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NewsBytes: May, 2004
Articles are arranged in reverse chronological order.
$3 million donation for spine institute in Etobicoke
May 31, 2004
The Trillium Health Centre Foundation recently received $3 million for a spine institute slated to open later this year in Etobicoke. The gift comes from local insurance company Kingsway Financial Services Inc. It is the largest private sector gift the hospital has received to date. "The project is a good fit for Kingsway Financial on several levels," said Bill Star, president and CEO of the company. "The cost of providing treatment for back injuries is an area of concern for the insurance industry, particularly when our clients don't seem to be able to get the care they actually need." The Kingsway Financial Spine Institute will be the first and only comprehensive, one-stop outpatient spine and neck care centre in Canada. For more information about the Trillium Health Centre Foundation, visit: www.trilliumhealthcentre.org.
May 31, 2004
A new report published by the Conference Board of Canada finds the strongest CSR management among Canadian companies that operate in heavily regulated or intensely political industries. The National Corporate Social Responsibility Report: Managing Risks, Leveraging Opportunities includes an in-depth analysis of the CSR management practices of 53 of Canada's 300 largest companies, 62% of which issue formal CSR reports.
"What the data shows is that Canadian companies are making progress in CSR, but the progress is slow and it is not universal," said Anne Golden, president and CEO of the Conference Board. "Two issues of concern arise from the research: first, just one-third of Canada's 300 largest companies publicly disclose their CSR activities. Second, companies focus on their processes instead of measuring the outcomes of CSR conduct in their reporting." The report, the first of its kind in Canada, identifies nine key future directions for CSR in Canada. At the top of the list is growing stakeholder demand for corporate accountability and prescribed standards of responsible business conduct. For more information, visit: www.conferenceboard.ca.
May 31, 2004
As MS Awareness Month winds down, the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada announced that the MS Carnation Campaign raised $1.4 million dollars during Mother's Day weekend. From May 5th to May 9th, thousands of volunteers in more than 280 communities across Canada sold carnations on street corners, in malls, and at other public spaces. The campaign has raised more than $38 million in its 28-year history. The money supports research to find a cure and provide services for people who have MS. For more information about the Carnation Campaign, visit: www.mssociety.ca.
Fast Fact: Employment growth in nonprofit sector outpaces private sector
May 31, 2004
A new report reveals that nonprofit employment grew at an annual rate of 2.5% between 1997 and 2001. This was significantly higher than the 1.8% growth in the business sector and the 1.6% growth in government. In the past twenty-five years, the number of Americans employed in the nonprofit sector has more than doubled. Approximately 12.5 million people currently work in the sector, representing 9.5% of the total workforce. Forty-two percent of all workers are employed in health services, followed by 22% working in education. The report estimates that by 2010 fifteen million people in the US will work in the nonprofit sector. -- Independent Sector
May 31, 2004
The estate of a former Windsor public health nurse donated $1 million to the University of Windsor's school of nursing. Elizabeth Gillespie died last year at the age of 87 and bequeathed her estate to her only sister, Louise Proctor. Now 88, Proctor says she does not want the money. The Elizabeth Gillespie Memorial Fund will endow an annual scholarship for third-year and graduate nursing students. For more information about the University of Windsor, visit: athena.uwindsor.ca.
May 31, 2004
Despite the fact that 55 million people, or 20% of the US population, live in rural areas, new research reveals they aren't getting their share of foundation grants. The National Committee for Responsive Philanthropy (NCRP) and Southern Rural Development Initiative (SRDI) released reports indicating that rural development receives only $100.5 million of the more than $30 billion in grants that US foundations distribute each year. Rick Cohen, executive director of NCRP and author of Beyond City Limits: Philanthropic Needs in Rural America, says "there is a persistent pattern of philanthropic undercapitalization in rural America, particularly in terms of foundation and corporate grantmaking for rural community development." The SRDI report recommends that the philanthropic community should develop more strategies for funneling grant dollars to rural areas and increase grants for donor-education programs in these areas. For more information, visit: www.ncrp.org.
May 31, 2004
Bell Canada announced a $1 million gift to Carleton University's Community Economic Development Technical Assistance Program (CEDTAP) to undertake the management of the Bell Community Economic Development Fund. The contribution will be matched by CEDTAP and the J.W McConnell Family Foundation for a total of $2 million. "This is the first time that the private and public sectors have partnered at such a high level in the field of community economic development in Canada," said Katherine Graham, Dean of the Faculty of Public Affairs and Management at Carleton. "Drawing on the different strength of the various partners, CEDTAP will mobilize this knowledge to strengthen government policy and replicate community-based models of economic opportunity and social fairness." For more information, visit: www.bce.ca.
May 31, 2004
According to a survey of NGO leaders from around the world, two-thirds feel that a reformed and strengthened United Nations, or an evolving world government that is directly accountable to citizens, is part of their ideal vision of global governance for the year 2020. Sixty percent believe that globalization increases disparity between rich and poor, and 75% indicate that it is very important to distribute the benefits of globalization more equitably to the poor. The majority of NGO leaders surveyed also think that global society should focus on reducing the gap between rich and poor rather than raising overall economic growth. -- 2020 Fund
May 31, 2004
Last week, Amnesty International released its annual report documenting the human rights situation in 155 countries and territories around the world. Not surprisingly, it took aim at US President George Bush's war against terrorism, stating that it has undermined international justice and made the world a more dangerous place. "The global security agenda promulgated by the US administration is bankrupt of vision and bereft of principle," Amnesty International Secretary-General Irene Khan wrote in a foreword to the report's country-by-country assessment. "Turning a blind eye to abuses abroad and using pre-emptive military force where and when it chooses have neither increased security nor ensured liberty."
On a more positive note, the report says there are signs that the world's civil society is pursuing a movement for global justice and notes that the International Criminal Court has appointed a prosecutor and is beginning its work. For more information, visit: www.amnesty.org/report2004.
May 31, 2004
Inez Zelikovitz, 87, presented the Ottawa Hospital Foundation with a $500,000 donation last week. "There is a joy in giving," she said. "That's what's keeping me young. It makes me feel young. It gives me a lift." Zelikovitz and her husband Joseph never had children so in the 1980s they drafted a will and promised each other that whoever lived longest would give everything to charity. Joseph, a respected local businessman and former Ottawa Rough Rider, died in 1998. In recent years, Zelikovitz has given millions to charity, including the University of Ottawa Heart Institute, Hillel Lodge, the Jewish Community Centre, CHEO, United Way, the Food Bank, and the Alzheimer Society. For more information about the Ottawa Hospital Foundation, visit: www.ohfoundation.ca.
May 31, 2004
The Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) announced last week that it has a renewed relationship with long-standing benefactor Joey Tanenbaum. Tanenbaum, who has contributed $90 million in art and money to the gallery in the past 35 years, resigned from the AGO's board of trustees in March, saying the gallery's planned $195 million renovation and expansion by architect Frank Gehry involved "needless destruction" and marked "a blatant attempt to eradicate the recent history of the gallery." After viewing a Gehry redesign last week, Tanenbaum decided the rift with the AGO could be healed. He agreed to rejoin the board of trustees, effective immediately. For more information, visit: www.ago.net.
May 25, 2004
In a 6-3 judgment last week, the Supreme Court of Canada ruled that limiting spending by third-party lobbyists during election campaigns in constitutional. Spending is capped at $150,000, or $3,000 per federal riding. This includes all types of advocacy ads, including paid messages by environmental, animal welfare, business and anti-smoking groups, and organizations on both sides of the abortion and gay-marriage issues.
The National Citizens' Coalition, a lobby group that challenged the spending cap, feels the ruling limits free speech. "This is a devastating ruling. It's bad for democracy, it's bad for freedom, it's bad for Canada," said spokesperson Gerry Nicholls. Others disagree. Aaron Freeman of Democracy Watch, an Ottawa-based group that backs campaign reform, hailed the decision as a victory for ordinary voters. "In our view, this is a freedom-of-speech issue for wealthy people," said Freeman. "There's a responsibility the government has to limit the influence of wealth in free and fair elections."
May 25, 2004
A study published in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health concludes that while volunteering is good for the community, it might have adverse effects on those who volunteer. A survey of 530 people found that the greater the diversity of involvement with a voluntary group, the worse the physical health of the volunteer was. Some people interviewed by researchers believe their health was negatively affected by a number of elements associated with volunteering, including witnessing difficult and depressing situations, observing conflict, and pushing themselves to do too much.
Despite the apparent link between volunteering and poor health, study co-author Dr. Anna M. Ziersch cautioned that it is not clear which came first, and that people in bad health may be less likely to work and therefore have more time to volunteer. She points out that it is the responsibility of volunteer organizations to monitor and support their members. "It is important for groups to manage the workload for their members and for members to support one another," she said. "Groups should also be realistic in what they think they can achieve." To view the full report, visit: jech.bmjjournals.com.
May 25, 2004
The Boys' and Girls' Club of London is one step closer to getting a $4.5 million swimming pool complex, thanks in part to a pair of $1 million donations announced last week. Kelly Jarmain and the Boys' and Girls' Foundation each contributed $1 million to the project, which will include upgrades to the existing clubhouse and the addition of the aquaplex, set to open in 2006. "It's going to offer world-class facilities at an affordable price," said Craig Richardson, chair of the Champion of Youth Campaign that is heading up expansion plans. "We're thrilled to get this started." For more information about the Boys' and Girls' Club of London, visit: www.bgclondon.ca.
May 25, 2004
The latest Ipsos-Reid Affluent Canadians Report finds that approximately 200,000 Canadian households have at least $1 million in household financial assets. Of these households, 87% plan to donate to charity in 2004. A large majority (92%) will contribute to a charity that focuses on healthcare issues, 65% will give to organizations working on community needs, such as United Way or Easter Seals, 61% will fund campaigns for local hospitals, and 57% will give to a church or religious organizations. In addition, 52% expect to volunteer with a charity during the year. -- Ipsos-Reid
May 25, 2004
The Greater Victoria Hospitals Foundation (GVHF) wrapped up the most ambitious healthcare campaign ever launched on Vancouver Island. For the past two years, the GVHF has been raising funds for the Together We Care capital campaign, and recently reached its $17 million goal. The funds will support the expansion of diagnostic and surgical services, improve accessibility to ambulatory care services, and develop innovative programs designed to better serve specific patient needs while reducing pressure on acute care services. For more information, visit: www.gvhf.org.
May 25, 2004
The Toronto Community Foundation recently introduced a new program to support community leadership. The Vital People grants program will provide flexible grants of up to $5,000 to individuals whose leadership as a volunteer or professional in the nonprofit sector is making a difference to Toronto's Vital Signs. Funds can be used to access formal training or other informal development opportunities that enable recipients to build their skills or knowledge and enhance their leadership contribution. The program is open to those just taking on new leadership challenges as well as those with many years of experience. The deadline for applications is June 14. For more information, visit: www.tcf.ca/about_us/whats-new.html.
May 25, 2004
The M&M Meat Shops 16th Annual Charity BBQ Day set an all-time record, raising $1.35 million for the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of Canada (CCFC). The money will fund vital research to find a cure for Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, also known as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). "Canadians showed record-breaking support for this year's event," says Mac Voisin, president of M&M Meat Shops. "I want to personally thank everyone who helped make the 16th Annual Charity BBQ Day the best ever." To date M&M Meat Shops' franchisees, customers, and volunteers have raised more than $9 million for CCFC. For more information, visit: www.mmmeatshops.com.
May 25, 2004
The Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) recently announced the most ambitious fundraising campaign for conservation ever undertaken in Canadian history. The goal of The Campaign for Conservation: Saving Canada's Natural Masterpieces is to protect 50 of the country's most significant biodiversity hotspots. "These sites represent some of Canada's best remaining natural habitats - magnificent woodlands, internationally significant wetlands, rare grasslands, and other biologically rich areas that provide safe haven for endangered wildlife and plants," said NCC president John Lounds. The financial goal of the campaign is $200 million, 70% of which has already been raised from the private sector. NCC is now appealing to governments, corporations, and individuals to help meet the final goal. Funds raised will support the direct protection of more 130,000 hectares at the Masterpiece sites. For more information, visit: www.natureconservancy.ca.
May 25, 2004
According to new data compiled by the Giving USA Foundation, US households earning less than $100,000 annually contribute more than 40% of all giving in the country. IRS figures reveal that these households make up 92% of all households and account for approximately 43% of all itemized giving. When giving by nonitemizers is estimated, that figures rises to 52% of all giving. In comparison, households with a net worth of $5 million or more account for only 1% of households, but 28% of all charitable giving. -- Giving USA Foundation
May 25, 2004
Well-known businessman and entrepreneur A.J.D. "Arch" Brown donated $1 million to Georgian College to be used for future projects. "I want to give to an organization that is meaningful to me. Investing in youth is important, and also, Georgian has a strong focus on lifetime learning, which to me is a very, very sound investment," said Brown, adding that he's giving the money to the college on a trust basis "to use some time in the future for something of interest to both the college and myself." This contribution is the largest single donation that Georgian College has ever received. For more information, visit: www.georgianc.on.ca.
May 25, 2004
Labour activists are hoping that a new report published by Gap Inc. will spur other US and Canadian retailers to examine company labour practices. The 40-page report examines the clothing retailer's compliance efforts at the hundreds of factories that are vying to be in its supply chain. In the report, Gap Inc. insisted that most of its suppliers in developing countries meet its labour standards, but acknowledged that a significant percentage of the factories that were audited had violations such as psychological abuse of workers, or unsafe equipment. The company announced that, for the first time, it will adopt the standards of the United Nations' International Labour Organization for worker rights, including the right of freedom of association that is key to the formation of independent unions. To download the full report, visit: www.gapinc.com.
May 25, 2004
The seventh edition of the Sports Celebrities Festival took place recently in Montreal, raising $457,000. The event is the main source of funding for Special Olympics Quebec (SOQ). "These funds help the Special Olympics movement in Quebec fulfill its mission of enriching the lives of individuals with an intellectual disability through sport. More than 3,300 athletes have the opportunity to participate in specifically designed training program and competitions fostering their personal development and inclusion into society," said Daniel N. Granger, chair of the board. Among the celebrities who attended were Jean Béliveau, Isabelle Charest, Nick DeSantis, Mathieu Garon, Eric Lucas, Nicolas Macrozonaris, Annie Pelletier, and Stéphane Quintal. For more information about Special Olympics, visit: www.specialolympics.ca.
May 17, 2004
Last week, Prime Minister Paul Martin announced a $100 million contribution to treat millions of people who have AIDS. The funds will go to a new World Health Organization initiative to treat three million people with AIDS by the end of 2005. This new money makes Canada the largest donor in the program. "Canadians can take pride in this, because this is a question of life and death." said Martin. The money will be used to train doctors and nurses and help countries develop treatment plans and strategies.
May 17, 2004
A survey of 1,192 grantmaking foundations in the US reveals some distinct differences in the way various types of foundations approach grantmaking. The study, conducted by the Urban Institute, found that 63% of community foundations believe it is important to maintain a broad grants program, while only 12% of private foundations feel the same way. Among corporate foundations, 91% feel it is very important to limit grantmaking to a specific area, as do 73% of independent foundations. As well, almost all foundations believe that the quality of their grantmaking is good or excellent, but only 44% conduct formal evaluations of their work. To download an executive summary of the report in PDF format, visit: www.urban.org.
May 17, 2004
A new report from the UK reveals that salaries for personnel directors in the voluntary sector are 13% lower than the cross sector average. In comparison, HR directors in some private sector organizations receive salaries that are 19% above average. HR professionals in the public sector receive salaries that are 5% below the national average. -- Croner Reward/CIPD
May 17, 2004
According to a directive by Bishop Ronald Fabbro of the Roman Catholic Diocese of London, Catholic students who fundraise for the Canadian Cancer Society will have to ensure their donations aren't used for research that uses human embryos to find cures for diseases. Fabbro said Catholics can continue to support the Canadian Cancer Society because "they do all sorts of good works," but they must ensure the money being donated is not used for this controversial research. Christine Koserski, a spokesperson for the Society, said the organization is "happy to work with the Catholic Church" on the issue of redirecting students' donations to community services or other kinds of research. "We have no trouble accommodating this request."
May 17, 2004
A new program will see Bell Canada contribute more than $5 million annually in telecommunications hardware, airtime, and Internet access to Athletes CAN. This contribution will enable Canadian athletes to stay connected with coaches, family, and friends while training and competing around the world. The launch of the enhanced Bell Athletes Connect program is part of a formal seven-year partnership between Bell and Athletes CAN, which represents more than 1,800 of Canada's senior national team athletes across the country. For more information, visit: www.athletescan.com.
May 17, 2004
Research conducted by UK-based NOP World finds that an increasing number of financial advisers are informing their clients about the tax implications of their charitable donations. The survey reveals that 25% of financial advisers are now giving advice to clients about charitable donations often or fairly often. This is up from 18% in 2001 when a similar survey was conducted. Eighty percent of the advisers say they would be "comfortable" giving advice on legacies and Gift Aid (64%). -- NOP World
May 17, 2004
Ethics In Action is seeking nominations for its 11th annual awards program, which recognizes British Columbia-based companies for excellence in corporate social responsibility. Four awards are presented each year. They are: the Community Care Award; the Environmental Excellence Award; the Overall Leadership Award; and the Individual Impact Award. The awards promote best practices in corporate social responsibility and profile better ways of doing business. The deadline for submissions is June 21. For more information or to nominate a company, visit: www.ethicsinaction.com.
May 17, 2004
Popular donation portal CanadaHelps recently launched the first ever fully integrated and automatic e-mail money transfer payment option for charitable donations in Canada. This option offers donors an alternative to using their credit card for online donations. E-mail is used for notification of the donation and participating financial institutions transfer the funds using established and secure inter-bank settlement systems. Donors are issued a transaction code and once the payment is complete, the donor receives a tax receipt via e-mail. The benefit for charities is that they will receive 100% of each donation amount. No transaction fees or merchant rates are assessed on an Interac e-mail money transfer. For more information about CanadaHelps, visit: www.CanadaHelps.org.
May 17, 2004
For the second consecutive year, donations to United Ways in the States are in decline. Donations dropped 2% last year, a decline of $74 million from the $3.7 billion the group raised in 2002-2003. This follows a 7.5% ($240 million) drop during the 2002-2003 campaign. -- United Way of America
May 17, 2004
The committee for Betty's Run for ALS, a long-standing Calgary fundraising group, was recently recognized for its work. The ALS Society of Canada presented the group with an Exceptional Fundraiser Award. Over the past 7 years, Betty's Run has raised more than one million dollars for research, awareness, and patient care services. It is now the number one source of funding for ALS research in Canada. For more information about Betty's Run, visit: www.alsab.ca/bettysrun.html.
May 10, 2004
The Third Annual Bell Walk for Kids attracted more than 20,000 participants across Canada. This year's event raised over $1.7 million in support of Kids Help Phone, which helps about 1,000 young people every day. "[The event] was a significant success, and helps to ensure that kids can immediately access the confidential professional counselling they need," said Bill Saul, president and CEO of Kids Help Phone. Bell Canada also announced that it is renewing its commitment to Kids Help Phone and the Bell Walk for Kids for another three years. For more information, visit: www.bellwalkforkids.com.
May 10, 2004
In a cabinet meeting last week, Children's Services Minister Marie Bountrogianni said that the Ontario government is looking at increasing the authority of children's aid societies. The move would give them the power to take kids between the ages of 16 and 18 out of prostitution. "If they're 16 and find themselves being sexually exploited, the police can step in, but not children's aid," said Bountrogianni. "There aren't any solutions out there right now for those kids and that age group."
In 2002, a bill was passed to permit police and children's aid workers to remove children under the age of 18 from the dangers of the streets and prostitution. However, it was never proclaimed into law. "That (legislation) would have been a good first start but if I wanted to look at something more sustainable, I think protecting all children under the age of 18 for these issues and other issues is more important," stated the minister. At the same time, the government is also examining how children's aid societies are funded but it is unlikely that any changes will be brought forward before next year.
May 10, 2004
The University of Western Ontario is celebrating the success of its most ambitious and successful fundraising campaign ever. Campaign Western raised more than $327 million in private donations, exceeding its $270 million goal by $57 million. An additional $65 million in expected planned gifts and more than $150 million leveraged from various government matching programs brings the total funds mobilized during the campaign to more than half a billion dollars. This makes it one of the largest amounts of money ever raised by a Canadian university. "On behalf of the entire university, I extend my sincerest thanks to each and every donor who supported Campaign Western," said Paul Davenport, Western's president. "Every gift has made a difference, whether it was a scholarship for a student in need, funds to help construct new buildings, or support for new research." For more information, visit: communications.uwo.ca.
May 10, 2004
Statistics Canada's Annual Survey of Arts, Entertainment and Recreation Services found that performing arts companies, including theatre, opera and dance companies, accounted for $1 billion in operating revenues in 2002, up 5.1% from 2001. In addition, these firms realized an increase in operating profits of 6.5%, up from 5.2% in 2001. The spectator sports industry, which includes professional and semi-professional sports clubs and teams and horse racing, reported operating revenues of $2.1 billion, up slightly from $1.9 billion the previous year. -- Statistics Canada
May 10, 2004
National Secretariat on Homelessness is requesting Expression of Interests for a joint research partnership targeting homelessness health issues in Canada. Researchers and community-based organizations who are familiar with health issues and have experience in conducting research on homelessness in Canada are invited to submit proposals. The deadline for submissions is May 31. For more information, visit: www.homelessness.gc.ca.
May 10, 2004
Businessman John Buhler and his wife Bonnie recently donated $500,000 to the Seven Oaks General Hospital Foundation. The gift will go toward the foundation's efforts to expand the hospital's emergency department. The foundation is hoping to raise $2 million of the approximately $5 million needed to expand emergency room facilities. For more information about the foundation, visit: www.soghfoundation.org/soghf.
May 10, 2004
The US-based Center for Effective Philanthropy released a report that examines nonprofit organizations' perceptions of foundations. Listening to Grantees: What Nonprofits Value in their Foundation Funders analyzes results from a survey of more than 6,000 grantees of thirty foundations. The survey identified three key dimensions that nonprofits value most in their foundation funders: quality of interactions with foundation staff - their fairness, responsiveness, and approachability; clarity of communications of a foundation's goals and strategy; and expertise and external orientation of the foundation - its understanding of fields and communities of funding. For more information or to download the report in PDF format, visit: effectivephilanthropy.com/research/ListeningToGrantees.pdf.
May 10, 2004
The Hudson's Bay Company (HBC) celebrated its 334th anniversary with a $1.5 million contribution to charities and community groups nationwide. The money was raised by sales associates and customers during the company's annual holiday fundraising drive. Money raised by the Bay and Home Outfitters will go toward cancer research and support organizations, while the money raised by Zellers will go back into the communities where it was raised to help local organizations. For more information, visit: www.hbc.com.
May 10, 2004
One out of every three Canadian workers (4.8 million employees) participated in some type of formal job-related training in 2002. This represents a 6% increase from 1997 when 29% of workers reported taking some type of formal training. Younger workers have the highest participation rates, with 42% of workers between the ages of 25 and 34 participating in formal, job-related training. Of all participants in formal job-related training, 72% were involved in employer-sponsored training in 2002, down from 79 % in 1997. -- Statistics Canada
May 10, 2004
Cancer research in British Columbia received a welcomed boost from the Canadian Cancer Society. Seven new grants, totalling $2.6 million, were awarded to researchers in Vancouver and Victoria. The money will fund research in several areas, including drug therapy, better radiation treatment, and non-invasive skin cancer detection methods. "Our investment in such excellent research is making a difference in the lives of people in our province," said Barbara Kaminsky, CEO of the Canadian Cancer Society, BC and Yukon Division. "Our volunteers and donors can take pride in this victory." So far this year, the society has invested almost $47 million in cancer research across Canada. For more information, visit: www.bc.cancer.ca.
May 10, 2004
Build-A-Bear Workshop is now accepting nominations for its volunteer recognition program. The Huggable Heroes program honours children who are committed to helping others. The company is looking for young heroes between the ages of 8-18 who have made a difference in the areas of: children's health and wellness; literacy and education; helping pets; protection of endangered animals and their habitat; or any other worthwhile cause. The deadline for nominations is June 10. For more information, visit: www.buildabearworkshop.com/huggableheroes.
May 3, 2004
We're pleased to announce that Philip Stow has joined the CharityVillage team as our new recruitment advertising account manager for Atlantic Canada. Based in the Halifax area, Philip has a strong track record of community involvement and delivering excellent client service. Philip will be helping our clients in New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, and PEI. Find out a bit more about Philip in this profile: www.charityvillage.com/cv/about/philip.html.
May 3, 2004
The Kresge Foundation recently issued a $750,000 (USD) challenge grant to the Credit Valley Hospital. The grant will go toward construction of the Carlo Fidani Peel Regional Cancer Centre and accompanying Ambulatory Care Centre. "It is a mark of distinction to receive a Kresge challenge grant," said Norma Bandler, president of the Credit Valley Hospital Foundation. "This gift will help to attract new donors." The hospital is one of only three Canadian organizations awarded a grant in this round of grantmaking by the foundation. It must raise an additional $4.1 million (CAD) in new gifts by May 2005 in order to receive the grant. For more information about the Credit Valley Hospital, visit: www.cvh.on.ca.
May 3, 2004
Dell Canada is offering Canadian consumers and small businesses the opportunity to donate their used computers to schools and charities across Canada. The National Cristina Foundation will help facilitate the program and reBOOT Canada and Computers for Schools will place Canadian donations with charitable organizations and schools. All brands of computers will be accepted and as an added incentive, Dell will give donors a 10%-off coupon to use toward the purchase of software and peripherals in their online store. For more information, visit: www.dell.ca/recycling.
May 3, 2004
A new poll shows that 65% of British Columbians volunteered in the past year, and 84% have volunteered at some point in their lives. This translates into more than two million volunteers across the province. On average, volunteers devote 22.8 hours per month to volunteering. Volunteers in the Lower Mainland spend the least amount of time volunteering per month (19.8 hours), while those in the Northern Interior spend an average of 29.2 hours per month volunteering. Volunteers are more likely to be female (88%) than male (81%) and those who have at least some post-secondary education are more likely to volunteer (87%) than those with a high school education or less (78%). -- Ipsos-Reid
May 3, 2004
The Suncor Energy Foundation is donating $300,000 to support the Aboriginal Educational Success Initiative at the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT). The gift will help ensure that resources are in place for Aboriginal students as they develop the academic skills necessary to qualify for studies at NAIT. "Economic growth depends upon our ability to educate people from all cultures and all backgrounds," said Sue Lee, president of the Suncor Energy Foundation. "Our support of NAIT is another important step in supporting economic growth and building Aboriginal capacity within Alberta and Canada." The $4 million Aboriginal Educational Success Initiative includes program development, mobile education units, an Aboriginal Student Centre, and student awards. For more information about NAIT, visit: www.nait.ab.ca.
May 3, 2004
The Knights of Columbus in Alberta will stop raising money through charity casinos after years of opposition from Alberta's Catholic bishops. "The gambling on the casinos and the large lotteries has reached a stage in which a lot of people are spending a lot of money in them, some of them spending money that they can't afford," said Father John Gallagher, president of the Newman Theological College in Edmonton. Charity casinos have been an important fundraising tool for the Knights. "It's big money and quick money," said Knights official Mickey Casavant. "We have taken the position that we want to get out of involvement with casinos in the next two to three years, but it might even be sooner." Currently, casinos generate about $1 million a year for the Knights in Alberta. For more information about the Knights of Columbus in Alberta, visit: www.kofc.ab.ca.
May 3, 2004
The US-based Progressive Technology Project recently released a comprehensive report on the technology needs of community organizations. From Exclusion to Inclusion: Strengthening Community-Led Organizations with Effective Technology focuses on the ways in which community-led organizations (CLOs) are integrating technology and the challenges they face as they expand their information and communication technology. The report also explores the approaches that prove most effective in providing CLOs with the resources, training, and technical assistance they need to stay current with new developments in technology. For more information or to download the report, visit: progressivetech.org/Resources/index.htm.
May 3, 2004
Ontarians laced up their runners recently for the annual Super Cities WALK for MS. Forty-seven communities took part in this year's event, raising $3.66 million for the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada. Super Cities WALKs will continue to take place across the country throughout the month of May. In 2003, more than 65,000 participants raised $8.61 million nationwide. For more information about the event, visit: www.mssociety.ca/en/events/scwalk/default.htm.
May 3, 2004
A study by the NewTithing Group finds that US tax filers with incomes between $200,000 and $500,000 donate less than half of one percent of their income to charity. Filers earning $75,000 to $100,000 donate approximately one percent to charity. The super rich, defined as taxpayers with a gross income of more than $10 million give more than one percent on average. The report reveals that if the 'middle rich' gave the same share of their income to charities as did others, charities would have collected $41 billion more in 2001. -- NewTithing Group
May 3, 2004
Beginning on May 6, the City of Toronto will once again be accepting nominations for its Community Service Volunteer Awards. Community and Neighbourhood Services administers this recognition program to honour outstanding volunteers who contribute their time, energy, and skills to organizations and communities in Toronto. Eligible award categories include: children and youth services; community and public health services; community development/community centres; housing and homelessness support services; immigrant and newcomer services; and seniors services. The deadline for nominations is June 30. For more information, visit: www.toronto.ca/volunteer_awards.
May 3, 2004
Canadian beer drinkers teamed up with Molson to support amateur athletes heading to the Olympics in Athens this summer. On April 3, Molson contributed $5 from the purchase of every 24 Molson Canadian to the See You In Athens Fund. The one-day promotion raised $250,000 across Canada. The funds will help amateur athletes to offset their personal training expenses as they prepare for this year's Summer Games. For more information, visit: www.molson.com.
May 3, 2004
Charities and other nonprofits looking for volunteers with human resources expertise can now post their openings for free with the Human Resources Professionals Association of Ontario (HRPAO). Posting a volunteer opportunity with HRPAO gives organizations access to professionals who want to broaden their experience, further their development, or give back to the community. For more information or to post a volunteer opportunity, contact Michelle Pendon at 416-923-2324/1-800-387-1311 ext. 328, mpendon@hrpao.org or visit: www.hrpao.org/careerservi ces.
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