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This is an archive of CharityVillage NewsWeek. To find a word on the page,
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To view other articles in the archive, use our Chronological Index.
NewsBytes: August, 2005
Articles are arranged in reverse chronological order.
Audit says CRA needs to improve monitoring of charities
August 29, 2005
According to a story that recently appeared in Macleans magazine, a year-long federal audit found that the Canada Revenue Agency Charities Directorate needs to step up its monitoring of Canada's 81,000 registered charities. The April 2005 internal report, obtained by The Canadian Press under the Access to Information Act, says the directorate operates a database that is filled with errors, that its investigations take too long, and that it is haphazard about which charities it targets for examination. "The audit identified a need to tighten the controls ensuring accuracy and reliability of the information database on charities," concludes the report, which also noted that up to 17% of the information in the database is wrong.
The audit was designed to determine how effectively the directorate's 210 employees monitor potential fraud among Canada's charities, who together report about $11 billion in donations annually. Colette Gentes-Hawn, a spokesperson for the agency, said the renewed enforcement efforts, along with new legislation effective May 13, will make it tougher for charities to escape scrutiny and sanctions. "There's no question that new laws that have come into effect will help us ensure that charities behave in the ways they're supposed to, that the rules are being followed," she said. For more information about the CRA Charities Directorate, visit: www.cra-arc.gc.ca.
August 29, 2005
Last week, the Quebec Court of Appeal struck down certain provisions of the federal Tobacco Act that prohibited tobacco companies from sponsoring sporting events and festivals. Companies will now be allowed to sponsor events and display their corporate names, although they still aren't allowed to publicize specific brands. Imperial Tobacco said it was pleased with the court's decision, "particularly its acknowledgement that we have a right to communicate with adult smokers."
Regulations against the promotion of tobacco products and the association of such products with a positive lifestyle have been maintained, and the majority of the act remains intact. "We would have preferred the legislation to have been entirely upheld without reservation, but as it stands from this judgment, 99% of the legislation was upheld," said Rob Cunningham, a lawyer for the Canadian Cancer Society. "Tobacco companies probably won't make use of the more relaxed sponsorship rule because corporate names, unlike brand names, have very limited impact on the public, he added. For more information about the Tobacco Act, visit: laws.justice.gc.ca.
August 29, 2005
Canadians across the country helped raise $1.8 million for Children's Miracle Network (CMN) by purchasing Dairy Queen Blizzards on August 11th. Proceeds from every Blizzard sold in Canada on that day were donated to CMN. "The Children's Miracle Network is indebted to everyone at Dairy Queen, Dairy Queen franchisees, and DQ customers for helping to surpass last year's contribution and supporting DQ Miracle Treat Day," said John Hartman, senior vice president, Children's Miracle Network. "We are grateful for their ongoing dedication and enthusiasm for raising funds for kids and community hospital foundations." For more information about Children's Miracle Network, visit: www.cmncan.ca.
Fast Fact: Demonstrating positive results leads to more volunteering
August 29, 2005
An Investors Group survey reveals that demonstration of the positive results of past volunteer efforts is a powerful tool for encouraging volunteer involvement. Seeing good results from past volunteering was a very important factor in the decision to volunteer for 41% of those who participated in the survey. In addition, 48% said seeing or reading stories about people who have been helped would make them more likely to volunteer, while 66% said stories about people or groups who could benefit would increase the likelihood that they will volunteer. Seventy-seven percent of those who volunteered said the experience left them with positive feelings ranging from good to fantastic. -- Investors Group
August 29, 2005
Technical assistance grants are now available for nonprofit organizations in BC's arts and heritage fields. Arts Partners in Organizational Development (ArtsPOD) is accepting applications from arts and heritage organizations in British Columbia that would like to work with an experienced consultant to enhance organizational effectiveness. The deadline for submissions is September 16, 2005. For more information visit: www.artspod.ca.
August 29, 2005
McGill alumnus Jake Eberts, whose film credits include Dances With Wolves, Black Robe, and March of the Penguins, has teamed with other family members to create an endowment fund to attract, support and integrate indigenous students at McGill. The four-year renewable program will provide a mix of recruitment outreach, bursaries, scholarships and cultural activities. The Eberts Endowment, which exceeds $600,000, will support: Entrance Bursaries valued at $6,000 per year to support three indigenous or Inuit students on a renewable basis; the First Peoples' Bursary Recruitment Fund to build recruitment activities for the Eberts Bursaries; and First Peoples' House Support, an annual grant of $6,000 - $18,000 to fund the social integration of indigenous students and the Eberts Bursars at McGill. For more information, visit: www.mcgill.ca.
August 29, 2005
After a ten-year hiatus, the Canadian branch of the Jerusalem Foundation is being revived. With a new Canada desk in Israel, under Steve Solomon, and two new executive directors, Mindy Avrich-Skapinker in Toronto, and Monica Berger in Montreal, the organization plans to hold its first fundraising event in September. "We are trying to achieve a balance of people on this board - some people with a high profile and influence in the community, some with academic and ideological interest in the issues concerning Israel, and then, also some younger people who are committed to the city of Jerusalem and Israel as a whole," said Avrich-Skapinker. The foundation is an independent, non-partisan, community organization that was started in Israel in 1966. It supports projects in the areas of social services, youth and education, diversity and tolerance, arts and culture, parks and recreation, and history and heritage. For more information about the Jerusalem Foundation, visit: www.jerusalemfoundation.org or e-mail jerusalemfoundation@sympatico.ca.
August 29, 2005
The RONA Foundation recently held its annual fundraising drive, raising $400,000 to assist organizations that battle the dropout problem and illiteracy among young people. "Year after year the RONA Foundation has been able to support dozens of organizations that work with young people across Canada, all thanks to the generosity of our donors," said foundation president Robert Dutton, also president and CEO of RONA Inc. "I want to thank them warmly for their extensive cooperation, which helps us give renewed hope to even more young people who are having trouble achieving their full potential in life." For more information about the RONA Foundation, visit: www.rona.ca.
August 29, 2005
A survey of educational institutions in the US found that 47% solicit their alumni and everyone for whom they have an e-mail address (45%). More than one-third of the respondents (34%) send e-mail appeals on an irregular schedule, while 28% do so semi-annually and 31% send e-mail appeals as part of an end-of-year cleanup. Only one-quarter (26%) of the respondents send them on the same schedule as other appeals. On an annual basis, 35% of organizations report raising between $1,000 and $9,999 through e-mail appeals. Another 19% raise between $10,000 and $24,999. Only 1% of respondents raise more than $1 million per year using e-mail appeals. Despite less-than-stellar results, nearly half of the respondents (44%) find e-mail appeals to be more cost-effective than direct mail or telemarketing. -- Council for Advancement and Support of Education
August 29, 2005
Habitat for Humanity Canada moved closer to completing its 1,000th home since 1985, thanks to the fundraising efforts of the Home Depot Canada and its vendors. The company's annual charity golf tournament raised $514,000 - the largest amount in the event's 11-year history. The funds will be used to support future Habitat for Humanity builds throughout Canada. "There are more than 1.7 million Canadians currently living without adequate housing," said David Hughes, president and CEO of Habitat for Humanity Canada. "With the help of our generous sponsors, like the Home Depot Canada, our goal is to end the cycle of poverty in Canada, one house and one family at a time." For more information about Habitat for Humanity Canada, visit: www.habitat.ca.
August 29, 2005
Ontario's Minister of Citizenship and Immigration, Mike Colle, announced last week that the Ontario government is investing $4.1 million in 79 agencies across Ontario through the Newcomer Settlement Program. "By investing in our newcomers, we are investing in the prosperity of all Ontarians and the future of the province," said Colle. "Settlement agencies provide that very important first step for newcomers on their path to building a prosperous future in Ontario." The program helps nonprofit community organizations provide settlement, orientation, job-finding workshops, and other settlement services to more than 100,000 newcomers each year. The provincial and federal governments signed a memorandum on May 17th to quadruple federal immigration funding in Ontario from about $800 per immigrant to about $3,400 per immigrant by 2009-10. For more information, visit: www.citizenship.gov.on.ca.
August 22, 2005
A $1 million gift from an anonymous donor will help build a new Roman Catholic church near the village of Comber, east of Windsor. Not even church and community leaders know who their benefactor is. "I don't have a clue whether it's a person or a group," said Annette Rondot, president of the Visitation parish council, which recently called tenders for construction of the $4.5 million church near Highway 77 and Highway 401. Rondot said the $1 million donation is critical to starting work on the new building because church policy required at least half of the $4.5 million cost to be raised in cash or pledges in advance. "Some people felt the new church was never going to happen," she said. However, when parishioners were told the mystery donor would match dollar-for-dollar whatever was raised up to a $1 million, it generated more contributions.
August 22, 2005
Vancity Credit Union is now accepting applications for this year's enviroFund grant program. Nonprofit organizations with environmental initiatives in the Lower Mainland, Fraser Valley and Greater Victoria are invited to apply for grants of up to $40,000. This year, Vancity is looking for projects in the areas of: watershed, wetland, and marine ecosystem restoration; wildlife preservation and habitat restoration; and air quality and environmentally friendly transportation. Since the program was established in 1990, more than $1.2 million has been donated to support the enhancement and protection of the environment. The deadline for submissions is September 1, 2005. For more information, or to submit an application visit: www.vancity.com/grants or call 604-877-7620.
August 22, 2005
Ontario Health Minister George Smitherman announced last week that Toronto's Women's College Hospital is to be transformed into a leading-edge independent women's health institute. The expansion will end its eight-year merger with Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre. "We're restoring independent governance to Women's College, and we're putting women's health back in women's hands," said Smitherman. The women's high-risk birthing centre and neonatal intensive care unit will move to Sunnybrook in north Toronto from downtown. The province also plans to construct a new building and make a significant capital investment at Sunnybrook, including the creation of a hip and knee centre of excellence. For more information, visit: www.sunnybrookandwomens.on.ca.
August 22, 2005
Donations to a wide range of US charities rose significantly in the first quarter of 2005. Private donors in the US gave $1.6 billion to relief agencies after the December 26th tsunami, a record for disaster aid. However, they also supported other charities in the first quarter of 2005 at a rate that will set a record for annual donations if it carries through the year. According to an assessment of 2005 giving trends so far, international relief agencies got the biggest boost, but so did other sectors, including health, the environment, animal welfare, and advocacy. The median gift to international relief groups from January through March 2005 rose to $99 from $65 in the first quarter of 2004. Overall, the median donation among all nonprofits rose to $36 from $34 a year ago, and total donor revenues grew by a median of 9.9%. -- Target Analysis Group
August 22, 2005
The 11th Annual Air Canada Classic for Multiple Sclerosis was a major success again this year. The event raised $400,000 for the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada (Quebec Division), $115,000 more than last year. Since the first Air Canada Classic in 1995, $2 million has been raised to help people living with the disease. This annual golf tournament is organized by the airline's employees to benefit individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS), including one of their coworkers and friend, Richard Lemire. For more information about the MS Society (Quebec Division), visit: www.mssociety.ca.
August 22, 2005
Christopher Bentley, Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities announced that the Ontario government, in a joint initiative with the Canada Millennium Scholarship Foundation, is restoring a grants program to benefit low-income students in the province. "Our organization has been looking at ways to improve access of students from low-income families to postsecondary education," said Norman Riddell, executive director and CEO of the foundation. "Over the four-year course of this project, we will be testing whether providing low-income students with more non-repayable grants improves their presence in postsecondary education." This year, as many as 16,000 first-year students will receive up to $3,000 in up-front grants, in addition to Canada Access Grants, toward their first year of study. For more information, visit: ogov.newswire.ca.
August 22, 2005
Two weeks after a CN Rail freight car dumped lethal amounts of chemicals into the Cheakamus River in British Columbia, the company has stepped forward with a donation to the local watershed salmon-recovery program. CN senior vice president Peter Marshall announced that the Montreal-based railway will donate $250,000 to the Pacific Salmon Foundation to help support the salmon recovery plan for the watershed. The donation is over and above CN's undetermined costs for cleanup and remediation of the spill's damage. "We are looking to jumpstart the program," said Marshall. "This is not a short-term fix." A CN freight train derailed over the Cheakamus Canyon on August 5 and a tanker ruptured, spilling more than 40,000 litres of highly corrosive caustic soda into the river. The spill immediately killed thousands of fish, as well as animals that ate the carcasses. A manager with the provincial Ministry of the Environment said the effects of the spill could potentially be seen for the next 20 years. For more information, visit: www.psf.ca.
August 22, 2005
As part of a strategy to compete with powerful conservative groups in the United States, at least 80 wealthy liberals each pledged to contribute $1 million or more to fund a new network of think tanks and advocacy groups. The partnership, called the Democracy Alliance, was founded last spring and has generated financial commitments totaling at least $80 million in recent months. The alliance hopes to raise $200 million so that it can act as a financial clearinghouse, identifying a lineup of established and proposed groups that will develop and promote liberal ideas. Organizers say the goal is to foster the growth of liberal or left-leaning institutions equipped to take on prominent think tanks on the right. To fulfill their million-dollar pledge, each partner must agree to give $200,000 or more a year for at least five years to alliance-endorsed groups.
August 22, 2005
Almost 3,000 Toronto residents took part in a recent survey on how to improve the city. The final results of Saab Canada's Think Outside the Box initiative reveal that, for many, civic improvement means addressing environmental concerns. Twenty-five percent of respondents made suggestions regarding the environment (less waste, cleaner water and air), and another 17% made suggestions related to improved transportation (transit accessibility, improved roads, bike facilities). The city's appearance (architecture, street aesthetics) was mentioned by 16% of people, and 10% wanted to see improvements in the area of arts, culture and recreation. At the other end of the spectrum, issues such as learning (quality child care, English programs, etc. - 3%), and belonging and leadership (voter turnout, support for charities - 3%) scored much lower among survey respondents. -- Environics
August 22, 2005
More than 200 golfers recently took part in the Joey's Only 5th Annual Golf Tournament in Calgary. The sold out fundraising event raised more than $100,000 for the Alzheimer Society of Canada, 75% of which will support local programs and services through the Alzheimer Society of Calgary. The remainder supports programs administered through the national office. The annual tournament is the franchise restaurant's largest fundraiser for the Alzheimer Society. This year's effort combines with other fundraising activities to surpass the $500,000 mark in just five years. For more information, visit: www.alzheimercalgary.com.
August 15, 2005
The McGill-McConnell Program, Master of Management for National Voluntary Sector Leaders recently announced the online publication of more than two dozen major papers written by program graduates. Entitled Voluntary Sector Perspectives from the McGill-McConnell Program, the papers offer contemporary perspectives on leadership challenges in the voluntary sector, often through the reality of each author's organization. They also address a range of theoretical and practical topics such as board-staff relations, youth participation in philanthropy and volunteerism, and the application of complexity science to organizational dynamics.
"The voluntary sector is a vibrant, innovative part of our society. The McGill-McConnell Program offered a marvellous and unique opportunity for sector leaders to learn, grow, and develop the skills they need to lead successful organizations," said Tim Brodhead, president and CEO of the J. W. McConnell Family Foundation. "This web publication captures and develops many important ideas and issues facing the voluntary sector in Canada." To access the papers, visit: www.cvsrd.org/eng/mmp.
August 15, 2005
Infrastructure Canada recently announced the launch of the second component of its Research, Knowledge and Outreach (RKO) funding initiative. The Peer Reviewed Research Studies program is a key element in the department's commitment to foster the knowledge base and networks required to support and inform policy and decision making on issues related to public infrastructure and communities. RKO will also encourage the development and maintenance of a strong research community on infrastructure and communities issues and foster better exchange of information and knowledge in this area amongst policy makers, experts, practitioners, communities, non-governmental organizations, industry, and the general public. Proposals are invited from eligible organizations and individuals on or before September 30, 2005. Complete information on how to submit a proposal under PRRS, including funding priorities, eligibility and selection criteria, is available at: www.infrastructure.gc.ca.
August 15, 2005
A recent survey of trends in fundraising and donor communications reveals that 90.3% of nonprofits feel the Internet is a critical tool in running their organizations. However, only 34.6% are actively raising money online. Almost three-quarters (73.7%) say they still rely on traditional direct mail to communicate with donors. In terms of the evolution of donor communications, 79% of respondents report an increased use of e-mail and 62% an increased use of Web postings. In spite of this increase in online communications, 60% of nonprofits anticipate an increase in face-to-face donor communications. -- Blackbaud
August 15, 2005
The Home Depot Canada's annual charity golf tournament raised $514,000, the largest amount in the event's 11-year history. The funds will be used to support future Habitat for Humanity projects throughout Canada. "There are more than 1.7 million Canadians currently living without adequate housing," said David Hughes, president and CEO of Habitat for Humanity Canada. "This substantial gift will go a long way in making several families' dreams of homeownership a reality and will provide these families with a new found hope for the future." For more information about Habitat for Humanity Canada, visit: www.habitat.ca
August 15, 2005
The Ottawa Dragon Boat Foundation is now accepting applications from charitable organizations in the Ottawa area. The foundation is seeking four new charities to become beneficiaries of paddlers' fundraising efforts over the next two years. The Nortel Ottawa Dragon Boat Race Festival created the foundation in 2004 to distribute funds raised by race participants. Since 1998 the festival has raised more that $820,000 for Ottawa area charities. The deadline for applications is September 30. Applications are available online at www.dragonboat.net/foundation.php.
August 15, 2005
The majority of Americans agree that nonprofits should leverage a variety of corporate resources to support their causes. These include: employee volunteerism (75%); cash and product donations (67%); information about the charity on the company's product or packaging (66%); marketing and advertising support (67%); and a percentage of a product's sales to support a cause (58%). -- Cone
August 15, 2005
As part of its ongoing support of the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada, RONA held an in-store campaign during MS Awareness Month - May 1 to May 23, 2005 - that raised $87,906 for the cause. Through the "Keys to a Cure" campaign, customers could purchase a two-dollar paper key that was posted on a donor board in each store. Funds raised will support MS research and services for some 50,000 Canadians affected by multiple sclerosis. RONA is also the title sponsor of the annual MS Bike Tour, which is the largest series of cycling events organized by a nonprofit group in Canada. For more information about the MS Society, visit: www.mssociety.ca
August 15, 2005
The BenchMark 3 Conference on Nonprofit and Philanthropic Studies, which will take place in Arizon in March 2006, is currently seeking proposals from scholars, nonprofit practitioners, association leaders, and other stakeholders interested in the field of nonprofit/NGO education, philanthropic studies, education for a civil society, and related fields. The conference will consider how far the field of nonprofit and philanthropic studies has come in the last 30 years and its future trajectories. Topic categories for proposals include: institutionalization and sustainability; disciplinary linkages; practice linkages; curricular content; and external forces. The deadline for submitting proposals is September 30. For more information about the conference and submission guidelines, visit: benchmark3.asu.edu.
August 15, 2005
In a recent survey of 100 senior Canadian executives, those polled said they believe employees spend 40 minutes per day, on average, on non-business-related e-mail, instant messaging, and Internet use at work. More than two-thirds (70%) also said their organizations monitor employee Internet activity at least somewhat closely. When asked, "How closely does your firm monitor employee Internet activity?", 27% of respondents said activity is very closely monitored, 43% said somewhat closely, and 19% said not very closely. Only 9% said their organizations do not monitor employee Internet activity at all. -- Accountemps
August 2, 2005
Canadian charities brought in an average of seven percent more last year through their fundraising efforts, according to the latest State of Fundraising 2004 survey by the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP). Along with the strong increase, 62 percent of charities reported raising more money in 2004 than in 2003, with another 12 percent raising approximately the same amount in both years.Charities reported the greatest success in 2004 with online giving, special event planning and major gift fundraising. Sixty-eight percent of respondents raised more money through online giving in 2004 than in the previous year, while success rates for special events (65 percent) and major gifts (60 percent) were not far behind.
Download a copy of the complete report at: www.afpnet.org.
August 2, 2005
Honda Canada Inc. and Honda of Canada Mfg. launched a new private foundation last week to focus on the companies' giving interests. The new Honda Canada Foundation's (HCF) areas of charitable focus are education, environment and engineering. Funding applications for both registered charities and non-registered organizations are administered through the foundation's web site. In addition to its charitable funding through the HCF, Honda Canada officials noted that the company remains committed to funding grassroots and local community initiatives too. Find more details about funding opportunities through the new foundation at: www.hondacanadafoundation.ca
August 2, 2005
Ontario's Children and Youth Services Minister Mary Anne Chambers announced last week how the province will distribute $1.1 billion in federal child care money over the next three years. Calling it "the largest investment in child care and early child development in Ontario's history," the province plans to expand the number of licensed child care spaces by approximately 25,000 by the end of 2007-08. It will also increase access to subsidies, attract and retain qualified child care workers and develop other early learning and child care supports. For more information, visit: www.children.gov.on.ca
August 2, 2005
The Queen Elizabeth Hospital Foundation in Charlottetown, PEI, announced a $1-million donation last week from the family of the late Harry MacLauchlan. It's the biggest single donation in the hospital's history. MacLauchlan had been a long-time supporter of the hospital before he died in 2002. The donation will help enhance cardiac care in the hospital's emergency department. For more information about the foundation, visit: www.qehfoundation.pe.ca
August 2, 2005
A new report highlights the economic impact of consumer/survivor initiatives (CSIs) in promoting recovery for people with mental illness. CSIs are run for and by people with mental health problems, or who have received mental health services. The programs take many forms, including employment and training programs, peer support and advocacy. The report, Consumer/Survivor Initiatives: Impact, Outcomes and Effectiveness, finds that the mean number of days in hospital for the participants dropped from 48.36 to 4.29 after becoming involved with a CSI. The report was developed in partnership with the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, the Ontario Peer Development Initiative, Canadian Mental Health Association, Ontario, and Ontario Federation of Community Mental Health and Addiction Programs. Find the full report at: www.ofcmhap.on.ca-- Ontario Federation of Community Mental Health and Addiction Programs
August 2, 2005
With more than 23,000 participants from 46 communities across the British Columbia and the Yukon, the Canadian Cancer Society's Relay for Life events raised more than $5.5 million this year. The results are a 36% increase in revenue over last year. "We are thrilled with the results and this tremendous achievement would not have been possible without the dedication, enthusiasm and spirit of our survivors, sponsors, donors, volunteers and staff members," said Barbara Kaminsky, CEO of the BC and Yukon Division. For more information, visit: www.cancer.ca
August 2, 2005
An adapted bus used by the Ontario March of Dimes (OMOD) to transport people with disabilities to a special camp was destroyed by a fire set by vandals the parking lot of a Sault Ste. Marie hotel last week. Fortunately, no one was injured. The AccessAbility Bus was in Sault Ste. Marie to pick up participants and transport them to Geneva Park in Orillia, ON. The park is the site of OMOD's Summer Holiday Program, which consists of 10 six-day sessions throughout the summer. Program organizers are now scrambling to find alternative transportation for the current group and have set up a fund to channel money towards a replacement vehicle. Individuals interested in donating funds can visit www.dimes.on.ca or call 1-800-263-3463 ext. 382.
August 2, 2005
The Montreal Symphony Orchestra (OSM) cancelled its fall season last week after talks broke down between the orchestra's musicians and management. The musicians have been on strike since early May and a deal they proposed last week was rejected by management. For more information about the OSM, visit: www.osm.ca.
August 2, 2005
The Homophile Association of London Ontario (HALO) is winding up after 30 years of serving London, Ontario's gay and lesbian community. Citing the advances made in homosexual rights in recent years, as well as new organizations that are emerging to support the community, HALO organizers are now deciding how to disburse the organization's remaining funds.
August 2, 2005
According to highlights of a new report, "Teens and Technology," about 21 million teens use the internet and half of them say they go online every day. Thirty-one percent use the internet to get health information, which is 47% higher than four years ago. -- Pew Internet & American Life Project
August 2, 2005
Marathon swimmer Vicki Keith is coming out of retirement this week to swim 83 kilometers across Lake Ontario from Oswego, New York to Kingston, Ontario. Her first marathon swim in 17 years, Keith is raising money to build a new pool in Kingson for children with disabilities. She is planning to add to her 14 world records by completing the 50-hour crossing using only butterfly strokes. For more information about the swim, visit: www.penguinscanfly.ca
August 2, 2005
Canada Post has backed down from a plan that would have cancelled a library mailing subsidy in place since 1939. The "Library Mail Rate Program" allows libraries to mail books through inter-library loans at a fraction of commercials costs. About 90 percent of public libraries in Canada use the program. Representatives from the Canadian Library Association says that they are pleased with the decision and continue to push for improvements to the program, especially extending the rate to all library materials, including videotapes, CDs and DVDs. For more information, visit: www.cla.ca.
August 2, 2005
The 17th annual Bell Celebrity Classic charity golf tournament raised more than $200,000 for SickKids Foundation, more than double Bell's 2005 fundraising target and vastly exceeding the event's $100,000 raised in 2004. "Corporate support from companies such as Bell is critical in helping SickKids improve the health and well-being of children here in Canada and around the world," said Michael O'Mahoney, president of SickKids Foundation. "The $200,000 Bell donation to SickKids Foundation represents one of the largest contributions raised from a corporate golf tournament held on our behalf." For more information about the SickKids Foundation, visit: www.sickkids.ca/foundation.
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