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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: August, 2002
Articles are arranged in reverse chronological order.
Home improvement giant commits $1 million to new playgrounds
August 26, 2002
The Home Depot Canada announced it will provide $1 million in cash and materials for the development and building of safe community playgrounds across the country. The Home Depot Canada Playground Program is now calling for project proposals from communities in which the company operates. "Home Depot associates are experiencing the joy and satisfaction of working within their communities, and we're delighted and excited to be looking forward to more builds with our expanded commitment," said Annette Verschuren, president of The Home Depot Canada. Organizations interested in learning more about the program should e-mail canada_playgrounds@homedepot.com to receive information and application instructions. The deadline for submitting project profiles is December 1, 2002 and playground projects will be selected by spring 2003.
Small company puts out a big challenge to Corporate America
August 26, 2002
1-800-GOT-JUNK? is encouraging the corporate world to do its part in never forgetting the September 11th attacks. As the founder of the 911 Legacy, the junk removal company is challenging all companies, big and small, to donate 100% of the proceeds that they generate on September 11th to charity. "We believe it's time for entrepreneurs and Corporate America to use their power to help do more in giving back to our incredible, yet hurting society," says Brian Scudamore, founder and CEO of the franchise. "We want the worst day in America to be remembered by doing the best we can do on that day. Our goal is for all of us to create a true legacy - where companies make September 11th an annual day to give." The 911 Legacy has been set up so companies can choose the charity that they are donating to, and also to post their one-day proceeds. The companies and charities involved are listed on www.911Legacy.com and 1-800-GOT-JUNK? is asking all companies to get involved and register their company name on the site.
August 26, 2002
About 1,500 people recently turned out in support of mental health during the 14th annual Labatt 24-Hour Relay. Seventy teams spent the day and night completing 3.2km laps through the woods behind the Nepean Sportsplex, raising a record $411,239 for mental health and rehabilitation services. The funds will benefit the Royal Ottawa Hospital, Brockville Psychiatric Hospital, Institute of Mental Health Research, and the Royal Ottawa Health Care Foundation. "One out of four people suffer from some form of mental disease in their life, but Royal Ottawa is sort of a 'forgotten hospital'. We're hoping this brings more public attention to it," said Barbara Corkum, chair of the Royal Ottawa Health Group. For more information about the relay, visit: www.ottawa24hourrelay.com.
Fast Fact: Older adults place confidence in registered charities
August 26, 2002
Fifty-one percent of people say that knowing a charity is registered would give them a great deal more confidence in their decision to make a donation to that charity. Thirty percent say it would give them somewhat more confidence, and 19% say it would make no difference. Among those who say registration of charities gives them a great deal of confidence, 60% are 55 years of age or older, 55% are women, and 56% are those who have donated larger amounts of money to charity (more than $300 in the year 2000). -- Canada Customs and Revenue Agency
August 26, 2002
Creative, community-driven environmental projects in need of financial support are invited to apply for a grant from the Shell Environmental Fund (SEF). The SEF is a national program that provides up to $5,000 per project for projects that protect and improve the Canadian environment. Past recipients include the Ditidaht First Nation, which received a grant for a community garden and naturalization project; the Nova Scotia Wind Energy Project; and the Centre Option Avenir, which received funds for their wildlife habitat restoration project. The next deadline for applications is September 15, 2002. For more information or an application form, visit: www.shell.ca/sef.
August 26, 2002
The Center for Effective Philanthropy has published a study that looks at the common indicators of effectiveness among charitable foundations. Indicators of Effectiveness: Understanding and Improving Foundation Performance finds that, among other things, foundations are facing increasing pressure to measure and improve performance and are looking to their boards for greater involvement in assessing foundation impact. However, the report finds that few boards are actually getting involved in this issue. The study also confirms that foundation leaders desire better measures of performance and reveals that comparing a foundation's performance to that of its peers is both possible and illuminating. To view the report, visit: www.effectivephilanthropy.org/research/.
August 26, 2002
Members of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) still have time to submit nominations for the association's annual awards program. The program recognizes outstanding achievements by individuals, foundations, corporate philanthropists, fundraising volunteers, professional fundraising executives, nonprofit organizations, and AFP chapters. The deadline for submissions is September 30. For more information or to download a nomination form, visit: www.afpnet.org.
August 26, 2002
The majority of Canadians (96%) believe that volunteers and voluntary sector organizations contribute to a better quality of life for Canadians. Eighty-one percent also believe that the federal government should be encouraging people to do volunteer work, with 45% strongly agreeing with this idea, and 36% somewhat agreeing with it. The highest levels of strong agreement were found among residents of Atlantic Canada (62%). Overall, residents of Alberta (89%), Atlantic Canada (88%), British Columbia (86%), and Canadians between 18 and 34 (85%, versus 75% of those 55 and older) are more likely to agree with this view. -- Voluntary Sector Initiative
August 26, 2002
Online food retailer Grocery Gateway is joining Second Harvest, a food recovery agency, to help alleviate hunger in the Toronto area. Twice each week, a Second Harvest truck visits Grocery Gateway's warehouse to pick up fresh produce to be delivered to charitable agencies. "Our clients in the agencies love the variety," says James McAfee, a Second Harvest driver. "And because they get the food on the same day that it's donated, it's always fresh." Alan Sellery, president of Grocery Gateway, says, "we are often approached by charities to help out. We struggled to find an avenue that offered valuable support to our community and Second Harvest was a perfect fit."
August 26, 2002
Day to day business at Kingston Penitentiary was put on hold recently when inmates held a charity fundraiser. "We, as an inmate population, hope to shine a light on some of the positive things that we can accomplish in here," said inmate Kristopher Della Pia, as he prepared to present a cheque for more than $3,000 to the Children's Wish Foundation. The cheque presentation was part of the first Kingston Penitentiary Multicultural Charity Day, which was organized and paid for by inmates. "The biggest benefit of the day is to create some harmony among the inmate population as well as to bring the inmates and the staff closer together," said Dave Page, assistant warden of correctional programs. The Children's Wish Foundation, which was selected by inmates as the beneficiary of their fundraising efforts, expressed its gratitude at the sacrifice the inmates made. "Sometimes they only make a maximum of $6 per day," said foundation president Warren Goldie. "It's fantastic the effort they are willing to put back into the community." For more information on the Children's Wish Foundation of Canada, visit: www.childrenswish.ca
August 19, 2002
Managers of volunteer resources can continue to help shape the future of their profession. The Canadian Administrators of Volunteer Resources (CAVR) is asking managers and other organizational leaders to participate in a new online survey to share stories about the value of volunteers in their organization and offer ideas about future training opportunities in the field of volunteer resource management. The survey will also take the pulse of Canadian nonprofit organizations with regard to certain standards of practice in this field. All respondents will have access to the results of the survey, which will also be published on the CAVR web site this winter. For more information or to participate in the survey, visit: www.cavr.org/anchorproject.
August 19, 2002
Last week, Microsoft Canada launched a new fund aimed at advancing technology initiatives at Canada's most innovative universities. The Microsoft Canada Academic Innovation Alliance, developed in consultation with Canadian universities, will offer funding to enable research and development and stimulate technology innovation. The $10 million fund encompasses four comprehensive categories: academic research, education solutions, curriculum integration, and industry outreach. In addition to financial support, the initiative will encourage best practice sharing within the academic community and enable outreach to the business community. Interested representatives from accredited Canadian universities are invited to contact Pamela Lauz at Microsoft Canada, 905-568-0434 x4169, to discuss potential initiatives, or e-mail questions to innovationalliance@microsoft.com. For more information about Microsoft Canada, visit: www.microsoft.ca.
August 19, 2002
The Conference Board of Canada is now accepting entries for the 2003 Conference Board/Spencer Stuart National Awards In Governance. The awards recognize innovations in governance that enhance governance practices, yield tangible results, and can be applied to other organizations. The program showcases Canadian boards that have made significant changes in response to various governance challenges and organizations are invited to share what they have implemented in the area of excellence in governance. The deadline for entries is October 30, 2002. For more information, visit: www.conferenceboard.ca/governance/sponsor.htm.
August 19, 2002
A study conducted by Burk & Associates found that only two of 111 charities surveyed employ a staff person for the purpose of donor relations. According to the charities, executive directors or foundation directors are the paid staff most likely to be involved in donor recognition activities (75%), followed by development directors (73%), program staff or faculty (44%), fundraising staff (7%), communications staff (6%), and volunteer coordinators (5%). The most common regret of study respondents is that their organizations often do not see donor recognition and communication as a priority. -- Burk & Associates Ltd.
August 19, 2002
Members of the World Lottery Association (WLA), including Canada, met last week in Dublin to discuss launching a huge international lottery to benefit the United Nations. Although the lottery is still in the proposal stage, estimates suggest that prize money of up to US$250 million could be offered on a single draw, with an equivalent amount being generated for the UN and governments participating in the game. The board members of the WLA are already discussing a pilot project that would precede a possible international launch in 18 months to three years from now. "There is a project, but it is premature to talk about it because the details have not been finalized," said Yvonne Schnyder, secretary-general of the WLA, based in Basel, Switzerland. "We don't have details of the games, nor is there an agreement with the UN. There have been talks." The new game would tap into a market worth almost US$100 billion for WLA members. Canada's five government-mandated lottery organizations currently sell approximately US$4 billion in lottery tickets annually. For more information about the World Lottery Association, visit: www.world-lotteries.org.
August 19, 2002
The outpouring of support for Canada's prairie farmers picked up some speed last week with more individuals, organizations, and corporations stepping forward to pitch in. The big news was the announcement of the Say Hay benefit concert that will take place during the Thanksgiving weekend in Calgary and Edmonton. Tickets are now on sale for the event, which will feature some of Canada's top country music entertainers. Organizers are planning to raise $1 million for farmers and ranchers devastated by the drought. Shell Canada and Buhler Industries, a Manitoba farm equipment manufacturer, also announced support for the farmers and Big Rock Brewery is donating $2 from each case of Grasshopper beer sold between now and October 10th and is asking other breweries to take up the challenge. Anyone interested in making a donation to HayWest can contact the Canadian Federation of Humane Societies at 1-888-678-2347, visit: www.cfhs.ca/GeneralInfo/Media/index.htm, or stop by any Scotiabank branch during regular banking hours.
August 19, 2002
Organizers of the UK-based Harborough Community Learning Network (HCLN) are seeking input for an upcoming virtual conference. The conference, to take place on September 10, will explore the interrelation of information communication technology, social enterprise, and sustainable development. The conference will discuss a variety of issues, concerns, examples of best practice, and much more surrounding this timely and relevant topic. For more information or to propose presentation ideas, e-mail David Wortley at dwortley@massmitec.co.uk or visit: www.hcln.net/socent/.
August 19, 2002
The Ontario March of Dimes has been selected as the beneficiary of the Transamerica Annual Drive For Life Charity Golf Tournament for the next three years, with the life insurance company committing more than $700,000 to the organization. The donation represents the single largest corporate gift in the 51-year history of Ontario March of Dimes. The gift will be used for Conductive Education®, an program that merges elements of education and rehabilitation to assist children and adults with neuro-motor disabilities to develop their problem-solving skills, body control, mobility, and communication. For more information, visit: www.dimes.on.ca/news/transamerica.html.
August 19, 2002
On August 24th, Terri-Lynn Langdon, a 20-year-old marathon swimmer with cerebral palsy, will swim 20 kms across Lake Erie to raise money for the Ontario Federation for Cerebral Palsy (OFCP) and to create awareness for disabled athletes. Alongside her in a kayak will be her coach and mentor Vicki Keith, who holds 14 world records for long distance swimming. "Many people fail to see the potential of a person with cerebral palsy because of their disability. Once I've conquered Lake Erie, I hope it will encourage people to take steps towards accomplishing their own dreams," says Langdon, who was diagnosed with cerebral palsy at ten months old. She began her swimming career at age six and at age 16 became a member of a competitive swim team. For more information, visit: www.swimforcp.com.
August 19, 2002
In a departure from traditional fundraising runs, this year's Scotiabank Waterfront Marathon will offer the expected 5,000 participants a chance to raise money for the charity of their choice. "The Scotiabank Charity Challenge is a new innovation in this year's event and gives participants a choice: run in support of one of the official charities, or a charity of your choice - perhaps a cause of special personal or family significance," said Nick Toritto, Toronto regional banking manager for Scotiabank. "Either way, this landmark Toronto race is a great way to participate in a world-class running event while supporting the community." The Scotiabank Charity Challenge, being held on September 15, allows participants to raise money for one of the three official charities - Canadian Diabetes Association, Junior Achievement of Canada and Camp Oochigeas - or any other registered charity. The goal of this year's event is to raise $200,000 for charity. In addition, the International Amateur Athletics Federation has also designated the run as an early qualifying race for the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens. For more information, visit: micro.newswire.ca/releases/August2002/09/
August 19, 2002
Members of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) are invited to submit proposals for upcoming research grants. The AFP Research Council offers grants of up to $10,000 annually for projects related to philanthropic fundraising and improving its practice. Preference is given to projects that are linked in some way with members of AFP. The deadline for proposals is September 5. For more information, visit: www.afpnet.org
August 19, 2002
A national web site was launched last week which will decrease barriers and increase access to women escaping abuse. Shelternet is the first site of its kind in the world and will help users get direct access to a local shelter that can meet their immediate needs. It is a one stop information resource about shelters and their helplines and also provides a clickable map of Canada with links to shelters, plus safety plans, questions and answers about shelters and abuse, a secured area for shelters to share resources, and free web site development and hosting for shelters. The site was created by Pangaea NewMedia, with support from a variety of sponsors, including: TELUS, Mary Kay Cosmetics, the Fairmont Royal York Hotel, the Canadian Women's Foundation, Canadian Business, and Advanced Presentation Products. For more information about Shelternet, visit: www.Shelternet.ca
August 12, 2002
The Voluntary Sector Initiative's Joint Regulatory Table released an interim report last week on the regulation of Canadian charities. Improving the Regulatory Environment for the Charitable Sector examines how charities are regulated federally and looks at options for change in four key areas: accessibility and transparency of the federal regulator; compliance reforms, such as the possibility of introducing new sanctions to ensure charities meet their legal obligations; appeals to provide recourse for organizations that disagree with decisions made by the regulator; and reform of the institutional framework for regulating charities. Consultations on the report will take place from September 3 to October 31, 2002 in 26 cities across Canada and based on these consultations, the Table will make its final recommendations in March 2003. To view the report, visit: vsi-isbc.ca/eng/joint_tables/regulatory/reports.cfm.
August 12, 2002
A new report conducted by Health Canada finds that employees in the nonprofit sector have workloads that are among the heaviest in the country. The National Work-Life Conflict Study looked at three major components: role overload, work to family interference, and family interference with work. Results show that managers and professionals in the private sector, men overall, and employees in the nonprofit sector have the heaviest workloads, with men in the nonprofit sector facing the heaviest demands in the sector where paid overtime is concerned. Both genders were more likely than those in other sectors to bring their work home, work unpaid overtime, and travel on weekends. To view the full report, visit: www.hc-sc.gc.ca/pphb-dgspsp/publicat/work-travail/index.html.
August 12, 2002
More than 170 dedicated cyclists made the 660 kilometre trek from Toronto to Montreal recently for the 4th annual bike rally in support of people with HIV and AIDS. The event aims to increase awareness of the problems related to HIV/AIDS and to date has raised more than $400,000 to help people living with these diseases. This year was the first time cyclists from Quebec took part in the rally, which is organized by the Toronto People with AIDS Foundation in collaboration with the Farha Foundation, an active supporter of AIDS organizations throughout Quebec. For more information about the Farha Foundation, visit: english.montrealplus.ca/feature/7729/, and for more information about the Toronto People with AIDS Foundation, visit: www.pwatoronto.org.
August 12, 2002
A new survey finds that despite an unstable economy in 2001, wealthy Americans did not waiver in their charitable giving. According to the poll, 71% of households with a net worth of $1 million dollars or more, remained constant in their charitable giving since 2001, while an additional 20% increased their donations since last year. One noticeable change in giving patterns was that 25% of respondents donated to September 11 relief funds as opposed to their usual charities of choice. The survey also found that only 69% of wealthy Americans felt obligated to contribute to their communities in 2002, compared with 79% in 2001. -- Wealth Management Survey of High Net Worth
August 12, 2002
Bryan Adams, Jann Arden, Barenaked Ladies, Chantal Kreviazuk, and Sarah McLachlan announced they will participate in a benefit concert this fall presented by the BC Cancer Foundation, in support of the new BC Cancer Research Centre. The event, taking place on October 10th, will see 100% of the proceeds going to the new research facility, which is set to open in 2004. All of the artists who will perform have been directly affected by cancer and are passionate about their involvement in the concert. "Cancer affects all of us so deeply, so personally," said Sarah McLachlan. "No one has been untouched by this horrible disease. It cuts through gender and age, striking us wherever we live. I hope the community will support us in making the dream of building a leading-edge cancer research facility in Vancouver a reality. By supporting cancer research, we can come one step closer to stopping this devastating disease." All artists and companies involved with the concert are donating their services to ensure all funds raised will go toward building the new centre. Concert tickets go on sale August 17. For more information about the BC Cancer Foundation, visit: www.bccancer.bc.ca/DON/default.htm.
August 12, 2002
Londoners Andy and Helen Spriet announced that they are donating $200,000 to London's new Central Library, which opens on August 25. The couple's donation will go toward the children's library, which will be known as the Spriet Family Children's Library. "We love family, we love children. Really, we think children are the future," said Andy Spriet. "The beauty of this library is it introduces them to a source of information that will stand them in good stead for their whole lives." The Spriets are well known for their support of various London facilities, including the Spriet Family Theatre -- Original Kids, the Fanshawe Pioneer Village, the London Health Sciences Centre, Orchestra London, and the Grand Theatre. This latest gift will allow the library to improve the children's collection, provide special equipment, continue many children's programs, and add new ones. For more information about the London Public Library, visit: discover.lpl.london.on.ca.
August 12, 2002
According to a new discussion paper prepared by Volunteer Canada, "family volunteering is an obvious way to respond to the need for charities and nonprofits to increase (or at least maintain) their volunteer pool while being cognizant of, and responsive to, the competing interests for the time of their potential volunteers." The paper, which serves as a precursor to research Volunteer Canada is conducting about family volunteering, examines the renewed interest in family volunteering in North America, and identifies who is most likely to participate. It also investigates strategies community organizations are employing to attract families to volunteering, and looks at the barriers and gaps that exist within organizations that may prevent the development of family volunteering. For more information or to view the report, visit: www.volunteer.ca/volunteer/canada_family.htm.
August 12, 2002
Almost half of Canadians (45%) say the West should do more to help poor countries, 35% feel just enough is being done, and 9% say too much aid is already offered. The remaining 10% said they didn't know or refused to answer. Regionally, Quebec was the most supportive of foreign aid, with 56% of respondents agreeing the West doesn't do enough. When asked whether increased investment in the developing world would affect world peace, 56% of respondents overall said there would be an impact, while 36% disagreed. A decade ago, Canada ranked sixth in the world, with 0.48% of its gross national product invested in foreign aid. That number has since dropped to approximately 0.27% of GNP (about $2.43 billion). Denmark spends almost four times more - 1.06% of its GNP - on aid, while the United States, on the low end of the scale, spent just 0.1% of its GNP on foreign aid in 2000. -- Léger Marketing
August 12, 2002
In an effort to improve bingo operations in Windsor, the city's three bingo operators have formed a limited partnership, bringing their 12 area halls together into one large operation. The move follows months of serious declines in attendance and revenues. "This just makes a lot of sense," said Mike Duval, whose nine-hall Bingo Classic Country is the largest partner in the new business arrangement, adding that no jobs will be lost and no halls will close. Approximately 400 people work in the area's bingo industry and about 600 charities rely on bingo halls for much-needed revenue. Diane Sibley, Windsor's director of licensing, agrees that measures to boost attendance make business sense. She says attendance has fallen by as much as 35% during some months and estimates that annual revenues have been reduced by approximately $30 million, bringing them to about $120 million. Of that money, Windsor receives about $3.5 million a year in licensing revenue and the charities receive about $21 million.
August 12, 2002
BC Women's Hospital and Health Centre Foundation recently received a donation of $50,000 from the RBC Foundation in support of the hospital and health centre's popular community exercise program to help prevent osteoporosis. The Osteofit program is currently available in 62 community facilities across British Columbia, and studies have shown that weight-bearing exercises, such as those in the program are extremely beneficial for people who are at risk for osteoporosis or have been diagnosed with the condition. Since 1996, RBC has donated a total of $210,000 to support the program. "RBC Royal Bank is committed to the health and well-being of all British Columbians. BC Women's Osteofit program is an innovative and successful initiative that has helped hundreds of people throughout British Columbia, we are thrilled to continue our support." said Jennifer Toderan, manager of donations for the BC & Yukon District of RBC Royal Bank. For more information about the BC Women's Hospital and Health Centre Foundation, visit: www.bcwomensfoundation.org
August 12, 2002
The inaugural Equine Impressions Art Auction, held recently at the Elmira Raceway, raised almost $6,000 for charity. Ten paintings were sold at the event, with a top bid of $850 for a piece by Yankee Paco. If you haven't heard of this talented new artist it's probably because he is a horse, one of ten standardbred horses that created the artwork for the show. "We're just doing it for fun," said Kelly McLaughlin, program coordinator with the Ontario Standardbred Adoption Society, which will receive the proceeds from the auction. The paintings were created by dipping the horses' tails, noses and feet into non-toxic paint and swishing and nuzzling canvasses. For more information about the Ontario Standardbred Adoption Society, visit: www.digitalwave.ca/osas.
August 6, 2002
Jim Balsillie, co-chief executive officer of Research In Motion, announced a donation of $25 million to the Centre for International Governance Innovation. The new Waterloo-based think tank, which Balsillie founded, will bring together scholars and policy makers to study the global political economy. The federal departments of finance and foreign affairs also pledged $30 million to help establish CIGI, the only such centre of its kind in Canada.
August 6, 2002
Toronto city council is setting aside $500,000 to help support small and medium-sized cultural facilities in the city. Through its new Cultural Facilities Capital Grants Program, the city will help fund improvements to physical infrastructure. "This pilot program will assist our small and medium-sized arts organizations to leverage funds from the private sector and senior levels of government to improve the state of their facilities," said Councillor Paul Sutherland. Toronto has the third largest theatre scene in North America and its culture sector contributes approximately $8.6 billion (11%) to the city's gross domestic product (GDP). Toronto cultural facilities that are not-for-profit, have been in existence for at least three years, own or have a minimum of five years on their lease, and are not city-owned, are encouraged to call Lori Martin at 416-392-5225 for information or a grant application form.
August 6, 2002
A new national training program to improve children's health is being launched in Canada thanks to a $1.8 million grant from the Hospital for Sick Children Foundation. The Canadian Child Health Clinician Scientist Program hopes to bridge the gap between scientific research and clinical care by training doctors and other health care professionals in the field of child health how to conduct research so they can work as independent scientists. "Canada needs people who are skilled in asking questions about children's health, whether it's about the basic mechanisms that cause disease, how those findings can be applied, or how patients are treated," said Gwen Burrows, director of The Hospital for Sick Children Foundation's National Grants Program. "As trainees from coast-to-coast develop their careers, the [program] will provide the support and learning experiences they need to become lead researchers who can forge stronger links between science and health care." For more information, visit: www.sickkids.on.ca/foundation/custom/news_scientist.asp.
August 6, 2002
In a recent survey by the Chronicle of Philanthropy, two-thirds of participating companies said they plan to donate about the same amount or less this year than they did in 2001. This is a major turnaround compared with last year's survey results, which found that two-thirds of companies increased their giving between 2000 and 2001. Last year's survey also found that businesses gave away cash and company products equal to a median of 1% of their 2000 pretax profits. This year, about 25% of companies plan to donate a median of only 0.7% of their 2001 pretax profits. -- Chronicle of Philanthropy
August 6, 2002
Although triathlons are usually the domain of the serious athlete, corporate Calgary was happy to give it a shot during the second annual Elbow Valley Triathlon, which raised $30,000 for the Calgary Health Trust's Prostate Cancer Program. "We're having fun, raising some money and trying to stay uninjured," said Leslie Conway, president of Hopewell Residential Communities, the competition's leading sponsor. "It was an absolutely wonderful event. The turnout was tremendous," added Linda Knight, also of Hopewell. The 17 participating teams also hope the event raised some awareness about prostate cancer along with the funds. Current statistics show that one in every eight Canadian men is expected to develop the disease in their lifetime, and one in four will die from it. For more information on the Calgary Health Trust, visit: www.calgaryhealthtrust.org.
August 6, 2002
Clarica is now accepting proposals for its annual organ donation grant program, which is aimed at supporting critical care and emergency professionals in offering the best possible end-of-life care, and helping Canada optimize its rate of organ donations. "Our experience tells us that Canadians are very much aware of the growing need for organ and tissue donation," said Judith Chopra, Clarica's director of public relations and citizenship. "We also know that many potential donations are lost, even though donors and their families would like to give this wonderful gift." The company is looking for projects to design, implement and evaluate improved processes and protocols around the care of critically ill patients. Grants are expected to range between $30,000 and $100,000 and hospitals are invited to submit individual applications or joint proposals that involve collaboration between and among hospitals. Projects must have clearly defined, measurable objectives, and allow hospital staff to move beyond what they can do with existing funding. The deadline for applications is October 15, 2002. For more information about eligibility, project selection, and how to apply, visit: www.clarica.com.
August 6, 2002
In an online survey, 58% of nonprofits polled said they intend to decrease or stay the same with their use of traditional direct mail in the next 12 months. Of those surveyed, 23% said they plan to decrease direct mail usage, while 35% said their organization's use of conventional direct mail would remain the same. Despite the recent US postal rate hike, 42% of the nonprofits surveyed do plan to increase their use of traditional direct mail. -- Kintera
August 6, 2002
The Zonta Club of Cambridge is donating $28,000 that was raised during the club's recent Betty Thompson Golf Classic. The funds will be shared by four organizations that support programs dealing with various stages of cancer. Cambridge Memorial Hospital will receive some of the money to pay for a special chair that is being used in the stereotactic mammography unit. Hopespring will use its share to run programs in Cambridge for people who are living with cancer, and Lisaard House and Hospice of Waterloo Region will receive a donation for their palliative care hospice services. Since 1997, the Zonta Club of Cambridge has raised more than $100,000 for local charities to support equipment purchases and programs.
August 6, 2002
Canadians are being asked to clean out their closets for a good cause as the Salvation Army launches its tenth annual Blue-Bag-It campaign. The clothing drive is the largest of its kind in the world and helps to clothe people who need it the most. Blue bags are being delivered to homes across the country and additional bags can be picked up from participating malls and other outlets. Throughout August, people can drop off their filled Blue Bags at Salvation Army Thrift stores, or at any of the local Salvation Army drop-off bins. To locate your nearest Thrift Store, visit: nro.salvationarmy.ca/
August 6, 2002
Organizers and volunteers from Quebec to Alberta are working hard to get donated hay to drought-stricken prairie farmers. The public response to the Haywest campaign has been overwhelming but so are the needs of affected farmers, who entered their names in a lottery to see who will receive the donated hay. Only about 25% to 45% farmers in the provinces of Alberta and Saskatchewan will benefit from the donations, which include more than $30,000 in cash. Clive Doucet, an Ottawa city councillor and one of the campaign organizers, also announced that the Humane Society of Canada supports the project and that the Royal Bank of Canada is accepting donations.
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