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This is an archive of CharityVillage NewsWeek.
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To view other articles in the archive, use our Chronological Index.
NewsBytes: July, 2002
Articles are arranged in reverse chronological order.
Voluntary sector networks join forces to form Canadian federation
July 29, 2002
In recent years, many voluntary sector organizations across the country have formed coalitions, councils, and other initiatives in an effort to strengthen the sector and improve collaboration. Now, eleven such networks are joining together to form the Canadian Federation of Voluntary Sector Networks in order to increase their impact in their respective communities, regions, provinces, and territories. "The voluntary sector has long been a major partner in service delivery and program development with governments at all levels. In a rapidly changing society, it needs a strong and cohesive voice in developing public policy and private sector partnerships. The federation is a vehicle through which both the 'big picture' and grassroots issues can be discussed and addressed," says Joan Christensen, executive director of the Coalition of Ontario Voluntary Organizations, one of the federation's eleven founding members.
The new federation will help organizations to facilitate and promote collaboration, raise the profile and build the capacity of the voluntary sector, impact public policy development, and improve dialogue with other sectors. It will reach out to both existing and emerging initiatives that share these goals, as well as to informal networks of voluntary organizations. For more information, visit: www.cvsrd.org/eng/federation_established.html.
Adobe launches philanthropy program in Ottawa
July 29, 2002
Adobe Systems Incorporated, one of the world's largest software companies, is currently seeking proposals from Ottawa-based charities and nonprofit organizations in need of Adobe employee volunteer support and software donations. The company recently launched three targeted philanthropic programs in the region, the first of which is a volunteer request program that provides K-12 schools and nonprofit organizations the opportunity to request employee volunteer support for community activities. Its software donation program, managed in partnership with Gifts In Kind International, supports primary and secondary schools and qualified nonprofit organizations with donations of Adobe's latest version software. Finally, the special request program is designed for nonprofit organizations that require more Adobe software than the maximum provided in Adobe's regular software donation program. In addition to these community programs, Adobe also initiated a corporate matching gift program for its Ottawa employees. For more information, visit: www.adobe.com/aboutadobe/philanthropy/main.html.
July 29, 2002
Two Vancouver private schools will not be sold in order to pay those who were abused by clerics at Newfoundland's notorious Mount Cashel orphanage in the 1970s and 1980s. The schools, which are included in the assets of the Christian Brothers of Ireland in Canada, have reached an out-of-court settlement that will see them pay $19 million to a liquidator working on compensation for abuse victims. "We are very happy that this five-year legal battle is now over and we have the opportunity to restore certainty and confidence to the future of Vancouver College and St. Thomas More," said John Nixon, a spokesman for the two schools. The schools, estimated to be worth between $38 million and $43 million, were to be sold and closed to help pay $67 million in compensation ordered by an Ontario court in 1996.
Fast Fact: Federal funding of Canada's voluntary sector in the billions
July 29, 2002
The total annual direct federal funding spent by Canada's voluntary sector in 1997-1998 is estimated at $2.2 billion in direct payments to support programs and services delivered by voluntary sector organizations. In addition, indirect support was provided through $1.5 billion in tax relief for donations made to registered charities. This originated mostly from personal income tax credit on charitable donations. -- Government of Canada
July 29, 2002
The Canadian Diabetes Association announced $5 million in funding for 88 diabetes research teams across Canada. The money will be used in the next year to support a wide variety of diabetes research initiatives, from leading edge insulin research, to applied research that could directly benefit Canadians living with the disease. "We're pleased to support a wide spectrum of investigator-initiated research," said Donna Lillie, director of research and professional education. "Through a rigorous peer review process, we support researchers in academic and community settings. We also fund health care providers' efforts to improve the day-to-day life of people affected by diabetes, and help train tomorrow's clinicians and scientists." For more information, visit: www.diabetes.ca/Section_Main/NewsReleases.asp?ID=45.
July 29, 2002
The Wild Rose Foundation is now calling for nominations for its third annual Stars of the Millennium Volunteer Awards. These awards honour extraordinary Albertans whose volunteer efforts and achievements contribute to the well being of their community and its members. Any current Alberta resident whose volunteer contributions have played a significant role in his or her life is eligible to receive an award. The award presentation will take place in Edmonton on December 5, 2002, International Volunteer Day. A total of six awards will be presented, two in each of three categories: youth, adult, and senior. The deadline for nominations is September 9, 2002. For more information, visit: www.cd.gov.ab.ca.
July 29, 2002
Until August 10th, golf fans will have the opportunity to bid online for unique golf-related items in the MikeWeir.com Charity Golf Auction. Being held in association with eBay.ca, the auction features an array of authentic memorabilia, golf gear, and one-of-a-kind experiences, such as playing a round of golf with Mike or caddying for him. All proceeds raised from the auction and the 8th Annual Mike Weir/Dino Ciccarelli Charity Golf Classic on August 6th, will benefit Sunshine Dreams for Kids and some of Weir's other children's charities. "I am really excited to be coming back to Canada and to be involved in all of these charity events to raise money for local and children's charities," said Weir. "I hope that with the help of Canadian golf fans and in conjunction with Ebay.ca we can raise a lot of money." For more information, visit: www.mikeweir.com.
July 29, 2002
The Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB) officially launched a $33 million campaign last week to digitize its library of alternate format materials. At present, only 3% of published materials are available in a format that is accessible to those who are blind or visually impaired. The funds raised from the 'That all may read' nationwide campaign will allow the library to keep up with the increasing demand for services and preserve its existing collection. "By offering information in a digital format, a whole new world will open up to over 3 million print-disabled Canadians," said Frank Clegg, president of Microsoft Canada and campaign co-chair. "It's all about giving people the tools to have easier experiences, increased productivity, improved communication and enhancing their quality of life." More than $8.2 million has already been donated in gifts and pledges from a variety of private sector companies, foundations, service clubs, and individuals, including a lead gift of $2.5 million from Microsoft Canada. For more information about the CNIB, visit: www.cnib.ca .
July 29, 2002
The latest figures from Statistics Canada reveal that Internet use continued to rise in 2001. According to the report, more than 5.8 million households, or 49% of Canada's 12 million households, had at least one member that regularly used the Internet from home, up 23% from 2000. In addition, 7.2 million - or 60% - of households said that at least one member used the Internet regularly, either from home, work, school, a public library, or another location, with Alberta and British Columbia reporting the highest usage at 65%. Twenty-five percent of households used the Net for work-related business and 900,000 households reported that one member regularly used the Net for self-employment. -- Statistics Canada
July 29, 2002
The Canadian Red Cross is contributing $100,000 toward the International Red Cross' largest appeal since its Balkans operation three years ago. The international appeal hopes to raise $95.2 million to provide direct assistance to 750,000 people affected by a severe food crisis in Lesotho, Malawi, Swaziland, Zambia, and Zimbabwe, a region where HIV infection rates are as high as 34%. The Red Cross is also encouraging Canadians to donate to their appeal, as it aims to raise $1 million during the next few months for long-term needs in this region of Southern Africa. "It is very disturbing to note that close to 13 million people will be faced with starvation in the coming months," said Susan Johnson, national director of international programs for the Canadian Red Cross. "Without the spotlight on this looming food crisis, the response from the countries that manage the bulk of the world's food supply has not been forthcoming and there has not been adequate funding to meet the acute needs of people in the region," she said. For more information, visit: www.redcross.ca/english/newsroom/pressrelease/2002/072202.html
July 29, 2002
Organizers of the first annual MasTec's Rebecca Run for SMA in Newmarket, Ontario announced that the event helped raise more than $45,000 for Canadian research into a cure for Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA). "We could not be more thrilled with the turnout," said Louise Smith, race director. "We had some 250 race participants come out to show their support to finding a cure for SMA. These numbers are very encouraging and we look forward to an even bigger event next year, with mirror events to be held nationally." Funds raised at the run will be allocated by Families of Spinal Muscular Atrophy Canada (FSMAC) toward various Canadian researchers. For more information about FSMAC, visit: www.fsma.org/canada/.
July 22, 2002
An operating surplus of $286,000 from the 2001 Canada Summer Games is being used to create an endowment fund for amateur sports organizations in the London, Ontario region. "We're very proud to have achieved a surplus," said Games co-chair Phil Bowman. The figure is significantly less than the original projections of $1 million to $2 million, but Bowman says it is still a respectable result. The London Community Foundation will administer the fund and eligible groups will be able to apply for grants. It is the first sports fund for the foundation.
July 22, 2002
In March of this year, the Institute for Media, Policy and Civil Society (IMPACS) released its report Let Charities Speak, bringing into the spotlight the need to reexamine the current laws regarding charities and advocacy. Now IMPACS is asking organizations to assist them in tackling this issue during its Charities and Advocacy project this fall. Charities are invited to host an event to help spread the word and IMPACS is offering to provide speakers, workshops, materials, and online resources, as well as a subsidy for organizing costs. These events will provide an opportunity to learn about the existing law and the proposals for change. As well, they will generate local examples and research on the role charities play in making good policy, and build the movement for change. For more information, contact Linda Ehrichs, Assistant Coordinator, at outreach@impacs.org or visit: www.impacs.org/policy/index.htm.
July 22, 2002
The Canadian Conference of the Arts recently released a report on the first phase of its Creative Management project, calling on key stakeholders to take action on behalf of the management and future leadership of Canadian not-for-profit performing, visual, media, and literary arts organizations, museums and galleries. The project addresses the impending leadership crisis in the arts, as the pioneer leaders of arts organizations leave the work force prematurely or prepare for retirement. Specifically, it deals with how Canada can keep current managers and administrators in the sector and provide a means for their professional renewal, and how it can develop, recruit, and retain the next generation of qualified, committed personnel. For more information or to view the report, visit: www.ccarts.ca/eng/04res/04_02rpt.htm.
July 22, 2002
Results of the first Business in the Community Cause Related Marketing Tracker reveal that more than £30 million was raised for British charities and causes using cause-related marketing (CRM) in 2001. Research found that 89% of consumers purchased a product or service associated with a charity or cause in the last year, and 82% have taken part in a specific CRM initiative. In addition, 83% of those who have taken part in CRM said it enabled them to support a charity more than they otherwise would have done. -- Business in the Community
July 22, 2002
World Youth Day celebrations are now underway in Toronto and much of the preparation, planning, and orchestrating of the 10-day event is the result of volunteers. When everything wraps up on July 28, more than 22,000 volunteers will have donated approximately eight million hours of labour to ensure that the massive gathering of youth from around the globe goes smoothly. Volunteers donated months, and even years in some cases, to make the event possible. "It's been a blessing. I would certainly do it all over again," said Vijay Ryan Pereira, 25, who travelled from Ottawa to Toronto in April to work as a registration supervisor. Since being created by Pope John Paul II almost 20 years ago, World Youth Day has attracted hundreds of thousands of Catholics and young people of other faiths to host cities around the world. For more information about World Youth Day, visit: www.wyd2002.org.
July 22, 2002
The research arm of the Canadian Cancer Society awarded almost half a million dollars to a University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC) biochemistry professor to investigate the suppression of aggressive cancer cells. Dr. Chow Lee is the first person at UNBC to become a National Cancer Institute of Canada (NCIC) Research Scientist. "I feel very lucky to have been able to attract funding from national agencies," said Lee. "Together with my outstanding and committed students and research assistants, we now have the opportunity to make a significant contribution to medical science and to help people." The six-year, $450,000 appointment will also enable UNBC to expand its biochemistry teaching and research by hiring another faculty member. For more information about the National Cancer Institute of Canada, visit: www.ncic.cancer.ca.
July 22, 2002
An Internet software company that provides online relationship management and fundraising solutions to the nonprofit sector, recently released a downloadable guide to help nonprofits make better use of the Internet. Published by Convio, the eMarketing for Nonprofits: A Practical Guide for Using Email is a free, 18-page manual aimed at nonprofit organizations interested in using targeted email campaigns for marketing, fundraising, advocacy, and developing lifetime constituent loyalty. "Email is a powerful, very cost effective and easy-to-use mechanism for reaching out to constituents, but it does requires a strategy, some know-how and, of course, a good tool," said Vinay Bhagat, founder and CEO of Convio. "We wrote this guide as a quick read for groups that want to get started with eMarketing as well as those that want to take their existing initiatives to the next level. It is a compendium of strategies and tactics that today's most progressive nonprofit organizations are using to achieve great results, quickly and often with few resources." For more information, visit: www.convio.com/site/PageServer?pagename=eMarketingGuide.
July 22, 2002
In a recent survey of Canadian companies, 57% of chief financial officers (CFOs) said arrogance is a management-level candidate's biggest pitfall. Of the 270 CFOs who participated in the study, 17% said that avoiding difficult questions was a candidate's worst mistake during an interview. Twelve percent cited a lack of knowledge about the company, 9% said it was asking up-front about compensation and benefits, and 4% said the worst interview mistake was being unprepared to discuss specific achievements. -- RHI Management Resources
July 22, 2002
At a time of year when children are most active, TD Canada Trust is working to help them prevent injuries and enjoy a safe summer. TD Think First for Kids is a national, injury-prevention and safety-awareness program designed to educate children on how to play safe and avoid spinal cord and head injuries. The program, created by the ThinkFirst Foundation of Canada, teaches children about pedestrian, cycling, and vehicular safety; recreational and organized sports safety; creative problem solving and safety around weapons; and avoiding the hazards of suffocation, choking, and strangulation. TD Canada Trust branches outside of Ontario will display TD Think First for Kids posters until August 30th. For more information on TD Think First for Kids, visit: www.thinkfirst.ca.
July 22, 2002
This year's Annual Big Brothers Whistler Golf Classic was a huge success for the Big Brothers of Greater Vancouver. The event, now in its ninth year, raised a record $205,000 for the organization's mentoring programs and brought the grand total to more than one million dollars since its inception in 1994. The tournament is Big Brothers' second largest annual fundraiser and money raised through the tournament is essential to the maintenance and expansion of programs which provide positive adult role models for children and youth throughout Greater Vancouver and Squamish. For more information about Big Brothers of Greater Vancouver, visit: www.bigbrothersvancouver.com
July 22, 2002
Thanks to an educational lunch program being offered by the Community Kitchen Program of Calgary, more than 200 children will receive a nutritious lunch each day during the summer months. The program will hand out an estimated 6,000 paper-bag lunches to Calgary youths participating in summer programs in Falconridge, Ogden, and at Village Square Leisure Centre. Marilyn Gunn, founder and executive director of the program, says that although Calgary is a wealthy city there are still many children who are undernourished. "No one really knows if the neighbours eat dinner at night or not, but (the hunger) really is there, especially for children." Along with the free lunch, kids will take part in a 15-minute session about healthy eating and will be visited by local role models. "We will also be bringing in local heroes from the Calgary Stampeders, the fire department, and Stampede princesses," Gunn said. For more information about the Community Kitchen Program of Calgary, visit: www.gov.calgary.ab.ca/community.
July 15, 2002
Some of the wealthiest foundations in the US, including those of Bill and Melinda Gates, William and Flora Hewlett, David and Lucile Packard, Robert Wood Johnson of Johnson & Johnson, the Rockefeller family, and media mogul Ted Turner, together pledged $100 million (US) to cut mother-to-child transmission of HIV-AIDS. The program, which is being called MTCT-Plus, will focus on the Ivory Coast, Kenya, Mozambique, Rwanda, South Africa, Thailand, Uganda and Zambia - eight of the world's hardest-hit countries. "MTCT-Plus can, and will, demonstrate that HIV treatment can be done in the poorest countries," said Allan Rosenfield, dean of Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health, which is coordinating the initiative. "Our aim is to save thousands of lives now and develop a family-centred care model that can be replicated by others around the world." Each year, more than 2.5 million women become infected with the HIV, and more than 500,000 transmit the virus to their children. For more information, visit: chaos.cpmc.columbia.edu/sph/Mtc_Press_release.html.
July 15, 2002
The Canadian Women's Foundation is now accepting applications for its 2002/03 Economic Development Grants. Funding is awarded to projects that increase economic opportunities for low-income women through either a social purpose enterprise that provides training, experience and work skills; or a comprehensive women's self-employment training program run by a charitable organization, which includes instructions in preparing a business plan and other aspects of business management and development. The deadline for applications is Friday September 13, 2002. For more information on the application process, visit: www.cdnwomen.org.
July 15, 2002
BC and Ontario residents still have time to nominate a business for the 2002 Ethics in Action Awards, which recognize leadership in corporate social responsibility (CSR). The independent selection committee looks for companies who make social responsibility a part of their daily operations and who take a leading role in building a new business model that balances principles and profits in the decision-making process. Awards are given out in three categories: community care, environmental excellence, and overall Ethics in Action leadership. The deadline for nominations is July 24. For more information or an application form, visit: www.ethicsinaction.com.
July 15, 2002
According to a new poll by the Canadian Bankers Association (CBA), twice as many Canadians now do their banking primarily through the Internet, compared with two years ago. Sixteen percent of respondents say the Internet is the means by which they conduct the majority of their financial transactions. Approximately one-third now do at least some of their banking online and 56% expect to be banking over the Internet within the next two to three years. The majority of people (79%) also felt that the ability to conduct transactions by telephone or online improved banking. -- Canadian Bankers Association
July 15, 2002
The results are in and according to our demographic survey, 82% of CharityVillage.com visitors are women between the ages of 31 and 50. Forty-six percent of respondents hold a paid position in a nonprofit organization, with 19% working in the area of health and disease. Among those respondents working in the for-profit sector (16%), almost 25% are involved with business and financial services.To view full details of the results, visit: www.charityvillage.com/adv/baninfo9.html.
Thanks to everyone who took the time to participate in our demographic survey. As a special thank-you, five survey participants were randomly selected to receive a CharityVillage.com briefcase. The winners are: Sharon Clayton, a volunteer at the White Rock Hospice Society in Surrey, BC; Katherine Grainger of Canstage in Toronto; Alan Bentley, CFRE, of Volunteer Hamilton; Lori Styles from Veith House in Halifax, NS; and Jeffrey H. McCully from the University of Ottawa School of Management.Our site enhancement survey is still underway. Please take a few minutes, if you haven't already, to tell us what you like about the site today and what you'd like to see in the future. We'll be giving away another five briefcases to participants.
July 15, 2002
A recent study by RBC Investments finds that many of Canada's wealthiest people are taking a chance with their money, and that much of their family's inheritance could go to the government because they lack proper estate plans. An Ipsos-Reid poll conducted for RBC finds that 70% of the country's richest households have not developed a written plan for the financial management of their estate after their death, leaving the door open for the government to become their major beneficiary. While a will, which 86% of respondents have, is a good first step, RBC says that it is the estate plan which ensures that the greatest portion of an estate is left to family, friends, or charities. For more information, visit: www.rbc.com/newsroom/20020625government.html.
July 15, 2002
For the past six years, Keith Tkachuk, left wing for the St. Louis Blues, has returned to Winnipeg to help organize and host the Annual Keith Tkachuk Miracle Golf Classic, an event dedicated to helping the sick children of Manitoba. Organizers estimate that with the money raised this year, the tournament has raised more than $450,000 to fund pediatric research, equipment, and programs at the hospital. "Coming back to Winnipeg each year means so much to me and my family. Not only do I get to see all the great friends I made while playing for the Jets, I get to help raise money for such an important cause, the Children's Hospital," said Tkachuk. For more information about the Children's Hospital Foundation of Manitoba, visit: www.goodbear.mb.ca.
July 15, 2002
Gifts In Kind International recently conducted its fifth annual National Nonprofit Technology Survey, revealing that nonprofits are slowly bringing their technological capabilities up to speed. Of those nonprofit organizations surveyed, 58% have some remote capability via laptop computers, 74% have voicemail, 93% have a fax machine, and 59% have cell phones. In addition, 97% of respondents have Internet access from their offices, 90% have external e-mail capabilities, and 77% of all nonprofit organizations have a Web site. -- Gifts In Kind International
July 15, 2002
Organizations have until July 31 to send in their applications for this year's Drucker Award for Canadian Nonprofit Innovation. Each year the award is given to a nonprofit organization whose innovative programs have made a difference in the lives of the people it serves. The award is accompanied by a $20,000 cash prize and a short documentary is made about the winning project or program. For more information or to apply, visit: www.innovation-award.ca
July 15, 2002
John Savage, a 70-year-old physician and former premier from Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, will receive a Canadian Red Cross humanitarian award for his decades of service helping people from around the world improve their health. The organization cites Savage's nearly half-century of work, primarily in medicine, including the establishment of clinics and health-education programs in countries such as Gambia, Niger, and Nicaragua. "I've always felt that we owe it to other countries and other peoples when we are better off than they are," said Savage. "We're a very lucky people here. Despite the complaints about health care, health education, roads, anything - it's like night and day compared to most of Africa." Savage is one of 15 people currently working on a Canadian International Development Agency project designed to improve the health of people in Chuvash, a remote republic of the former Soviet Union.
July 8, 2002
This coming Saturday, CharityVillage.com will celebrate its seventh year online. It's been terrific fun to watch the site and our audience grow over the years. On our first birthday, we boasted that nearly 4,000 people a month visited our site. Today, more than 4,000 people check in every day before noon. Thanks to everyone who has been a part of our wonderful story so far: our 13 fantastic core team members from coast to coast; our dedicated contributors like Gillian Kerr, Monika Penner, and Ron Robinson to name just a few; Kristy, Justin, Ed, Jeff, and the rest of the team at Marketlink; the advertisers who have supported us to help make so much information available free to everyone; the organizations who have shared their news, events, and volunteer listings; and visitors like you who continue to use our site for so many different things. Thanks everyone!Of course, we are always looking for suggestions about how we can make CharityVillage.com even better. So now is your chance to tell us what you like about our site and what you would like to see in the future. Please take a few minutes to complete our Site Development Survey at: www.surveymonkey.com/s.asp?u=1403106896. You'll be eligible to win one of 5 great CharityVillage.com briefcases just for sharing your ideas and opinions. We also welcome your suggestions anytime at help@charityvillage.com
July 8, 2002
Last week, Ralph Goodale, minister of Public Works and Government Services (PWGSC) announced that he was lifting the moratorium on the Government of Canada Sponsorship Program, which came under fire earlier this year. The moratorium was put in place after an audit revealed problems in how outside advertising agencies, hired as intermediaries, were handling the sponsorships. The program, which benefits many sports and cultural events across Canada, will now proceed without the involvement of these external agencies. "Such a program is entirely appropriate, provided it is delivered in a manner that ensures transparency, accountability and full value for taxpayers' dollars," said Goodale. Ongoing monitoring will ensure that these provisions are met." Organizations with specific questions about an outstanding sponsorship application can call 1-800-901-9657 for more information.
July 8, 2002
More than 33,000 people in 62 communities across Canada took part in this year's Relay For Life, raising $7.94 million for the Canadian Cancer Society. That total is more than double the $3.8 million that was raised in 2001 and surpasses this year's fundraising goal by almost $2 million. "We are thrilled with the huge success of Relay For Life this year," says Julie White, CEO of the Canadian Cancer Society. "It's a demonstration of the generosity of donors and the enthusiasm of volunteers for this unique and uplifting event." Relay For Life is an overnight non-competitive event where teams camp out on the grounds of a local running track and take turns walking laps. For more information about Relay For Life, visit: www.cancer.ca.
July 8, 2002
Thanks to the generosity and participation of Les Rotisseries St-Hubert's employees, business partners, and customers, the company's annual fundraising campaign raised $200,000. The funds were presented to the Fondation Charles-Bruneau, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the development and support of a pediatric cancerology centre serving the whole province of Quebec. For more information about the Fondation Charles-Bruneau, visit: charlesbruneau.qc.ca/homeen.htm.
July 8, 2002
A survey of how private organizations define corporate social responsibility (CSR) reveals that 50% view it as the overall relationship of a corporation with its key stakeholders. Thirty percent said their company has CSR-related programs but does not yet have a holistic approach that brings these things together under one CSR strategy, and 13% said that CSR is basically equivalent to their community investment program. The majority of respondents (64%) said their company does not have an internal CSR committee and 90% do not have a committee at the board level.-- The Conference Board of Canada
July 8, 2002
Life-long Cape Breton resident Bill Stacey recently presented the Cove Guest Home with a $200,000 donation. The money will be directed to the Cove Chaplaincy Endowment Fund, the goal of which is to ensure a chaplain is always available to the more then 100 residents at the retirement home. Stacey, who is a resident of the home, says it is the best place he could think of to leave his money. "I have no regrets," he said. "I think it's a very good place for my money to go." Carl Rideout, chair of the chaplaincy fund committee, says the gift is beyond all expectation, adding that a chaplain is very important to those in long-term care centres. "We feel it's a time when people come face to face with spiritual matters. They have time to think, and we want to be there for them." For more information about the Cove Guest Home, visit: www.coveguesthome.com.
July 8, 2002
There is still time to send in your nominations for the 2002 Showcase Ontario Voluntary Sector Awards. The awards were developed to recognize and acknowledge the excellent work many community-based organizations are doing with information technology (IT). In particular, the awards highlight IT initiatives that enhance the effectiveness and impact of voluntary organizations. The winner will receive the Diamond Award of Excellence and three Merit Award winners will receive a medal when the awards are presented on September 13th. All entries must be received by July 12, 2002. For more information, visit: www.volunteersonline.ca/modules.php?name=Content&pa=showpage&pid=20.
July 8, 2002
Bell Canada announced that it will contribute $100,000 to support Canadore College's new aviation campus, and $50,000 to support the Canadian Ecology Centre (CEC), both located in North Bay, Ontario. The gift to Canadore will be used to help the college acquire internetworking products, e-learning software and the Internet bandwidth required for the school's new virtual classrooms. The CEC will use its donation to support the expansion of a residential program for children and youth. For more information about Canadore College, visit: www.canadorec.on.ca and for more information about the Canadian Ecology Centre, visit: www.canadianecology.ca.
July 8, 2002
Moncton's newest community soup kitchen is on the move thanks to the donation of a bus from the City Fathers of Moncton and an $80,000 grant from the federal government's Homelessness Initiative Fund. Community Mobile Soup Kitchens Inc., better known as "Mobile One", is now able to serve those areas of the city which are not adequately supported by food kitchens or food banks. The new unit, which served 1,000 people in the month of June alone, is operated completely by volunteers and supported by the financial contributions of the Government of Canada, the Province of New Brunswick, and the financial donations of the community. For more information, visit: personal.nbnet.nb.ca/sltobin/mobile1.html
July 8, 2002
RBC Financial Group announced a donation of $90,000 to Ottawa's Queensway Carleton Hospital Foundation, bringing the organization closer to meeting its fundraising goal for the hospital's Hand in Hand expansion campaign. The RBC funds will be used to purchase equipment for the dysplasia clinic, a women's health clinic that treats pre-cancerous conditions of the cervix. In addition, the campaign also received a $60,000 donation from chartered accountant firm Collins Barrow Ottawa. Those funds will go toward the hospital's diabetes clinic. To date, the foundation has raised $12 million of its $25 million goal.
July 8, 2002
Moving to a new country can be challenging and intimidating, especially for someone who is moving alone. To help make the transition easier, Settlement.org has made available its multilingual guide Alone in Canada: 21 Ways to Make it Better. In this guide newcomers share tips on learning to live in a new culture. Chapters include: making new friends, learning Canadian English, managing your money, and building a new identity. It is available online in English and French and printed copies can also be ordered in Arabic, Farsi, Chinese, Somali, Spanish, Tamil, and Urdu. For more information or to download a copy of this book in PDF format, visit: www.settlement.org.
July 8, 2002
The National Hockey League Players' Association is donating more than $60,000 worth of hockey equipment to the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Kingston. The donation will include 60 complete sets of player equipment, six sets of goal-tending equipment, two professional hockey nets and 66 sets of jerseys, allowing six teams of 10 players between the ages of four and 12 to play in different divisions. The association's Goals and Dreams Program will give approximately $15 million to grassroots hockey programs around the world in a five-year period. Since 1999, the program has helped more than 170 hockey programs and 4,500 children worldwide. For more information about Goals and Dreams, visit: www.nhlpa.com/Content/GOALS_AND_DREAMS/home.asp.
July 2, 2002
The government of Alberta sent community groups scrambling to find alternative sources of funding at the end of March when it announced the demise of the popular Community Lottery Board funding program. Now, just three months later, the province has unveiled its new $30 million Community Initiatives Program (CIP), which will be funded by the Alberta Lottery Fund. "Following the budget announcement, and after hearing from many nonprofit groups, the government committed to review the granting guidelines of the current lottery-funded programs and foundations to see how smaller projects, and those that fall outside of those guidelines, might be accommodated," said Gaming Minister Ron Stevens. "The best option was to introduce a new program." The CIP is now accepting applications from nonprofit community groups and eligibility requirements will be the same as they were for the Community Lottery Board program. For more information, visit: www.gaming.gov.ab.ca/ cip/index.asp.
July 2, 2002
A donation of $15 million from University of Toronto Chancellor Henry (Hal) Jackman, will help create a $45 million endowment in the humanities and social sciences at the university. The school will double match Jackman's contribution, making this endowment the largest commitment to these areas at any Canadian university. "This initiative is particularly close to my heart. I can't imagine a university without these areas of study - the heart, root, and historical basis of any great university," says Chancellor Jackman. "As a society, we've made astronomical strides in science and technology, but in my view, we have not made corresponding advances on how we can live with each other in peace and in friendship. The humanities and social sciences teach us that." For more information, visit: www.newsandevents.utoronto.ca/bin3/020625a.asp.
July 2, 2002
In a show of support for Ontario's charitable sector, Attorney General David Young has directed the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLGC) not to proceed with its Big Ticket Lottery. The lottery, which was launched in January, offered millions of dollars in luxury prizes, putting it in direct competition with charitable fundraising lotteries, such as those operated by the Princess Margaret Hospital Foundation and the Heart and Stroke Foundation. "I listened to the concerns of charities that run their own lotteries, and consulted with the OLGC," said Young. "The OLGC has an excellent track record in running successful games. However, there must be a balance between the charities and the OLGC's operations. For that reason, the Big Ticket Lottery will not proceed in future." For more information, visit: www.newswire.ca/government/ontario.
July 2, 2002
A new report on faith and philanthropy in the United States reveals that households that give to both religious congregations and secular organizations give three times as much (US$2,247) as households that give only to secular organizations (US$623). More than 85% of religious-giving households support secular organizations and 52% of all households give to both religious congregations and secular organizations. These households account for 81% of all donations.-- Independent Sector
July 2, 2002
The Canadian Catholic Organization for Development and Peace (CCODP) says that any chance for a new relationship between Africa and the world's richest countries has been squandered. "If words could be equated with dollars and support, African nations could have expected the Kananaskis G-8 Summit to mark a turning point in the richer countries' relationship with them," said Jack Panozzo of Development and Peace. "The fact is that the G-8 Action Plan is little more than new labels pasted onto old policies." Panozzo admits that the summit did draw attention to the crisis that engulfs Africa but says that the G-8 leaders provided no new promises of aid or debt relief that respond to the New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD) proposals. For more information, visit: www.devp.org/testA/welcome.htm.
July 2, 2002
Jellyware Corporation of Toronto is offering nonprofit organizations a free Windows database program. BasicFunder was designed by a group of professional fundraisers who share the belief that all nonprofits should have the tools they need to manage their fundraising and community activities. It is fully operational and provides many of the features that charities are looking for. In addition to contact and donation information, BasicFunder creates donation thank-you letters, official tax receipts, fundraising reports, labels, and custom mailing lists. For more information, visit: www.basicfunder.com.
July 2, 2002
Ryerson University received a $500,000 contribution from Canadian Tire for its Retail Ready 'Net program. The online learning initiative allows students of the Bachelor of Commerce in Retail Management to access the retail management education from any location in Canada or around the world. The gift will be used to update the Internet-based courses as the classroom curriculum and technology evolve. For more information, visit: www.ryerson.ca/news/2002/20020626.html.
July 2, 2002
As part of the new focus of its Children's Agenda Program, the Laidlaw Foundation recently released three working papers on social inclusion. The papers are part of a two-year process in which the foundation adopted social inclusion as a tool for evaluation and advancing social policy that supports children and their families. These papers, and others that were previously released, discuss the importance of building communities that embrace inclusiveness. For more information or to download the papers, visit: www.laidlawfdn.org/programmes/children/agenda-desc.html
July 2, 2002
A study by business professor Christina Cavanagh concludes that 'low-value' or irrelevant workplace e-mail is costing corporations millions of dollars each year because it wastes employee time and decreases productivity. The volume of e-mail rose 33% compared with a year ago and respondents said they spend an average of six more hours each week managing e-mail than they did two years ago. On average, respondents receive 48 e-mail messages a day and 60% said they take time from their holidays to check or answer work-related e-mail. -- University of Western Ontario
July 2, 2002
The Fondacion Maria Ayuda received a donation of $50,000 from Scotiabank to assist those who were affected by the recent flooding in Chile. The foundation has been providing emergency services in the country's most vulnerable communities for almost 20 years. "We hope that this cash donation will have a positive impact in alleviating some of the misfortune suffered," said Peter Godsoe, chair and CEO of Scotiabank. "The extensive damage that has been caused to entire communities will mean that rebuilding efforts will continue for many weeks, if not months." For more information, visit: micro.newswire.ca/releases/June2002/24/c9610.html/85223-0.
July 2, 2002
The North Sydney and Sydney Mines Food Bank Societies are the happy recipients of more than $10,000. The funds were raised during the annual Show'n'Shine organized by the Northside Antique/Custom Car Show committee. "A great deal of work goes into the planning for the show by both the committee members and the volunteers from the food bank," said Pat Dooley, a volunteer with the North Sydney Food Bank. "We've received excellent support over the years from the local community, businesses and merchants and are grateful to see this support continue."
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