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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: December, 2002
Articles are arranged in reverse chronological order.
Government announces new rules for federal sponsorships
December 23, 2002
Public Works Minister Ralph Goodale announced changes last week that aim to improve the federal government's scandal-plagued sponsorship program. "The changes that will be made are guided by four key principles: value for money, stewardship, flexibility, and transparency," said Minister Goodale. Under the new guidelines, only not-for-profit events will be eligible for sponsorship, and the government will no longer pay fees to intermediaries who negotiate deals on behalf of event organizers. The activities targeted by the program will be sporting, cultural, and community events, in both rural areas and urban centres across Canada. For more information about the new guidelines, visit: communication.gc.ca/sponsorship_commandites/sponsorship2 003-2004.html.
December 23, 2002
School officials and the family of the late Ruby Rogers diIorio gathered at the University of Prince Edward Island last week to unveil a plaque recognizing the generosity of a bequest from Mrs. diIorio's estate. The former nurse, who graduated from Prince of Wales College in 1926, left an unrestricted gift of approximately $981,000 to UPEI. "This magnificent gift shows us the significant impact that planned giving can have - in perpetuity. We are especially proud that it comes from one of our graduates," said UPEI president, Wade MacLauchlan. "Through this leadership contribution to UPEI's general endowment, Ruby Rogers diIorio has left a legacy that will benefit many future generations of UPEI students and Prince Edward Islanders." For more information, visit: www.upei.ca/cgi-new /view.cgi?id=1203.
Fast Fact: Visitors more suspicious of nonprofit web sites
December 23, 2002
When asked what they focused on when evaluating the credibility of nonprofit web sites, 28.9% of respondents said they were most concerned with the identity of the site operator and the underlying company motive (20.2%). This is notably higher than the overall average, where people were less concerned with the identity of the operator (8.8%) or underlying motives (15.5%). Respondents' comments also indicated a higher level of general suspicion for nonprofit sites than for any other type of web site (22.6% for nonprofit vs. 9.4% overall). While these figures indicate that trustworthiness and credibility are a high priority for visitors to nonprofit sites, respondents were less likely to comment on issues such as site design (39.4% vs. 46.1%), information design/structure (18.2% vs. 28.5%), and information focus (17.8% vs. 25.1%). -- Consumer Web Watch
December 23, 2002
A national charity that was under fire for its fundraising practices will lose its charitable status. The Canadian Association of the Blind was appealing a federal order to shut down after the government alleged that its primary activity was canvassing donors. The association issued a notice to the court last week that it was abandoning its appeal, though no reason was given for the move. A recent investigation by The Toronto Star revealed that the charity raised $1.5 million in the most recent three years for which financial statements could be obtained, but that it spent just $10,912 on charitable works. Roger Leclaire, the federal justice department lawyer who was to argue against the charity, said the next step will be for the charity's status to be officially revoked by the CCRA Charities Directorate.
New report examines human resources in the nonprofit sector
December 23, 2002
A new series of publications from the Canadian Policy Research Networks (CPRN) is hoping to shed some light on the size, make-up and workplace realities of Canada's nonprofit sector. The first paper in the series, Mapping the Non-Profit Sector, by Kathryn McMullen and Grant Schellenberg, examines Statistics Canada data to help lay the groundwork and define the boundaries of the sector. Among their findings: the sector is heavily composed of women - 75% of all paid employees; 30% of paid employees hold university degrees; and 33% are professionals in their prime working years.
The report concludes that as the Baby Boom generation retires, the nonprofit sector will find itself competing for skilled workers with both the government and for-profit sectors. With this in mind, future papers in the series will examine the quality of work among nonprofits; training and skill development; human resource practices and organizational change; and recruitment and retention. For more information or to download the report, visit: www.cprn.org/ pubs/files/pubs-w_e.html#hrnp.
December 23, 2002
Celebrities and alpine enthusiasts skied their way into the record books at this year's Grand Prix 24 Hours of Tremblant. Almost 800 skiers and snowboarders completed the marathon relay skiathon, held at Mt. Tremblant , Quebec, raising a record $330,000 for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation and the Fondation Mont-Tremblant. "So many people, organizers, volunteers, participants, and companies came together to make this event an even better one than last year," said spokesman Paul Vaillancourt. "Everyone truly enjoyed themselves and did it all for a great cause." The event is promoted by Formula Charity of Switzerland and its co-founders, former Formula One world champion Jacques Villeneuve and his manager, Craig Pollock. For more information about the event, visit: www.tremblant.com/tra/grandprix_02/en/home.html.
December 23, 2002
Thérèse Casgrain was a Canadian who demonstrated the values of sharing and caring over a lifetime of service in the public and voluntary sectors. To commemorate her work and honour others who have demonstrated a lifelong commitment to volunteering, Human Resources and Development Canada annually presents the Thérèse Casgrain Volunteer Award. Nominations are now being accepted to recognize two Canadians, a man and a woman, for their pioneering spirit, social commitment, and persistent endeavours to advance a cause and the well being of their fellow citizens. Recipients receive a bronze medal, and a $5,000 donation is made to the voluntary organization of their choice. The deadline for nominations is March 1, 2003. For more information, visit: www.volunteeraward.gc.ca.
December 23, 2002
A survey conducted by Norwich Union, an international insurance company, found that 22% of retired people over the age of 50 have gone back to some form of employment, with 11% saying they want to give something back to society. More than 25% of respondents have done volunteer work, with women three times more likely to do so than men. In the 65 to 74-year-old age bracket, 34% chose to go back to work, with an additional 22% considering doing so. When asked why they decided to return to employment, reasons cited include a desire for human interaction, keeping active, and giving something back into the community. Only 4% return to work because they need the money. -- Norwich Union
December 23, 2002
For the second consecutive year, Worth magazine has compiled a list of what it considers to be America's 100 best charities. In compiling the list, Worth set out to find 100 nonprofits that are national or international in scope, and which have demonstrated efficiency and effectiveness in handling their funds and advancing their missions. The list is divided into several categories and includes such well-known organizations as: World Wildlife Fund, Girl Scouts, Habitat for Humanity, Ashoka, Doctors without Borders, March of Dimes, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The magazine also compiled a "Not Exactly Top 10" list or charities with questionable business practices. For more information, visit: www.worth.com.
December 23, 2002
Last year when a technicians strike prevented CBC Radio from participating in the Metro Food Bank Society's annual Christmas food drive, ATV - the maritime branch of CTV - stepped in at the last minute to fill their shoes. The food drive was a success and CBC was grateful to ATV for their assistance. This year, CBC Radio approached ATV about doing a joint drive for MFBS and the results were spectacular. Not only did the two competing media outlets set a precedent by cooperating so closely, their efforts also helped shatter records. The final tally won't be in for a few days, but so far the amount raised exceeds $80,000, which is three times more than was raised last year. In addition, 4,500kg of food were collected for Nova Scotia families - four times more than last year. Organizers of the event say it exceeded all expectations and they are hoping to extend the partnership in the New Year. For more information about the Metro Food Bank Society, visit: www.metrofoodbank.org.
December 23, 2002
In an effort to inform the public and other workers of their reality, and hopefully dispel the negative prejudices held by some concerning long term care, the Sherbrooke Geriatric University Institute and its Foundation officially launched the book Life and Work in a Long Term Care Centre, by Dr. Marcel Arcand and photographer Claude Croisetière. The book is a dream come true for Dr. Arcand, who has served at the institute for the past 24 years. "Above all, we wanted to recognize those who have chosen to work in this type of environment by showing that in spite of certain difficult aspects, the work is interesting and very useful. We also hope to reduce the fears of future residents and families by showing them that, in spite of chronic illness and the need to be placed in a home, it is still possible to be active, to realize one's potential, to smile, to laugh and to enjoy life." For more information about the institute, visit: www.iugs.ca/index_ang.html or call (819) 829-7138.
December 16, 2002
A Kanata family is once again spreading holiday cheer at the Queensway-Carleton Hospital Foundation. Two years ago they donated $1 million at Christmas, and last week presented the foundation with a $3 million gift. Foundation executive director Kim Curran said the family, which profited from the area's hi-tech boom, doesn't want to be identified or recognized. "They simply want to make a difference to many," she said. "We gave when the hi-tech sector was soaring," the family said in a written statement. "Now when times are difficult we are here too. We are so grateful for all we have, including our good health. It's very gratifying to be a part of helping others stay healthy." The funds will be used to purchase new diagnostic equipment for the hospital and some money will go toward a nurses' education endowment fund that the family helped establish two years ago.
December 16, 2002
The federal government released a report last week that looks at the progress of the Supporting Communities Partnership Initiative (SCPI), a key program of the National Homelessness Initiative. "It is a reflection of the important work communities have achieved in alleviating the challenges faced by their local homeless population," said the Honourable Claudette Bradshaw, Minister of Labour and Federal Coordinator on Homelessness. The SCPI enables the 61 communities participating in the initiative to bring together various partners to develop local solutions to their particular homelessness needs and issues. This latest report summarizes the views and experiences of a ten-community sample set, their progress, and the challenges and successes experienced during the planning phase of the initiative. For more information about the SCPI, visit: www21.hrdc-drhc.gc.ca/communityreport/cr_07.02_e.html.
December 16, 2002
In Kind Canada will be distributing $1.6 million of bath and beauty to charities across Canada, thanks to a donation from The Body Shop. The donated goods include make-up, bath products, accessories, and other products that have recently been phased out of The Body Shop inventory and would normally be sold through depot and warehouse sales. In Kind Canada will oversee the distribution of the products to charitable organizations in need, with a focus on those working to foster positive self-esteem and prevent violence against women. The first recipients will include: Eve's Initiatives, a program working with homeless at-risk youth ages 16 to 24; Dress for Success, an organization that helps low-income women make tailored transitions into the workforce; Corsage Project, which works to build girls' self-esteem by helping them attend their high school prom; as well as women's shelters from coast-to-coast. Since 1994, The Body Shop has raised more than $1 million to support violence prevention and recovery programs across Canada. For more information about In Kind Canada, visit: www.inkindcanada.ca.
December 16, 2002
According to the Fraser Institute's 2002 Generosity Index: Comparing Charitable Giving in Canada and the US, Manitoba is tops in Canada for the third straight year, with both the highest percentage of tax-filers donating to charities (29%) and the highest percentage of income donated (0.83%). The western provinces and Ontario follow Manitoba at the top of the Canadian rankings, with Ontario coming in second in both the percentage of tax-filers donating to charities (28.2%) and the percentage of total income donated (0.78%). Quebec and the Atlantic provinces are at the bottom of the list. Quebec ranks ninth out of 10 provinces in terms of tax-filers donating to charity (22.7%), and last in terms of both the percentage of income donated to charity (0.31%), and in average charitable donations ($463). -- Fraser Institute
December 16, 2002
Canadian Business magazine's fourth annual Rich 100 list ranking Canada's wealthiest citizens hit newsstands last week. Results show that Canada's richest are getting poorer with ten of last year's members gone from the list, including Peter Munk of property giant Trizec, and Pierre Karl Péladeau of Quebecor Inc. The combined net worth of Canada's super-wealthy this year is $111.1 billion, down 7.6% from last year's total of $120.3 billion. Of the Rich 100 members, several made notable charitable donations since the last ranking. Among them: Randall Moffat's $100 million gift to the Winnipeg Foundation, Barry Sherman's $50 million contribution to a Toronto Jewish foundation, and Kenneth Thomson's $370 million donation to the Art Gallery of Ontario. For more information, visit: www.canadianbusiness.com/index.asp.
December 16, 2002
Ultramar employees showed their support for community this year with a fundraising campaign that raised $365,000 for Centraide-United Way. The total, which also includes corporate matching of donations, is 98% more than last year, with participation rates also increasing. "For Ultramar, it is vital to support Centraide- United Way organizations in areas where we operate, as their goals are to contribute to the well-being of individuals and families in need," said Jean Bernier, president of Ultramar Ltd. "We not only called upon the generosity of our employees but also their sense of solidarity towards the needy. Our employees responded enthusiastically and participated in great numbers in the activities throughout the entire campaign," he added. The funds will be donated to Centraide-United Way organizations in Ontario, Quebec, and Nova Scotia. For more information about United Way, visit: www.unitedway.ca.
December 16, 2002
Unless it receives $1.5 million in donations, the curtain will fall for good on the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra (CPO). "I must make it very clear," said CPO chair Larry Fichtner, "our next step is to secure funding to implement this plan. Without funded support, we will not be able to return to the stage." The renewal plan includes reducing the performances at Jack Singer Concert Hall from 65 to 47 a year - with an emphasis on single-ticket sales, attracting new audiences while still preserving the traditional "classical music lovers" market, and adjusting the compensation package for musicians and staff. The CPO suspended operations on October 15 when it filed for bankruptcy protection in an attempt to restructure and deal with its $1.2 million deficit. For more information, visit: www.cpo-live.com/00home/cpo_main.htm.
December 16, 2002
Well-known philanthropist Walter Carsen was honoured recently for his generous support of the arts. The International Society for the Performing Arts (ISPA) presented Carsen with its 2002 Angel Award, which recognizes significant and lasting support of the arts. Over the years he has helped several organizations, including the National Ballet of Canada, the Shaw Festival, the Desrosiers Dance Theatre, and the Art Galleries of Ontario, Hamilton and Windsor. He also created the $50,000 Walter Carsen Prize for Excellence in the Performing Arts administered by the Canada Council. For more information about ISPA's Angel Award, visit: www.ispa.org/features/awards.html.
December 16, 2002
According to research conducted by nfpSynergy, a UK-based nonprofit think tank, three quarters of the public have "a great deal" or "a fair amount" of trust that charities would spend donations effectively. Overall, the Church was the most trusted organization, followed by charities, and small businesses. The least trusted organizations, each accounting for fewer than 5% of responses, were political parties, multinational companies, and newspapers. -- nfpSynergy
December 16, 2002
Victoria, BC entrepreneur Dan Carlos took to the streets last week collecting donations for the Island Equipment Owners Association Annual Light Show and Food Drive. The owner of Minute Movers wrapped his five-metre moving van in 250 feet of flashing blue Christmas lights and sent a request out to his Victoria area customers that he was collecting donations of food or clothing. "A year and a half ago I had nothing, absolutely nothing and I know what it's like to be hungry," said Carlos. "But it's been such a great year for business and I've always wanted to get involved in charity work. I'm honoured to have such a lot of great customers in this community and I want to give something back." The company now has 10 full-time employees, all of whom volunteered their time to fill the moving truck with food.
December 16, 2002
In this year of corporate scandals, President Bush is helping to launch a White House-led effort to draw businesses into a volunteer service network. "If we want to usher in a period of responsible behaviour in America, people must behave responsibly, and part of behaving responsibly is to understand the responsibilities that come with being a CEO," he said. "It's not only the responsibility to tell the truth; it's the responsibility to use your position to encourage compassion." He cited examples such as paid leave for volunteering, donations of cash or products to public-service groups, mobilizing customers and clients as tutors, and loaning in-house experts such as accountants to nonprofits. More than 100 companies are currently members, according to the White House, each pledging to use corporate resources to mobilize employees and customers. Bush is hoping to have 500 companies in the network by June.
December 16, 2002
Seven Nova Scotia residents will start the New Year off with the climb of their lives by making their way up the highest mountain in Africa. On January 5th the group, all financial advisers from IPC Financial Network Inc., will begin a seven-day ascent of Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania to raise funds for children with life-threatening illnesses. "Our goal is to raise over $200,000 for the Make a Wish Foundation," said IPC's chief executive officer, Steve Meehan. "This expedition will be the thrill of a lifetime for those of us involved but most importantly, it will raise funds and awareness for the foundation." The group hopes to raise $10 for every one of the 19,340 feet (5,895 metres) that the peak towers above sea level. For more information about the Make a Wish Foundation, visit: www.makeawish.ca.
December 9, 2002
We're pleased to announce that Patti Foley has joined CharityVillage as our new recruitment advertising account manager for the Halton/Peel and York/Durham regions of Ontario. Patti has a long history of community involvement in the GTA, most recently coordinating a record-setting fundraising drive for the Kidney Foundation. Find out a bit more about Patti in this profile: www.charityvillage.com/charityvillage/patti.html
December 9, 2002
As part of the Canada Volunteerism Initiative (CVI), Minister of Canadian Heritage and Minister Responsible for the Voluntary Sector Sheila Copps announced that three new centres will be established to help strengthen the voluntary sector's ability to encourage Canadians to volunteer and to enhance the experience of volunteering. During the next five years, $35 million in federal funding will be provided to set up the three national centres, which will oversee delivery of a variety of programs and services related to volunteerism. Volunteer Canada will administer the Information, Capacity-Building and Awareness Centre, as well as the Community Support Centre, and the Canadian Centre for Philanthropy will administer the Knowledge Development Centre. Local networks will also work closely with the centres to ensure that they meet regional needs. For more information, visit: www.canadianheritage.gc.ca/newsroom
December 9, 2002
Apotex, the largest Canadian-owned pharmaceutical company in the country, is donating $3 million to the Université de Montréal Faculty of Pharmacy. It is the largest private donation, for training purposes, ever received by the faculty. By financing the Associate Clinician Program, an apprenticeship initiative for pharmacy students, Apotex hopes to help address the present shortage of qualified pharmacists in Quebec. For more information about the Université de Montréal, visit: www.umontreal.ca/ang.
December 9, 2002
The government of Nova Scotia is looking for artists, leaders from the cultural sector, and others to join its controversial new Nova Scotia Arts and Culture Partnership Council. Thirteen members of the arts community will join two government representatives on a volunteer board that will advise and make recommendations to the Minister of Tourism and Culture on the planning, design, and delivery of arts and culture programs in the province. According to the ministry, the new council will have a direct influence on programs and the amount of support they receive, and will be guided by principles of artistic autonomy and independent assessment with respect to artistic merit. Andrew Terris, a member of a group that rallied behind preserving the old arts council, says it is difficult to know what the response will be to this call for members. "Some won't want to legitimize the process, while others will want a voice in arts spending and policy." The deadline for applications is December 20. For more information or to apply, visit: www.gov.ns.ca/news/details.asp?id=20021204001.
December 9, 2002
Seventy-six percent of Canadians feel that corporations have a moral duty to support charities, and 65% feel the same is true for the rich. When asked who in society should have the primary responsibility for caring for people who cannot or will not care for themselves, a slim majority of 56% said the government, 27% said families, 4% said private charities, 3% said religious organizations, and 1% said businesses. Nine percent of respondents said they did not know. -- National Post/Global National
December 9, 2002
The phones were ringing off the hook during the 28th annual Christmas Daddies Telethon, which raised more than $610,539 to help underprivileged children in Atlantic Canada have a better Christmas. "It's just unbelievable the way our crew and music came together," said producer Mary Murphy, who has been working with the event for its entire history. Regionally, the Cape Breton area raised $210,500, while the rest of Nova Scotia tallied $276,626. New Brunswick received $103,508 and PEI brought in $13,979. The funds will go to the Salvation Army for dispersal to needy families. For more information about Christmas Daddies, visit: www.christmasdaddies.org.
December 9, 2002
Just in time for the holidays, Volunteer Calgary has published a new storybook. Entitled, Patrick & Sara Volunteer and Learn About Homeless Families, the story helps children's understanding of the power of volunteering and the power individuals have to make the community a better place. The book is a full package for community-minded adults and contains questions to help parents and teachers lead children in discussions about homelessness, as well as suggestions for how to help. "Parents reading the story can help their sons and daughters understand that not everyone has a home in our community, and not everyone has enough food to eat," says Martha Parker, executive director of Volunteer Calgary. "But more importantly, the story helps families understand what they can do to help - it empowers families to get involved and to volunteer their time together to help others in need." For more information, contact Volunteer Calgary at 403-265-5633 or visit: www.volunteercalgary.ab.ca.
December 9, 2002
In September 2003, participants of the Arthritis Society's popular Joints in Motion (JIM) program will head to Belgium for a very special "Flanders Field Marathon". The responsibility of each JIM participant is to train and raise a set amount of money in honour of someone living with arthritis. The difference this time around is that the Society will be working with Canada's war veterans as well as the event participants. Allan Parks, Dominion President of The Legion says, "Flanders Fields is such an important area for Canadian veterans. We feel that the Society's marathon program will inspire participants who are, in fact, running in remembrance of the fallen. Perhaps the people who walk and run in the marathon on behalf of a veteran as their "arthritis hero", will serve to teach some of the participants about the sacrifice so many of our Canadian soldiers made on this historic battlefield." For more information, visit: www.arthritis.ca/toolbox/headline%20news/news%20releases.
December 9, 2002
The Innu Healing Foundation received a donation of $1 million last week for its "Building Hope" campaign. The funds, which were donated by Inco Limited, will be used to build, equip, and endow two community recreational facilities in the communities of Sheshatshiu and Natuashish in Labrador. "Inco has consistently demonstrated understanding and support for our people's quest for a brighter future, our determination to effect various healing strategies and our resolve to rebuild a Nation of proud, independent and self-reliant people," said Peter Pensahue, Innu Nation president. The new recreation centres will provide recreational and other programs for Labrador Innu children and adults, and create a catalyst for inter-community activity. For more information about the Innu Healing Foundation's Building Hope campaign, visit: www.innuhealingfoundation.org/campaign.
December 9, 2002
The global population is projected to increase from 6.2 billion to 9.2 billion by 2050. This is just one of the findings in the United Nations State of the World Population 2002 Report. The report also states that the least-developed countries have the highest fertility and population growth and that their populations are expected to triple in the next 50 years, from 600 million to 1.8 billion. Currently, half the world's population, more than 3 billion people, live on less than $2 a day, and an additional 1 billion people live on less than $1 a day. Aside from poverty, HIV/AIDS is threatening a whole generation, and is described as not only a personal tragedy, but a social disaster. AIDS is the leading cause of death in sub-Saharan Africa and the world's fourth biggest killer, striking 14,000 men, women, and children daily. By 2010, approximately 40 million children will have been orphaned by the pandemic. -- UNFPA
December 9, 2002
A new project is underway to improve access to justice for Toronto's homeless community. Legal Aid Ontario (LAO) is funding the pilot project that will try to improve the delivery of legal services to homeless people by offering those services in familiar environments rather than in a Legal Aid office. Local community service agencies will host the project staff on a rotating basis. "It's time to try a fresh approach - we need a new way of providing legal services that is flexible and reduces the barriers the homeless face when seeking legal help. This project will help to ensure that legal aid services are available and accessible to those who need it most", said Jack DeKlerk of Neighbourhood Legal Services, one of the project partners. Services are available for virtually all legal problems experienced by homeless people, including matters related to criminal, family, mental health, immigration and poverty law. For more information, visit: www.legalaid.on.ca/en/news/newsreleases/homeless.asp.
December 9, 2002
As one of its major programs, CIVICUS is undertaking the CIVICUS Civil Society Index (CSI), a diagnostic tool for assessing the current state of civil society on a country level. CIVICUS is offering internship positions to work with the Index project team in coordinating the next phase of implementing the CSI. It is a unique opportunity for graduate students interested in civil society to get hands-on experience in conducting primary research on civil society and gain in-depth knowledge on the characteristics of civil society in a given country. Anyone interested in applying should be a graduate student in Social Sciences or Development Studies; have an interest in international comparative research on civil society and training in methods of comparative social research; and possess excellent written and oral communication skills in English and preferably one of the major international languages. The deadline for applications is December 15, 2002. For more information, visit: www.civicus.org.
December 9, 2002
The BC Professional Fire Fighters' Burn Fund announced the launch of a fundraising campaign to sponsor a new research facility for one of the world's top specialists in burns and plastic surgery research. "Like the Burn Unit at Vancouver General Hospital, the proposed facility would bear the name 'BC Professional Fire Fighters'," said Robert F. Brett, president of the Burn Fund. "It will show the ongoing support by our 3,300 professional fire fighters for those affected by burn injury in the province." To kick off the campaign the Burn Fund presented a cheque for $100,000 to Don Livingston, president and CEO of VGH/UBC Hospital Foundation. For more information about the Burn Fund, visit: www.burnfund.org.
December 2, 2002
In keeping with their tradition of giving the largest annual gift of all donors, Barry and Honey Sherman presented the United Jewish Appeal Federation of Greater Toronto with a donation of $50 million. It is the largest donation ever made to the UJA, and although the Shermans are well known for their generosity, a spokesperson for the appeal says this gift exceeds all of their other philanthropy. "I'm trying to lead the drive to build endowment funds in hopes that others will join in...so the necessary funds will be there in the future to sustain the community," said Barry Sherman, CEO of Apotex Inc., a Toronto pharmaceutical company. He also recently donated $5 million toward a new building for the University of Toronto's faculty of pharmacy. For more information about the UJA Federation of Greater Toronto, visit: toronto.ujcfedweb.org/index.html
December 2, 2002
More than 900 of Toronto's corporate, social, and political leaders turned out for this year's 16th Annual Teddy Bear Affair. "As a result of the tremendous support of more than 50 sponsors, guests, and dedicated volunteers, the Children's Aid Foundation (CAF) was able to net more than $500,000 in fundraising support at this year's event, which will contribute to sustaining programs that protect and nurture neglected and abused children in our communities," said CAF executive director Sheilagh Johnson. The gala event included a live auction, which was complimented with a silent auction offering exclusive one-of-a-kind designer Teddy Bears, entertainment, and travel packages. For more information about the Children's Aid Foundation, visit: www.cafdn.org.
December 2, 2002
The latest study on child poverty indicates that the number of poor children in Canada has fallen to one in six from one in five. It is the first time there has been a drop in the number since 1989. However, the drop is little cause for celebration since 1.1 million children still grow up in households that are far below the poverty line. Provincially, children in Newfoundland and Labrador are worst off, with 26.2% living in poverty. The rate is almost as high in Manitoba at 22.1%. Prince Edward Island has the lowest rate of child poverty at 13.3%, followed by Ontario at 14.4%. -- Campaign 2000
December 2, 2002
As part of the World Day for Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect, the Canadian Red Cross RespectED service launched an e-mail campaign to help disseminate information about the fight for children's rights. The e-mail message, containing a clip-and-save card for youth that details the inherent rights guaranteed to all young people by the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, was originally 'seeded' to 72 people across the country, mostly within the Red Cross, although several were from outside. They were asked to send the mail to their mailing groups, both personal and professional, and especially to any youth.
Leslie Vryenhoek, who handles public affairs for RespectED, says that those first individuals forwarded the e-mail to more than 5,000 contacts. She estimates that it reached a minimum of 15,000 on the first day, and most likely 100,000 by the second day. "We didn't buy or compile any lists. We just relied on the power of people clicking 'forward' and sharing directly with those they know - something that e-mail has made so easy to do." For more information, visit: www.redcross.ca/article.asp?id=1504.
December 2, 2002
In an effort to develop national occupational standards and qualifications for the fundraising profession, the UK's Voluntary Sector National Training Organisation (VSNTO) commissioned an occupational and functional report to highlight the competencies that the different roles of fundraisers possessed and identify the areas where new occupational standards need to be developed. Draft standards have now been developed for fundraising support/assistants; fundraisers; and fundraising managers. Standards for directors or very senior roles in fundraising are still being developed. For more information or to view the draft standards, visit: www.pyetait.com/ fundraising/draftnos.htm.
December 2, 2002
Ruth Morris believed that the new paradigm of justice must address the serious social problems felt in communities around the world. The Council on Reconciliation and Restorative and Transformative Justice (CORRTJ) is honouring her memory with a new community justice award. The first Ruth Morris Community Transformative Justice Award will be presented as part of Restorative Justice Week 2003, April 13-20. Individuals who are developing programs, continuing existing work, and living the values of restorative and transformative justice are eligible for this award. Nominations will be accepted beginning January 1, 2003 and will close on February 28, 2003. For more information, visit: www.fcrjquaker.org/Award.html.
December 2, 2002
Dr. Stuart Davis, a retired chemistry professor from the University of Alberta, showed his ongoing support for the arts last week with a $250,000 donation to the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra. The ESO plans to use the money to kick off a fundraising campaign to help shrink its $800,000 deficit. Davis's past donations to the orchestra include a $2 million gift to the Winspear Centre, home of the ESO. The gift was part of the $3.6 million needed to bring Canada's largest pipe organ to the centre. For more information about the ESO, visit: www.edmontonsymphony.com.
December 2, 2002
The results are in from the annual STAPLES Business Depot and BUREAU EN GROS National Writing Challenge. This year's first national prizewinner is 10-year-old Iain Bauer of St. Albert, Alberta for his story, "If I were a skipping stone". He will receive a Compaq HP computer and his school, Bertha Kennedy Catholic School, will receive a $5,000 cheque. A total of 204 children from communities across Canada will have their winning short stories published in a bilingual Canadian story book to be sold in STAPLES Business Depot and BUREAU EN GROS stores through the Christmas season. The book sells for $2.99 and the company donates the net proceeds from the book sales to Canadian schools.
December 2, 2002
Forbes has compiled a list of the most philanthropic companies in the United States based on their total cash donations in 2001. When calculated as a percentage of their 2000 income, Target came out on top, donating 2.51%. Aetna (1.94%), J.C. Penney (1.58%), Kroger (1.56%), and Bank One (1.46%) rounded out the top five. In terms of total cash-giving, Ford Motor was number one, donating $137.9 million in 2001. Philip Morris gave $122.3 million, ExxonMobil gave $119.8 million, Wal-Mart was fourth at $116.5 million, and SBC Communications came in fifth with a total cash donation of $99.2. Interestingly, Microsoft, which gave away $179 million in software last year, was not on either Top Ten list. -- Forbes
December 2, 2002
The Catherine and Maxwell Meighen Foundation announced a gift of $2.5 million to the Salvation Army's Circle of Caring Campaign. The donation is in addition to $1 million the foundation has already contributed to this first-ever Salvation Army capital campaign in the City of Toronto. So far, $47.4 million of the $56.4 million target has been raised. The campaign's two key initiatives - a comprehensive City Core Project at Jarvis and Shuter, and a Long-term Care Centre at Yonge and Davisville - will help the Army restore the health of the downtown core by providing physical, emotional, mental and spiritual support to some of the community's most vulnerable members. For more information about the campaign, visit: toronto.salvationarmy.ca/contents/popup-circleofcaring.html.
December 2, 2002
The Maytree Foundation launched a new resource database that identifies ideas and initiatives for improving labour market access for skilled immigrants. Fulfilling The Promise Database (FTPD) identifies a multitude of proposed solutions for access to the labour market in the form of publications, programs, and ideas that have been tried or proposed across Canada and internationally. Examples of these solutions include bridging programs, credential assessment, language training, and mentorship programs. FTPD is the companion piece to the publication Fulfilling the Promise: Integrating Immigrant Skills into the Canadian Economy, which was published by the foundation earlier this year. For more information or to view the database, visit: ftpd.maytree.com.
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