|
|
|||||
|
|||||
| Path: Main Street : NewsWeek : Archive : NewsBytes : Article |
This is an archive of CharityVillage NewsWeek. To find a word on the page,
use your browser's "find" feature (CTRL-F or CMD-F). Please note: While we ensure that all links and e-mail addresses are accurate
at their publishing date, the quick-changing nature of the web means that some
links to other web sites and e-mail addresses may no longer be accurate.
To view other articles in the archive, use our Chronological Index.
NewsBytes: May, 2003
Articles are arranged in reverse chronological order.
Donation boosts spinal cord research in BC and beyond
May 26, 2003
John and Penny Ryan and the Rick Hansen Man In Motion Foundation (RHMIMF) announced that they will commit $1.5 million, over the next five years, to complete endowment funding for the first BC Leadership Chair at the University of British Columbia. This donation brings the endowment to a total of $6 million, which will be used to support a senior academic position that is funded in perpetuity. In recognition of their contribution, the Chair will be renamed The John and Penny Ryan BC Leadership Chair in Spinal Cord Injury Research. John Ryan, who has a spinal cord injury, raised more than $1 million for Canadian spinal cord regeneration research when he crossed Canada in a hand cycle in 1999. For more information, visit: www.rickhansen.com.
May 26, 2003
A new report prepared for the Canadian Conference of the Arts examines the current status of professional management in the arts and heritage sector. Creative Management in the Arts and Heritage: Sustaining and Renewing Professional Management For the 21st Century, by Jocelyn Harvey, identifies the challenges facing professional management personnel in Canada's not-for-profit arts and heritage organizations and offers practical recommendations to meet these challenges. These recommendations focus on ways to encourage experienced managers to remain in the sector, including opportunities for their professional development and reinvigoration, and a means of attracting the next generation to join and remain in the profession. For more information, visit: www.ccarts.ca/eng/ 04res/04_03_act.htm.
May 26, 2003
Teen sensation Avril Lavigne has another hit on her hands. Her cover of Bob Dylan's "Knockin' on Heaven's Door" has helped to raise more than $100,000 for the children of Iraq. The song is the first single from War Child Canada's Peace Songs CD. Eric Hoskins, executive producer of the album and president of War Child Canada, says that 100% of proceeds from the album will be used to fund Iraqi children's hospitals, education, and mental-health programs. For more information, visit: www.warchild.ca.
It was also announced last week that the Canadian Landmine Foundation will stage a performance of 'Raising Our Voices', a dramatic production focusing on the experiences of landmine survivors written by Alyson Feltes and Tessa Barlow. The play will be part of an evening of theatre and music to benefit the efforts of the foundation. The cast includes Sonja Smits, Rebecca Jenkins, Fiona Reid, Tamara Hickey, Rick Roberts, and a rare acting performance by recording artist, Gord Downie of The Tragically Hip. For more information, visit: www.canadianlan dmine.org/raiseVoices.htm.
Fast Fact: Economy cited as top challenge for Canadian fundraisers
May 26, 2003
An annual survey conducted by the Association of Fundraising Professionals found that more than half of all Canadian respondents (57%) cited the economy as having a great impact on their organization and their fundraising effectiveness. However, only 13% singled it out as the largest single challenge. The remaining 87% of respondents cited a wide range of issues as their number one challenge, including: staffing issues (11%); branding the charity and creating awareness (10%); changes in the fundraising culture (9%); competition from other charities for philanthropic dollars (8%); developing fundraising strategies in light of the changing fundraising landscape (7%); problems with overall leadership (7%); and limited resources and multiple demands on the time available (7%). -- AFP
Food banks get cracking with donation from egg producers
May 26, 2003
The Canadian Egg Marketing Agency announced a donation on behalf of Canada's egg farmers of 801,000 (or 66,750 dozen) eggs to the Canadian Association of Food Banks (CAFB). "Eggs are a protein staple in everyone's diet," said Carolynne Griffith, chair of Ontario Egg Producers. "Canadian egg producers believe in giving back; we're determined that everyone have the opportunity to enjoy the nutrition, versatility and taste of fresh shell eggs." Charles Seiden, executive director of CAFB, concurred. "Our member food banks across Canada benefit from this generous gift every year." Since 1988, Canadian egg farmers have donated more than 10,000,000 eggs. For more information on CAFB, visit: www.cafb-acba.ca.
May 26, 2003
The Conference Board of Canada released a report last week that examines the importance of work-life balance for executive women. Balance at the Top: Encouraging Work-Life Effectiveness for Executives outlines three types of solutions to improve organizational culture: flexible work arrangements such as working from home; workload management options such as job-sharing at the executive level; and support resources for family needs or personal health. "In addition to the long hours, travel, and stress levels that all executives deal with, many executive women still handle the majority of domestic and family responsibilities," said Denise McLean, program manager of the Centre of Excellence for Women's Advancement. "An inhospitable organizational culture that fails to accommodate executive women's concerns can also affect their performance." The report is the fourth resource of the Gender Diversity Tool Kit from the Centre of Excellence for Women's Advancement at the Conference Board. The Tool Kit offers tips and examples to foster women's advancement to senior levels in Canadian organizations. For more information, visit: ww w.conferenceboard.ca.
May 26, 2003
The US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is filing complaints against five fundraising operations accused of swindling people out of millions of dollars, promising that the donations would help those in need. The FTC is also joining with 34 states in an awareness campaign to warn consumers about charity fraud. "These are particularly heartless scams," said Howard Beales, director of the FTC's Bureau of Consumer Protection. "By diverting donors' charitable dollars, these scam artists undermine the public's confidence in legitimate charitable fund raising." One of the cases highlighted by the FTC involves six nonprofit corporations based in California which were banned from telemarketing under a settlement agreement completed last week. According to the FTC, the organizations - American Veterans' Council, Children's AIDS Council, Children's Relief Services, Disabled Children's Charity, Firefighters' Assistance Foundation, and Police and Sheriffs' Support Fund - were fakes controlled by "unscrupulous fundraisers for their personal profit."
May 26, 2003
A recent campaign encouraging Canadians in Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and Ontario to drop off good-quality used hockey equipment at participating Ford dealerships has paid off. The inaugural Ford Dealers' Hockey Equipment Drive was a resounding success, collecting more than 850 pairs of skates, 580 pairs of gloves, 450 helmets, and countless pads, sticks, pucks, bags and other miscellaneous pieces of clothing and equipment for less-fortunate kids. The campaign was held in support of the Wayne Gretzky Foundation, which is dedicated to providing youth throughout North America with the opportunity to experience the sport of hockey. "I'm so happy and proud of the wonderful response to the inaugural Ford Dealers Hockey Equipment Drive," said Wayne Gretzky. "As the first official initiative of the Wayne Gretzky Foundation in Canada, we have set a high standard which we intend to live up to as we continue to develop the foundation and seek to get more kids into hockey."
May 26, 2003
According to a report from Statistics Canada, access to non-wage benefits is very lopsided, with high wage earners far more likely to receive them than low earners. The cost of non-wage benefits now accounts for more than one-third of total labour costs. However, jobs that are high-wage, unionized, full-time, permanent, or in large firms were more likely to offer all types of non-wage benefits to employees, and it is people with higher education levels and more work experience who were most likely to be in these high-wage, high-benefit jobs. At the opposite end of the spectrum, certain groups of employees were doubly disadvantaged, with less access to non-wage benefits and lower hourly wages. These groups include employees with less than high school education, and those in part-time, temporary, or non-unionized jobs. -- Statistics Canada
May 26, 2003
The Television Bureau of Canada (TVB) denied a Calgary-based organization approval to run two public service announcements because they were considered too graphic under telecaster guidelines. HomeFront, a nonprofit society dedicated to reducing domestic violence, is now turning to the Internet to broadcast their commercials. Kevin McNichol, a spokesperson for the organization, said they were surprised by the TVB's ruling given that they are addressing an important issue. "How do you talk about domestic violence without portraying violence or having some statement about violence? Discomfort is exactly what we're trying to generate because that discomfort creates conversation which needs to happen around this issue," said McNichol. "I'm not sure how you have the discussion without meeting the issue head-on." For more information, visit: www.hom efrontcalgary.com/announcements/index.htm.
May 26, 2003
The Community Foundation of Ottawa marked its 15th birthday recently with the launch of a new book recounting the organization's colourful and charitable history. People. Partnerships. Community: The first 15 years of the Community Foundation of Ottawa, written by Valerie Knowles, deals not only with the work of the organization, but also discusses the local community and its values. Copies are now available through the foundation. For more information about the foundation, visit: www.communityfoundation ottawa.ca.
May 20, 2003
The London-based Robarts Research Institute will establish the Krembil Centre for Stem Cell Biology thanks to a $5 million gift from the Krembil Foundation. The institute is already a Canadian leader in stem cell biology and the centre will house three new laboratory facilities for flow cytometry, molecular pathology, and stem cell culture. "This is really an opportunity for us to accelerate our work in the areas of diabetes, heart disease, and neuro-degenerative disorders," said Dr. Mark Poznansky, president and scientific director of the institute. "It's extremely encouraging to see a private foundation with the strength and vision to bring about this kind of investment in science." For more information, visit: www.rri.on.ca/news/nw_n ews.shtml.
May 20, 2003
The Coalition of National Voluntary Organizations (NVO) and the Canadian Centre for Philanthropy (CCP) announced that they will co-found a new organization "to strengthen communities and advance social development through collective effort." The decision was made at a meeting of the NVO and CCP boards on May 10, 2003. The new organization will be established by June 2004, after which point the two existing organizations will wind down their individual operations. "By combining their resources and their voices, CCP and NVO will be better able to provide leadership in Canada's voluntary sector," said CCP board chair Dale Godsoe. "By sharing leadership and reflecting national, regional and local perspectives, they can help the sector do much more in the future. The goal is to build the voluntary sector's capacity to serve Canadian communities with excellence." For more information, visit: www.ccp.ca/display.asp?id=8 7.
May 20, 2003
The University of Western Ontario will establish a new fellowship and graduate scholarships in its Faculty of Arts with a donation of $1 million from Graham Wright, a Western economics graduate, and his wife Gale. The donation will be endowed at Foundation Western and split equally to create the Graham and Gale Wright Distinguished Scholar Fellowship and the Graham and Gale Wright Ontario Graduate Scholarships in perpetuity. "This most generous support from Graham and Gale Wright will allow our Faculty of Arts to continue to attract and retain faculty members with world-class reputations," says Dr. Paul Davenport, Western's president. "We are grateful to the Wright family for this outstanding commitment, which recognizes the central value of the humanities and the arts in our society." For more information, visit: communications.uwo.ca /western_news.
May 20, 2003
Despite a federal commitment to eliminate child poverty in Canada by 2000, the latest information from Statistics Canada reveals that rates of child poverty have remained virtually the same in the past ten years. Data from the 2001 census showed there were more than 1.2 million children living in low-income households in 2000. The proportion (18.4%) is slightly higher than a decade earlier, when 18.2% of children were living in low-income families, but down only 1% since 1980 when the rate was 19.4%. In addition, the proportion of children of recent immigrants (those in Canada less than 10 years) living in low-income households has steadily increased in the past two decades, from 20% in 1980, to 27% in 1990, and 33% in 2000. -- Statistics Canada
May 20, 2003
Canadian voluntary and charitable organizations are facing major funding and capacity challenges, according to research conducted by a consortium of nonprofit organizations. Entitled The Capacity to Serve: A Qualitative Study of the Challenges Facing Canada's Nonprofit and Voluntary Organizations, the report reflects comments from about 300 voluntary sector senior staff and volunteers across the country. It concludes that funders are placing restrictions on their support that undermine the ability of charities to focus on their missions. It also reveals that a focus on short-term project funding, particularly by governments, is depriving voluntary organizations of the support they need to sustain their core operations and ensure their long-term ability to serve Canadians.
The study is the first phase of a larger research project that aims to better inform decision-makers about the needs and challenges facing the sector. It also lays the groundwork for the National Survey of Nonprofit and Voluntary Organizations (NSNVO), Canada's first comprehensive, quantitative national survey of the nonprofit and voluntary sector, currently being conducted by Statistics Canada. For more information or to download a copy of the report, visit: www.nonprofitscan.ca /nsnvo_intr.asp.
May 20, 2003
The Fondation de l'Hôpital Maisonneuve-Rosemont accepted a pledge of $500,000 from BMO Financial Group as part of the hospital's $15-million "Grandissons de toutes nos forces" Major Development Campaign. "This exceptional support is proof of how valuable and unique a resource Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital is, and not only for the greater Montreal area, but for all of Quebec," said François Duffar, chair of the campaign. In recognition of the contribution, the hospital's Oncology Centre will be named after BMO Financial Group. For more information about L'Hôpital Maisonneuve-Rosemont, visit: www.maisonneuve-rosemont.i nfo.
May 20, 2003
A study appearing in the May issue of Harvard Business Review argues that the nonprofit sector could free up more than $100 billion by changing how it operates. The Nonprofit Sector's $100 Billion Opportunity, co-authored by Bill Bradley, Paul Jansen and Les Silverman, found that nonprofits could save as much as $26 billion annually by soliciting more donations over the Internet and seeking fewer but larger grants and contributions; $55 billion by streamlining and restructuring the way they provide services; and $20 billion by reducing administrative costs by less than a cent for every dollar they spend. While some nonprofits feel that recommendations in the report are worth exploring, overall reception has been mixed, with some groups pointing out that the changes come with costs of their own.
May 20, 2003
Prime Minister Jean Chrétien announced last week that Canada will give another $200 million for humanitarian aid and reconstruction in Iraq. The money will be used to help improve basic services, including access to clean water, proper sanitation, and good primary health care. It will also support Iraqi efforts to build democratic institutions and help reform the country's judicial, police and correctional services. "A stable, self-governing, and prosperous Iraq, with a government that represents the Iraqi people and is respectful of human rights, is in everyone's interest," Chrétien said. The new funding brings the total Canadian commitment to postwar efforts to more than $300 million.
May 20, 2003
According to data from the 2001 census, 70% of Canadians identify themselves as either Roman Catholic or Protestant. Overall, Roman Catholics are still the largest religious group, drawing the faith of just under 12.8 million people, or 43% of the population, down from 45% in 1991. The proportion of Protestants, the second largest group, declined from 35% of the population to 29%, or about 8.7 million people. While those who identify themselves as Christian are still in the majority, far more Canadians reported in the 2001 census that they had no religion, accounting for 16% of the population in 2001, compared with 12% a decade earlier. -- Statistics Canada
May 20, 2003
UK-based think-tank nfpSynergy recently published a report which looks at current trends that are expected to have a lasting effect on the work of voluntary organizations. Five Key Trends and their impact on the voluntary sector suggests that an aging population, shifts in the traditional family unit, diverse households, an increase in higher education, and the delay of financial independence will all have significant implications for the sector. The report examines how these trends could affect fundraising, volunteering, services, and staff. To request a copy of the report, contact Elisha Evans at elishae@Futurefoundation.ne t.
May 20, 2003
A two-year battle between Canadian Magen David Adom for Israel (CMDA) and the Canada Customs and Revenue Agency (CCRA) is over after the organization went through the formality of being de-registered and then re-registered the next day. The charity, which raises money for emergency medical relief in Israel, was in danger of losing its charitable status after the CCRA raised concerns about the possibility that a Magen David Adom ambulance might cross the Green Line, as the pre-1967 border is known, when responding to an emergency call in a Jerusalem suburb. CMDA is now abiding by the CCRA's demand, which was upheld last year by the Federal Court of Appeal, that it maintain greater control over the ambulances and medical equipment it sends to Israel.
May 12, 2003
The Voluntary Sector Initiative's (VSI) Joint Regulatory Table (JRT) recently released its final report, offering recommendations on how to improve the way Canada's charitable sector is regulated. Entitled Strengthening Canadaís Charitable Sector: Regulatory Reform, the report's 75 proposals aim to improve the transparency of administrative processes, including the processes for registration and de-registration of charities; introduce more effective ways of ensuring that charities meet their legal obligations under the Income Tax Act; and improve the process for appealing regulatory decisions affecting registered charities. The recommendations are now being reviewed by government. For more information or to download the report, visit: ww w.vsi-isbc.ca/eng/joint_tables/regulatory/index.cfm.
May 12, 2003
Toronto publisher, art collector, and businessman Salah Bachir committed $750,000 towards a capital campaign to expand The 519 Community Centre in the heart of Toronto's gay village. "The 519 is a shining example to all community centres across Canada that the gay community can work side by side with other diverse groups to make a better society," said Bachir. "By supporting The 519 we are leaving a legacy for the next generation of people who will walk through its doors looking for acceptance and respect." The goal of the capital campaign is to raise $5 million to renovate sections of the existing building and build an extension. For more information, visit: www.the519.org/public_html/whatsnew/pressrel/index.html.
May 12, 2003
More than 25,000 Canadians in 30 communities turned out to participate in the Second Annual Bell Walk for Kids in support of Kids Help Phone. Walkers from coast to coast helped raise $1.5 million during the one-day event, an increase of 50% compared with the inaugural walk last year. "The $1.5 million raised on May 4th ensures that when kids need help, our professional counsellors are on the line to provide them with much needed support," said Bill Saul, president and CEO of the organization. "This incredible achievement will help us meet the growing need for our services. We can now expand our reach and do more for Canadian families." For more information, visit: www.bellwalk forkids.com/newsview.php?UID=22.
May 12, 2003
A national survey conducted by Environics Research found that 54% of respondents thought taking tobacco industry money to fund courses teaching business ethics and corporate social responsibility is a "bad idea" (30%) or a "very bad idea" (24%), while 45% thought taking support from a tobacco company for this purpose is a "good idea" (35%) or a "very good idea" (10%). Of those respondents with a university degree, 61% thought taking tobacco funds for such a purpose was a bad or very bad idea, compared with 39% who thought it was a good idea or very good idea. The disapproval rate was even higher when respondents were asked specifically about tobacco links with institutions that specialize in the teaching of religion and social justice. Some 62% of respondents said if such a university took tobacco money, it would be exercising "bad" (35%) or "very bad" (27%) judgment. -- Non-Smokers' Rights Association
May 12, 2003
The Canadian Conference of the Arts is now accepting nominations for two prestigious awards. The Keith Kelly Award for Cultural Leadership is presented to a Canadian who has made a significant contribution to the arts through advocacy work, or by playing a leading role in the development of public policy. The contribution may range from local to international in scope. The Diplôme d'honneur is awarded to an individual who has made a sustained contribution to the cultural life of the country, whether through volunteer activity, mentoring, patronage, individual arts practice, or other recognized support. The deadline for nominations is September 30, 2003. An awards ceremony will take place in Halifax on November 28, 2003. For more information, visit: www.ccarts.ca/eng/03 do/03_01awd.htm or contact Julie Cayouette at julie.cayouette@ccarts.ca.
May 12, 2003
The board of governors at the University of Alberta voted last week to accept a $100,000 donation from diamond company DeBeers. As a result, the university will get a new geology laboratory bearing the DeBeers name. Controversy surrounded the donation because of accusations that the company bought diamonds from African countries that use the money to finance their civil wars. "We know DeBeers Canada, we know DeBeers worldwide and we have made the decision to accept the donation and we think that's a positive development," said board chair Jim Edwards. "We had very, very thorough discussions and we commissioned research papers on the subject and evaluated various points of view." For more information about the University of Alberta, visit: www.ualberta.ca.
May 12, 2003
A large-scale survey conducted in the UK reveals that almost nine in 10 charities have not considered a merger in the past decade, and 40% feel they are too specialized to do so. Of the 1,400 charities surveyed, only one in 20 had merged in the past 10 years. Forty-four percent of those that had merged had done so because one or more of the organizations was struggling and could no longer continue alone. Despite the fact that mergers are not common, 22% of all charities currently work collaboratively. Sharing knowledge (59%), joint service delivery (49%), and sharing resources to increase efficiency (40%) are the most common reasons given for collaboration. -- UK Charity Commission
May 12, 2003
The 12th Annual Variety Village Sunshine Games attracted hundreds of Canadians - including celebrities, media, athletes, and participants from leading corporations - to compete in Olympic-style games tailored to the abilities of Variety Village athletes. This year's games, held in Toronto, were bigger and better than ever, raising more than $650,000 and bringing the program's twelve-year fundraising total to almost $5 million. Funds raised support the work of Variety - The Children's Charity in the province of Ontario. For more information about the games, visit: www.sunshinegames.org.
May 12, 2003
A report published by the US Institute of Museum and Library Services is now available online. The Status of Technology and Digitization In the Nation's Museums and Libraries 2002 Report looks at technology use and digitization activities by museums and libraries in the United States. The study found that technology use by libraries is pervasive, particularly the basic technologies that automate and support services to the public. Museums' technology use is strong in medium-sized and large museums, but lags significantly in smaller museums. Overall, museums and public libraries both demonstrate a marked gap between small and large institutions. However, funding programs that have benefited libraries have not been available to museums, and 20% of all museums reported having 'no funding for technology.' For more information or to view the report, visit: www.imls .fed.us/reports/techreports/intro02.htm.
May 12, 2003
National Hospice Palliative Care Week kicked off last week with a new national event, the Hike for Hospice. More than 10,000 people across Canada helped raise over $300,000 during the hike, which was coordinated by the Canadian Hospice Palliative Care Association (CHPCA). One hundred percent of the funds raised will stay in the local community and will assist hospitals, hospices, palliative care units, and community organizations to deliver end-of-life care services and programs to Canadians. "We can be very proud of our volunteers, family caregivers, professionals, and the general public who came out to support this very important cause," said CHPCA president Eugene Dufour. "The money raised provides support and much needed resources to local communities and the awareness raised by this event will help to inform Canadians about end-of-life care." For more information, visit: www.chpca.net/pub_and_press_releases/press_releases.htm.
May 5, 2003
Canada's major chartered banks, including BMO Financial Group, Scotiabank Group, CIBC, RBC Financial Group, and TD Bank Financial Group, announced a joint donation of $1 million to help promote Toronto as a great place to visit and do business. The donation is being made on behalf of the banks' employees and customers and will be used for a marketing campaign to help restore the city's reputation in the wake of SARS. The campaign will be part of a coordinated effort by municipal, provincial, and federal government, and business leaders to encourage investors and visitors to visit Toronto.
May 5, 2003
Last week, the BC Supreme Court ordered environmental activists to pay coastal loggers for lost wages resulting from a 1997 blockade. Greenpeace and two of its organizers were found to have wrongfully interfered with the work of 25 loggers, prevented them from doing their job on Roderick Island. "Greenpeace is going to have to temper its actions against our members," said Darrell Wong, president of IWA Canada Local 2171. "If they are going to hold blockades, then I think they are going to have to recognize the precedent is there: they can be sued both as an organization and personally for the loss of employment and loss of wages." Though loggers are claiming a victory in this case, the total amount of the settlement is only $5,000, which will be divided between the four loggers who pursued the case for the past six years.
May 5, 2003
A national survey of disabled Americans over the age of 50 found that half are managing independently. Forty-nine percent receive regular help with a daily activity, such as cooking, bathing, or shopping. However, 53% also reported being unable to do something they needed or wanted to do in the past month. Of those who are receiving assistance, most indicated that volunteers, including family members or friends, helped them. Sixty-one percent said they strongly preferred this type of help. Only one third of respondents uses community-based services. Still, almost 25% said they needed more help with daily activities than they currently receive. -- AARP
May 5, 2003
The Richard Ivey School of Business at the University of Western Ontario will establish a Chair in Women in Management, thanks to a $2 million donation from Corus Entertainment. The aim is to develop innovative research, teaching materials, and outreach programs on women in management, and to broaden the impact of the school's teaching and research programs. "It is our hope that with the generous support of Corus Entertainment, Ivey can continue its commitment to recruit and support individuals who demonstrate great leadership in teaching and research, specifically in the area of women in management," said dean Larry Tapp. For more information, visit www.ivey.uwo.ca/media/co rus.htm.
May 5, 2003
The latest offering from the Johns Hopkins Comparative Nonprofit Sector Project sheds light on the makeup of civil society in various countries worldwide. Global Civil Society: Dimensions of the Nonprofit Sector provides a country-by-country analysis of 35 countries, including just-released data on developing countries in Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. Researchers found that the nonprofit sector has a major impact not only in developed countries, but in developing countries as well, though the area of focus varies from region to region. For example, in Latin America nonprofit employment is mostly in education, while in Central and Eastern Europe, 45% of nonprofit employment is in professional, cultural, and recreational activities. In developed countries such as Japan, the United States, Israel, and Australia, health was by far the largest component of the nonprofit sector. To view the findings of the report, visit: www.jhu.edu/cnp/research.h tml.
May 5, 2003
According to a new report by UK-based thinktank the Social Market Foundation, many British people donate in such a random and spontaneous way that many don't even know where their money is going. Compared to the US, where about 80% of donations to charity are planned, in Britain the opposite is true, with approximately 80% of donors making one-off donations to street collectors, tin rattlers, and door-to-door collectors. One-third even take the approach of simply throwing their coins into public fountains, believing that the ultimate beneficiaries will be charities. It is estimated that as much as £2 million is thrown into fountains annually. -- Social Market Foundation
May 5, 2003
A one-day shopping spree in Montreal yielded more than great bargains for shoppers. A giant clearance sale of name-brand fashions also doubled as a fundraising event for the Farha Foundation, which supports dozens of AIDS organizations. An estimated 8,000 people attended this year's event, and although the final tally isn't in yet, event director Michel Arnold said sales were in excess of $400,000, with about 25% of proceeds going to the foundation. For more information about the Farha Foundation, visit: www.farha.qc.ca.
May 5, 2003
Dr. Samantha Nutt, executive director and co-founder of War Child Canada, and Shauna Sylvester, executive director of IMPACS, were selected as two of Canada's top young leaders for 2002. They were picked from more than 1,400 nominees to be part of Canada's Top 40 Under 40(TM), a national program founded and managed by The Caldwell Partners. First awarded in 1995, the award celebrates and honours young Canadian leaders who have reached a significant level of success but have not yet reached the age of 40. The program is designed to promote mentorship and professional development by introducing these leaders to the established business community and by promoting them as role models for young Canadians. For more information, visit: www.top40award-canada.org.
May 5, 2003
A recent CompassPoint study found that minority women serving as nonprofit executive directors are more experienced and better educated than executive directors in general. Most Women Executive Directors of Colour (WEDOC) are well educated, with 78% holding graduate degrees. They head up organizations of every size, though the most common fields for WEDOC-led organizations are human services (27%), education (22%), and health/mental health (18%). The median length of nonprofit service for this group is 14.5 years, and they are more likely to have experience in government (35%) and for-profit companies (52%) than the overall ED population (15% and 35% respectively). -- CompassPoint
May 5, 2003
More than 4,000 energetic participants took part in the recent Canada Life CN Tower Climb. The annual fundraiser for World Wildlife Fund Canada also attracted a record number of teams, who did a separate climb a few days earlier. Together the two events raised $450,000. "We're really grateful first and foremost to the climbers for showing up, to our sponsors, Canada Life(TM) and the CN Tower," said Monte Hummel, president of WWF-Canada. For more information, visit: www.wwfcanada.org.
May 5, 2003
Despite recent efforts to raise awareness about the issue of bullying, a new study published by Kids Help Phone reveals that the situation isn't improving. Bullying Trends and Interventions a pilot study among callers to Kids Help Phone, indicates that in very few cases the bullying stopped completely after victims sought help. However, most participants said the bullying continued after seeking help, and for some, the bullying got worse. The study also found that most of the interviewed participants are aware of the resources, supports, programs, and policies in place in their community. When help was sought, the responses received from adults were sometimes inconsistent and unpredictable - some felt they were still not being taken seriously.
"Our early analysis of the results of this study makes me wonder if we're paying enough attention to the effectiveness of these interventions and programs. Are we effectively following up to ensure they're working?" asks Christine Simmons-Physick, Kids Help Phone vice president, child and family services. "We've all done a great job on the first step, and now it's time to collectively re-focus our efforts on the next step - making sure these programs and policies are actually putting an end to bullying among young people." For more information or to download a copy of the study, visit: kidshelp.sympatico.ca/bullystudy.
May 5, 2003
The Queen Elizabeth Hospital Foundation held its 7th Annual EastLink 21-Hour Equipment Drive recently, raising $252,620 for equipment purchases. "What a terrific weekend we had for our hospital," said Gordon MacKay, chair of the QEH Foundation. Since it began seven years ago, the event has raised $1.2 million for medical equipment to benefit the residents of PEI. For more information about the QEH Foundation, visit: www.qehfoundation.pe.ca.
|
|||
