling, referral and Internet service for children and youth. "The success of this first-ever Bell Walk for Kids is thanks to the sheer dedication of hundreds of volunteers and the positive energy of thousands of Canadians who walked and made donations on May 5th to support Kids Help Phone," said president and CEO Bill Saul. "The funds we've raised ensure that our professional counsellors can continue to be there for the approximately 1,000 Canadian children and families who call us every day." For more information about Kids Help Phone, visit: www.kidshelp.sympatico.ca.
May 13, 2002
The World Wrestling Federation was dealt a knockout blow recently after a London court ruled that only the World Wildlife Fund was entitled to use the letters 'WWF'. The ruling prevents the World Wrestling Federation from using the logo it adopted in 1998 and the letters 'WWF' in certain circumstances. The federation is changing its name to World Wrestling Entertainment or WWE. "Our new name puts the emphasis on the "E" for entertainment, what our company does best," said Linda McMahon, CEO of World Wrestling Entertainment. "WWE provides us with a global identity that is distinct and unencumbered, which is critical to our US and international growth plans." However, the World Wildlife Fund, which has been using the initials 'WWF' since 1961, said the new name and initials for the wrestling federation still aren't distinct enough. "WWF (World Wildlife Fund) was expecting that they would opt for a more distinct name change that would put 'clear water' between our two organizations," said the WWF's international COO Paul Steele. "We are still considering the implications of this move from the wrestlers." For more information about the World Wildlife Fund, visit: www.wwfcanada.org.
May 13, 2002
Last week, during National Hospice Palliative Care Week, a new guide was released featuring practical advice and a collection of personal stories to support caregivers. Living Lessons(R) - A Guide for Caregivers is the latest in a series of resources developed by the Canadian Hospice Palliative Care Association and The GlaxoSmithKline Foundation to promote understanding, support, and better access to high-quality end-of-life care in Canada. It provides concrete tips to support other caregivers and features the real-life experiences of eight Canadians, all of whom have served or are serving as the primary caregivers for loved ones suffering from terminal illnesses. "Caring for a loved one with a life-ending illness is a demanding, intense, stressful and emotionally draining experience and I had to go through it all alone and unprepared," says Jacqueline Thorney, one of the eight caregivers profiled in the guide. "Sharing our personal experiences and lessons learned was very important to us so that caregivers - now and in the future - would know there is support available to them during this time and, most importantly, that they are not alone." For a copy of the guide or for more information about Living Lessons, call 1-877-203-INFO or visit: www.living-lessons.org.
May 6, 2002
Building on the momentum of the 2001 International Year of Volunteers (IYV), Volunteer Canada last week launched a new council to help promote volunteerism in Canada. The Canadian Patron Council for Volunteering is being co-chaired by RCMP commissioner Giuliano Zaccardelli and comedian Luba Goy, who will join ten other prominent Canadians from the corporate, arts, sport, academic and public sectors. Each of the twelve members will serve a two-year term on the council, lending their name, profile and endorsement to the cause of volunteerism. "We are honoured by the enthusiastic response by this remarkable group of Canadian leaders," said Paddy Bowen, CEO of Volunteer Canada. "With their support and patronage, we can continue to spread the word that volunteering is good for Canada." Other members of the council include Paul Gross, Silken Laumann, and Dr. David Suzuki. For more information, visit: www.volunteer.ca/volunteer/patron_council.htm.
May 6, 2002
Ginsler & Associates Inc. recently announced the publication of a new web-based resource to assist voluntary organizations that want to participate in Canadian policy development. The Public Policy and Advocacy Toolbox, which was commissioned by the Voluntary Sector Initiative, includes sections on how government makes policy, nonprofit initiated policy development, knowledge and skill sets necessary for successful policy intervention, effective advocacy, and hundreds of resources on think tanks, funding sources, information sources, and more. For more information, visit: www.ginsler.com/html/toolbox.htp.
May 6, 2002
The plan to build an 800-seat concert theatre and a floating riverboat exhibit along Toronto's waterfront is one step closer to reality thanks to a new agreement between the Metronome Canada Foundation and the Canadian arm of Panasonic. As the lead sponsor of the foundation, Panasonic pledged $5 million in support over the next 10 years. Since planning of this "music city" began in 1993, Metronome has been plagued with funding woes and while this sponsorship deal will bring new momentum to the project, John Harris, president of the foundation, concedes that more funding is still necessary. "It's a mixed financing plan that includes other corporate sponsorships, bank financing and, we are hopeful, some government funding," he said. "We're quite confident that we have a plan for all of the different elements to add up to what we need." For more information about Metronome Canada, visit: www.metronomecanada.com.
May 6, 2002
Almost two-thirds of the residents in BC's Lower Mainland believe volunteering is becoming a more critical part of the social fabric and that volunteers will play a bigger role in the lives of British Columbians in the coming years. However, of those surveyed, less than 40% currently volunteer their time. When asked to identify important areas of the community where people should volunteer , 41% of respondents said services for families, children, youth and seniors were most important, followed by hospitals/health care at 34%. Support groups for the disadvantaged and disabled came in third at 17%, followed by recreation and sport (11%), environment (2%), and arts and culture (1%). -- Volunteer Vancouver
May 6, 2002
In response to the tragedy in Afghanistan which took the lives of four Canadian soldiers, a portion of the proceeds from this year's Edmonton International Air Show will go to help the families of those soldiers. The Air Show Network will donate one dollar for any type air show ticket purchased between May 1st and June 30th to the Princess Patricia Canadian Light Infantry (PPCLI) Benevolent Fund, which will work directly with the affected families. "The theme for the air show this year is 'A Celebration of Freedom' honouring the men and women in service to their country," said Jim Breen, president and CEO of The Air Show Network. "This show will be a great platform for all Albertans to demonstrate their patriotism, and given the recent events the ticket donation for the families is most appropriate." For more information about the Edmonton International Air Show, visit: www.airshownetwork.com/show.php?id=277.
May 6, 2002
Beginning this September, residents of the United Kingdom will have a new banking option; one that will use clients' money to offer loans to charities. Charity Bank, which is being sponsored by the Charities Aid Foundation, is the first registered charity that will also be regulated as a bank by the Financial Services Authority (FSA), the UK's financial regulator. Its only business will be to accept deposits in order to create a source of affordable loans for other charitable sector organizations that might otherwise face barriers to accessing credit. Charity Bank will also work to change perceptions of how personal wealth can provide finance for the benefit of society, rather than for the profit of business. For more information, visit: www.charitybank.org.
May 6, 2002
Calgary-based EnCana Corporation, a leading oil and gas giant, donated $1.2 million to bring online learning to students training in the oil and gas industry at the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT). The funds will be used by the EnCana Network Learning Centre to offer more than 24 courses online, allowing for distance learning and increased opportunities for students wishing to study with SAIT. "It's what students are telling us they want," said SAIT spokesperson Larry Lalonde. "Whether it's lifelong learners or new students, it allows them to learn anytime, anywhere." Of course, EnCana also stands to benefit from the investment since 1,100 students go through energy programs at SAIT each year. "We have been very successful in Alberta because we have been blessed with tremendous resources and very capable people -- many have come from SAIT," said Gerard Protti, executive vice-president of EnCana. For more information about SAIT, visit: www.sait.ab.ca.
May 6, 2002
To continue its support of economic and social programs in Ontario, Bell Canada is once again accepting applications for the Bell Canada Community Development Fund, which provides financial support to community-based projects that use communications technology to improve programs. Last year, the fund gave more than $200,000 to 10 projects throughout Ontario. "This fund has given many community groups the opportunity to take their communications technology to the next level and to help them grow and prosper," said Terry Mosey, president of Bell Ontario. "The previous recipients are providing a positive framework for other organizations to develop similar programs across the province." The deadline for submissions is September 20, 2002. For more information on guidelines, eligibility and requirements, visit: www.bell.ca/comdevfund.
May 6, 2002
An informal survey conducted by Internet marketing services provider Kintera Inc. reveals that 36% of nonprofits polled have experienced an increase in volunteers since President George W. Bush's campaign to boost Americans' involvement in charity work and community service. However, 45% of respondents saw no change in the level of volunteers, while 19% reported a decrease in volunteers at their organization in recent months despite the campaign. -- Kintera
May 6, 2002
To celebrate its 20th anniversary, Manifest Communications, a leader in social issue and cause marketing, announced the opening of a unique public art exhibit appearing in Toronto until May 12. The company commissioned five contemporary artists to create billboard art reflecting their interpretation of what's next in social change. "Whether people like, dislike or even 'get' the art, we believe that by encouraging artists to bring to public view their unique perspectives about the issues facing society, we will generate meaningful dialogue," said Tracey Rees, vice president of Manifest. "As communicators, we recognize and value the power of art, as the original communication vehicle, to transform ideas, issues and people." For more information or to view the billboards, visit: www.manifestcom.com/anniversary_press.cfm.
May 6, 2002
In recognition of its excellent volunteer work, Immaculate Conception School, in the community of Colliers, Newfoundland, is the grand prize winner of the first-ever Canadian School Volunteer Program Award. The award, presented by the Nova Scotia-based group Healthy Alternatives and the Canadian Home and School Federation, recognizes schools with dedicated volunteers. Immaculate Conception received a prize of $10,000, while 10 other schools each received $5,000 as provincial winners. For more information or to view the list of recipients, visit: www.healthyalternatives .ca/html/winners.html.
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