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| Path: Main Street : NewsWeek : Archive : NewsBytes : Article |
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: January, 2006
Articles are arranged in reverse chronological order.
Businessmen step forward with donations for epilepsy research
January 30, 2006
McMaster Children's Hospital in Hamilton recently received an unexpected boost from two businessmen, one from Canada and one from the US. Together, the two men pledged almost $2 million for a new treatment and rehabilitation clinic for epilepsy and other neuromuscular disorders. Warren Lammert, an American mutual fund manager, donated $1.2 million to the hospital's new clinic, and Gordon Reid, founder of the Giant Tiger chain of discount stores, donated $650,000 to the cause. For more information about McMaster Children's Hospital, visit: www.mcmasterchildrenshospital.ca.
January 30, 2006
A study conducted by the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania and Indiana University reveals that giving levels can increase when prospective donors are told what other people gave. Field Experiments in Charitable Contributions: The Impact of Social Influence on the Voluntary Provision of Public Goods, examines how social information affects individual donor behaviour. Researchers found that social information is most effective in situations where donors want to be supportive, but do not know what the accepted behaviour is (i.e. the appropriate level of giving). People look to others as their model, therefore, providing positive examples (what other donors gave) can yield successful results. For more information about the study, visit: knowledge.wharton.upenn.edu.(free registration required)
Fast Fact: Youth and elderly report strongest sense of community belonging
January 30, 2006
The proportions of Canadian men and women who report a strong sense of community belonging do not differ. However, rates do vary by age group. A high proportion (77%) of youth aged 12 to 17 report a strong sense of belonging, but among young adults aged 18 to 29, the figure is much lower at 55%. At older ages, the rate increases steadily, from 61% among those aged 30 to 44, to 72% among seniors (65 or older). Feeling connected to the community is less common among people who are divorced or separated (57%) or never married (54%), compared with those who are married or living common-law (65%). -- Statistics Canada
January 30, 2006
Red Deer College will soon embark on the largest growth project since it opened its doors in 1964. A $1 million investment from NOVA Chemicals will be directed toward supporting program development and equipping the college's new Centre for Trades and Technology and the Centre for Innovation in Manufacturing. The planned expansion will help the college meet the high demand for skilled trades people in areas such as electrician, welder, steamfitter-pipefitter, and heavy equipment technician. For more information, visit: www.rdc.ab.ca.
January 30, 2006
Bell Canada, in partnership with the True Sport Foundation, announced the second year of the $1 million Bell Community Sport Fund, which invests in community-based hockey and soccer programs for children and youth across Canada. This year, the fund will award individual grants to community-level hockey and soccer initiatives to reduce enrollment costs, develop equipment sharing programs, increase the number of coaches and officials, and improve existing playing surfaces or build new ones. Applicants whose projects demonstrate long-term sustainability and legacy potential are eligible for one of 12 grants valued at $25,000. In addition, 140 grants valued at $5,000 will be awarded to qualified organizations whose programs work to expand participation and reduce barriers to youth sport. Eligible Canadian community sport groups must be located in British Columbia, Alberta, Ontario or Quebec. For more information and application guidelines, visit: www.truesportpur.ca/bellfund.
January 30, 2006
The Commission for Environmental Cooperation (CEC), in partnership with public health organizations and the governments of Canada, Mexico and the United States, recently released the first-ever report on children's health and environment indicators in North America. The report presents 13 indicators under three thematic areas: asthma and respiratory disease; effects of exposure to lead and other toxic substances; and waterborne diseases. It finds that North American children remain at risk from environmental exposures and that children's health reporting must be improved to address the data gaps identified in the report.
"This first set of children's environmental health indicators will help improve public policy and promote the cause of improved air and water quality, pollution prevention and better management of toxic chemicals," said William V. Kennedy, executive director of the CEC. "While this report finds improvement in some indicators and challenges in others, it's clear that measurable progress will require a uniform data set for policy-makers to adequately address the risks to children's health." For more information or to download the report, visit: www.cec.org.
January 30, 2006
The Toronto Rehabilitation Institute recently introduced a new scholarship program, which was made possible thanks to a $300,000 donation from TD Bank. The TD Bank Financial Group Scholarship in Rehabilitation-Related Research for Graduate Students with Disabilities will be awarded to students in good standing to support their education and training. Applicants must have a disability, and plan to be enrolled in a graduate program leading to a master's or doctoral degree at the University of Toronto. Fields of study must relate to rehabilitation but are not limited to any particular discipline. The $20,000 scholarship will be for the period from September 2006 to April 2007 and will be renewable for an additional year depending on satisfactory performance. The deadline for submissions is May 1st. For more information and application guidelines, visit: www.torontorehab.com.
January 30, 2006
According to a new report from Pew Internet and University of Toronto sociologists, the Internet helps cultivate social networks and put them into action at times when people need help on important matters in their lives. About 45% of Internet users surveyed said the Internet played an important role in dealing with a major life decision in the previous two years, up 33% from a similar survey in 2002. The report also highlights how e-mail supplements, rather than replaces, the communication people have with others in their network. -- Pew Internet and American Life Project
January 30, 2006
The Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada announced a Media Grants Program that will offer established Canadian journalists the opportunity to spend time in Asia researching and preparing stories in specified areas. The media fellowships, each valued at up to $10,000, are designed to support policy research and informed discussion on Canada's relations with Asia. "The program aims to help Canadian journalists, and through them the larger Canadian community, become better informed about Asia and thus be better able to write accurately and insightfully about this region and about the Canada-Asia relationship," said Dr. Paul Evans, the foundation's vice-chair and co-CEO. The deadline for applications is March 15th. For more information and application guidelines, visit: www.asiapacificresearch.ca.
January 23, 2006
The Asper Foundation recently pledged another $12 million to the Canadian Museum for Human Rights. This brings the foundation's total investment in the project to $20 million so far. "We view this as an integral investment in the spiritual and economic renewal of Winnipeg and as an investment in firmly positioning Winnipeg and Canada as a global beacon for human rights recognition, promotion and celebration," said Gail Asper, managing director of the Asper Foundation. The Canadian Museum for Human Rights is targeted to open in Winnipeg in 2010. It will be a centre of learning and history where Canadians and people from other countries can experience Canada's human rights journey and engage in dialogue about human rights. For more information, visit: www.canadianmuseumforhumanrights.com.
January 23, 2006
Applications are now being accepted for the 9th Annual Donner Canadian Foundation Awards for Excellence in the Delivery of Social Services (Donner Awards). The Donner Awards, Canada's largest nonprofit recognition program, were established in 1998 to recognize and encourage best practices in nonprofit management and to increase public confidence and support for Canada's nonprofit sector. A total of $70,000 in awards is presented annually to Canada's highest performing nonprofit organizations in each of nine categories of social service delivery. The top nonprofit organization is recognized with the prestigious $20,000 William H. Donner Award for Excellence. The Peter F. Drucker Award for Non-Profit Management is also presented to a nonprofit organization with a consistent record of excellence and innovation in management and service delivery. The application deadline is May 1st. For more information, visit: www.donnerawards.org.
January 23, 2006
The Canada Revenue Agency's Charities Directorate recently completed the first part of a two-phase project to enhance its web site, including a series of improvements to the online listings of charities. The site now displays listings of all registered charities, newly registered charities, recently revoked charities, and recent annulments. In addition to the expanded charities listings, the search feature and download function have been improved, and information will now be updated daily. The second phase of improvements is expected in April 2006. For more information, visit: www.cra-arc.gc.ca.
January 23, 2006
A new survey conducted on behalf of the Canadian Federation of Nurses Unions finds that 67% of Canadians would prefer a not-for-profit healthcare model where services are paid for by governments and individuals and delivered by the public sector. In addition, 67% of respondents feel that more private healthcare will result in professionals leaving the public system, and 61% think it would be the first step to a for-profit Americanized healthcare system. Only 27% of respondents said they would prefer a for-profit model where services are paid for by governments and individuals and delivered by the private sector. Regardless of whether it is public or private, the majority of Canadians (90%) agree that access to healthcare should be exactly the same for everyone. -- Canadian Federation of Nurses Unions
January 23, 2006
The Salvation Army in Canada revealed last week that major fraud was uncovered during a recent internal audit. Spokesperson Graham Moore said it involved a former employee, but did not offer details about the person or where the alleged crime took place. He also wouldn't say how much money the employee is accused of siphoning from the organization. "We are shocked and dismayed by the discovery," Moore said in a letter sent to the agency's members and employees. "Although we maintain insurance coverage in order to guard against this sort of loss, we are taking all appropriate measures in order to recover what has been taken." Police are now investigating the matter, but Moore would not say which force was involved. For more information about the Salvation Army in Canada, visit: www.salvationarmy.ca.
January 23, 2006
Libraries in Newfoundland and Labrador are urging their members to sign a petition protesting a possible hike to Canada Post's special shipping rate for inter-library book loans. They are also calling for an expansion of the program to include materials like DVDs, videos and other recordings. According to Shawn Tetford, executive director of the Newfoundland and Labrador Information and Library Resources Board, librarians want a firm commitment, in writing, that libraries will continue to receive the subsidized library mail rate, something Canada Post has offered since the 1930s. Last year, the crown corporation said it would cease the special subsidized rate at the end of March 2006. However, in July, John McCallum, the minister responsible for Canada Post, issued a statement saying the library rate would continue beyond the deadline. John Caines, manager of national media relations with Canada Post, said the post office remains committed to the library program and that he was not aware of any plans to amend the rate after March. Nevertheless, library directors are asking federal politicians to make a firm commitment to the program. For more information, visit: www.nlpubliclibraries.ca.
January 23, 2006
Alcan Inc. and the International Business Leaders Forum (IBLF) have announced the call for entries for the 2006 US$1 million Alcan Prize for Sustainability. "Now in its third year, the Alcan Prize for Sustainability is widely recognized as an important catalyst in bringing together the business and NGO community to address social, economic, and environmental issues and how they relate to sustainability," said Travis Engen, president and CEO of Alcan Inc. The Alcan Prize is open to all not-for-profit, non-governmental, and civil society organizations, based anywhere in the world that are working to progress and advance the goals of economic, environmental, and social sustainability. The prize was created to recognize the not-for-profit sector for its contributions to global sustainability, and to underline the belief that all sectors of society must work together to achieve sustainable development. The closing date for entries is March 31st. For more information about eligibility criteria and entry procedures, visit: www.alcanprizeforsustainability.com.
January 23, 2006
According to a new survey, US educational endowments reported average annual total returns of 9.7% in 2005. This compares with reported average annual total returns of 14.7% for 2004. Public and private institutions reported average returns of 10.4% and 10% respectively, and survey respondents expect lower returns in 2006 - an average return assumption of 8%. On a more positive note, 48% of institutions report an increase in gifts for the past year, while 26% report decreased gifts and 24% report no change in gifts. The average dollar amount of total new gifts to endowment for 2005 was $7.9 million, compared with an average of $6.7 million in 2004, and $6.9 million for 2003. -- Commonfund Institute
January 23, 2006
Capital Health, Canada's largest academic health region, and Pfizer Canada Inc. announced a new partnership that includes a $750,000 donation to Capital Health's Chronic Disease Management (CDM) program. "As founding sponsor of the CDM program, Pfizer Canada's generous private sector donation helps to kick-start the program in the Capital Health region and begins the work to streamline the delivery system," said Sheila Weatherill, president and CEO of Capital Health. "A chronic disease approach will support family physicians and provide better care by keeping the system in touch with patients, which will help them manage their own disease and reduce demands on our health system." For more information visit: www.capitalhealth.ca.
January 23, 2006
Canadian international child-rights activist Craig Kielburger is one of three nominees for the 2006 World's Children's Prize for the Rights of the Child. Kielburger is the founder and head of Free the Children, a Toronto-based organization facilitating school building and education for children worldwide. The other two finalists are Jetsun Pema - the Dalai Lama's sister - who was nominated for her 40-year campaign to improve housing conditions and education for Tibetan refugee children; and the Rwanda-based Orphans' Organization, which helps children orphaned during the country's civil war in 1994. The award, worth up to $100,000 US, was established in 1999 by the Swedish Children's World Association to recognize the outstanding contributions of those who defend youth rights. For more information, visit: www.childrensworld.org.
January 23, 2006
Community initiatives around BC's Lower Mainland will receive a $500,000 boost every year thanks to the new TELUS Vancouver Community Board. Last week, TELUS announced the launch of the Vancouver Community Board as part of a new national philanthropic program. Charitable organizations are invited to apply for up to $20,000 in one-time funding for projects in the areas of health and wellness, education and sport, and arts and culture, with a focus on youth and the innovative use of technology. In addition to the new Vancouver community board, TELUS community boards have been established in Edmonton, Calgary, Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal, and Rimouski. For more information about the program or to apply for funding, visit: www.telus.com/community.
January 16, 2006
The University of British Columbia (UBC) recently announced a $4 million investment in undergraduate education at the Sauder School of Business. The investment includes $2 million from UBC and a $2 million commitment from former Scotiabank president and UBC MBA graduate Bruce R. Birmingham. The funding will help the Sauder School of Business establish a new learning facility to house the Bachelor of Commerce program. In recognition of the gift, the new facility will be named The Bruce R. Birmingham Commerce Undergraduate Centre. For more information, visit: www.publicaffairs.ubc.ca.
January 16, 2006
Imagine Canada is urging nonprofit organizations to do their part to ensure that issues affecting the sector are brought to the attention of candidates running for office. Imagine Canada sent a letter to all of the federal political party leaders on January 6th, emphasizing the critical contribution of Canada's charities and nonprofit organizations. The letter asks the parties to consider three recommendations:For more information, or to access the other components of Imagine Canada's election toolkit, visit: www.imaginecanada.ca.
- That federal funding to the sector provide full cost recovery for overhead and administrative costs on the programs and services being delivered;
- That the federal government entrench the Accord between the Government of Canada and the Voluntary Sector and the Codes of Good Practice on Funding and Policy Dialogue in all relationships and contracts with the charitable and nonprofit sector; and
- That the preferential tax treatment on capital gains be extended to apply to other classes of capital assets such as real estate; that preferential treatment on capital gains be extended to private foundations; and that a complete tax exemption on capital gains for charitable gifts of publicly traded securities be granted.
January 16, 2006
In 2005, almost two-thirds of Canadians (64%) reported a strong sense of community belonging, including 17% who described their sense of belonging as very strong and 47% who reported it as somewhat strong. Just over a quarter (26%) reported a somewhat weak sense of community belonging, and 9% reported a very weak sense of belonging. Approximately three-quarters of the residents of the Atlantic provinces reported a strong sense of belonging, with Newfoundlanders having the highest rate in the country at 79%. Relatively high rates were also reported in Saskatchewan (73%) and British Columbia (69%). Those living in Quebec were the least likely to feel connected, with only 54% reporting a strong sense of belonging. -- Statistics Canada
January 16, 2006
Last week, the Information Technology Association of Canada for Ontario (ITAC-O), the Coalition of Ontario Voluntary Organizations (COVO), and OnTarget launched a new initiative to help charities and nonprofits make effective and strategic use of technology. The Partnership Platform builds relationships between the voluntary, public, and private sectors to find technology solutions for charities and nonprofits. It offers free management support to nonprofits across Ontario and uses industry-standard project management processes to increase the likelihood of success on projects. The Platform also offers support to ICT companies working to achieve social responsibility objectives, open new markets, and give back to their local communities. For more information, visit: www.partnershipplatform.ca.
January 16, 2006
Scotiabank and the Rick Hansen Man In Motion Foundation recently announced a ten-year, $4 million partnership that includes the launch of a new community-based program to raise awareness of spinal cord injury (SCI). The funds will support the leadership work of the foundation, including the Rick Hansen Foundation Ambassador Program, which consists of more than 200 people with SCI. "We're thrilled to gain the long term support of an international banking organization like Scotiabank, which shares our goals, values and commitment to community," said Rick Hansen, CEO and president of the foundation. "Together, we will work coast to coast through programs like our Ambassador Program to inspire Canadians to join us as we work towards improving the quality of life of people with spinal cord injury." For more information, visit: www.rickhansen.com.
January 16, 2006
The Alberta Law Foundation has established a $1.5-million Special Projects Fund for 2005-06. The foundation conducts research and recommends reform of law and the administration of justice, supports law libraries, contributes to the legal education and knowledge of the people of Alberta, and provides assistance to Aboriginal legal programs and student legal aid programs. Projects are eligible for funding if they meet the overall objectives of the foundation. The application deadlines are February 17th and May 5th. For more information and application guidelines, visit: www.albertalawfoundation.org.
January 16, 2006
Raising the Roof, a national charity dedicated to long-term solutions to homelessness, announced a new $1.2 million three-year program to combat youth homelessness across Canada. Through the Youth Works program, the organization will study and support three community agencies in Calgary, Toronto and St. John's that will provide innovative education, training, and employment programs for more than 500 high-risk young people between the ages of 16 and 24. Eva's Phoenix in Toronto, The Back Door in Calgary, and Choices for Youth in St. John's will each receive $100,000 per year for three years to enhance the programs they are offering. At the completion of the program, Youth Works will make recommendations on what more is needed to fill gaps in the lives of homeless youth, how to best provide support, and what level of funding is needed to keep youth off the streets. For more information, visit: www.raisingtheroof.org.
January 16, 2006
A new study finds that older wealthy people give much more of their assets to charity than their younger counterparts. People over 65 with $10 million or more in income donate 1.54% of their investment assets to charity, while people under 35 with the same income donate an average of only 0.4% of their investment assets. Younger people with incomes of $75,000 to $99,999, give more than either group of multimillionaires, donating an average of 1.8% of their assets - more than any other group in the study. -- NewTithing Group
January 16, 2006
Arts Partners in Organizational Development (ArtsPOD), a program of the Centre for Sustainability, is now accepting applications from nonprofit arts and heritage organizations in BC that would like to work with an experienced consultant to enhance organizational effectiveness. The deadline for submissions is March 3, 2006. For more information visit: www.artspod.ca.
January 16, 2006
Youth in Motion is now accepting nominations for Canada's 2006 Top 20 Under 20. The Top 20 Under 20 award and mentoring program celebrates and honours Canadians who have demonstrated a significant level of innovation, leadership, and achievement but have not yet reached the age of 20. Award recipients will receive a financial award to be directed towards their continuing area of study or training and will also be mentored by a Canadian leader for a period of one year. The deadline for nominations is January 20th. For more information, visit: www.top20under20.ca.
January 16, 2006
The Northern Ontario School of Medicine received a significant boost last week from local nickel giant, Inco Ltd. Inco announced a donation of $500,000 towards NOSM student bursaries, which will be matched by the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC). The one million dollar injection to the school's bursary endowment will assist students who are in need of financial assistance to complete their educational training. For more information, visit: www.normed.ca.
January 9, 2006
St. Michael's Hospital in Toronto recently received its largest-ever donation - $25 million from the Li Ka Shing (Canada) Foundation (LKSCF). The funds will be used to establish the Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, which will bring together the worlds of research, education, and patient care to create a unique global institute dedicated to bringing science to patients faster than ever before. "This incredible donation reinforces that Canadian research, education and patient care are at the forefront of international medical science," said Jeffrey Lozon, president and CEO of St. Michael's Hospital. Construction of the institute will commence next spring and completion is scheduled for 2009. For more information, visit: www.stmichaelshospital.com.
January 9, 2006
Children First: School Choice Trust, a multi-million dollar education initiative for Ontario families, announced that it is now accepting applications for education grants for the 2006-07 school year. Administered by The Fraser Institute and established in 2003, Children First is Canada's only privately funded program to help parents in financial need send their children to an independent elementary school of their choice. These grants offer the only financial aid available for lower-income families to use at any independent school in the province. This year, the grant value will increase to 50% of tuition to a maximum of $4,000 per year to ensure families a broad selection of affordable independent schools. The program will award about 250 new grants this April by lottery. The deadline for applications is March 31st. For more information, visit: www.childrenfirstgrants.ca.
January 9, 2006
According to a new survey conducted on behalf of World Vision Canada, most Canadians (71%) think various non-government organizations (NGOs), such as the Red Cross and World Vision, did a great job in helping people affected by the many natural disasters that occurred in 2005. Half of Canadians think the Canadian military (50%) and the Canadian public (48%) did a great job. Only 30% felt the same way about the federal government and the United Nations. The survey also reports that two thirds of Canadians gave to organizations that respond to disasters during 2005, and the majority (89%) said they will give the same amount or more in the future. -- Ipsos Reid
January 9, 2006
Ronald McDonald House Charities of Canada (RMHC) supported 135 children's charities across Canada this past year, awarding more than $6 million in grants throughout 2005. The RMHC grant program is committed to helping children with serious and/or life-threatening illnesses or disabilities and their families. "Through the generous support of Canadians who contribute to RMHC, as well as McDonald's restaurants, [which] donate 10 cents from every Happy Meal sold every day, we are able to provide grants to children across Canada," said Rem Langan, president of RMHC. "These grants support important projects that benefit special kids and their families in a variety of communities, fulfilling our objective of helping improve the physical and emotional well-being of children in need." For more information about RMHC, visit: www.rmhc.ca.
January 9, 2006
According to Convio, a leading provider of online constituent relationship management solutions (eCRM) for nonprofits, online donations raised by their nonprofit clients increased by 250% in 2005, compared to the year before. Data from Convio's 450-plus customers shows a sharp rise in use of the Internet for fundraising, advocacy, constituent communications and other activities. From January through November 2005, nonprofit organizations using Convio raised more than $230 million online and added nearly 16 million online constituents to their databases, an increase of more than 80% compared to aggregate growth the year before. Organizations also prompted their supporters to send more than 1.8 million advocacy action alerts, nearly a threefold increase from 2004. -- Convio
January 9, 2006
Last week, Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty announced a $51 million package of initiatives designed to help police and prosecutors get criminals with guns off the streets. The plan includes additional resources for police, more officers on the streets, more prosecutors, and dedicated major crime courts. "We need to work together to be tough on gun crime and tough on the root causes of gun crime," said McGuinty. "We need to help the police and prosecutors get the criminals with guns off the street. And we need to work, in the long run, to prevent kids from becoming criminals in the first place." The announcement comes in response to a rash of shootings in Toronto, which recorded nearly twice the number of gun-related homicides in 2005 than in the previous year. For more information, visit: www.premier.gov.on.ca.
January 9, 2006
A survey of senior Canadian executives with Canada's 1,000 largest companies, finds that almost half are interested in acquiring a new skill this year. Executives were asked, "If you were to make a career-related New Year's resolution, what would it be?" Forty percent of respondents said they wanted to learn a new skill, while 25% want to spend less time at work, and 10% want to improve their relationship with a boss or coworkers. Only 8% of executives said they want to make a career change, and even less are hoping for a promotion (5%) or a raise (2%). -- Accountemps
January 3, 2006
In conjunction with Advocacy Online, CharityVillage.com wants to help you and your supporters reach out to candidates during this month's federal election. We've created a new "Election Connection" section that allows you to pull up a list of local candidates in your riding and send them an e-mail message about the issues that matter to you. Speak up about healthcare, the environment, human rights, the economy, or any other issue.
Better yet, mobilize your organization's supporters to write to their local candidates on your behalf. Send them to our Election Connection section to help spread the word for you. We've launched this free service to help you connect with candidates and advocate for the issues that matter to you. Find the new section at: www.charityvillage.com/cv/ires/fedelection.html.
January 3, 2006
Vancity is now accepting applications from BC nonprofits for its annual $1-million Vancity Award. Each year, Vancity gives a $1 million grant to a local nonprofit to support a major project contributing to the social, environmental, or economic well-being of the community. In 2005, the Vancity Award went to PLEA Community Services Society of BC for the expansion of its KidStart Mentoring Program. Nonprofit organizations in the Lower Mainland, Fraser Valley and Victoria are eligible to apply. Starting this year, the deadline is earlier - in January, rather than March. Applications must be received no later than 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 17th. Full details can be found at www.vancity.com/award.
January 3, 2006
A new poll finds that almost 60% of Americans believe that a charity should return a donor's money if the organization intentionally ignores the donor's wishes, and 97% say it would be a "serious" matter if charities spend donations on unauthorized projects. Nearly 80% said they would stop giving to a charity that accepts contributions for one purpose and uses the money for something else, and 72% said the managers of such an organization should be held legally or criminally liable. -- Zogby International
January 3, 2006
The BC Supreme Court has ordered a former Royal Canadian Legion secretary in Abbotsford, BC to repay nearly $200,000 she skimmed from the bank accounts of the charitable organization. Jeanette Milena Burkitt was also ordered to pay the Legion damages for overdraft bank charges amounting to $5,000. During a three-year period, from 1999 to 2002, Burkitt increased her paycheques by $1,000 a total of 58 times, and also paid herself another $139,000 in illegitimate transfers obtained by drafting 159 unauthorized cheques. "Her behaviour can only be described as selfish, morally base and utterly reprehensible," said BC Supreme Court Madam Justice Loryl Russell. "Her lack of remorse and her rationalization confirm that she has not taken responsibility for her actions." In addition to the civil suit, Burkitt is facing criminal charges of fraud, theft, and uttering a forged document.
January 3, 2006
The nomination deadline for FLARE Magazine's 10th Annual Volunteer Awards is fast approaching. This year, six awards will be presented to Canadian women aged 18 and up whose volunteer contributions and achievements have made a significant difference to the lives of the people in their communities. Awards will be presented in three categories: the FLARE Volunteer Award, the FLARE Volunteer Award for Community and Leadership, and the FLARE Volunteer Award for Lifetime Achievement. The deadline for nominations is February 3rd. For more information, visit: www.flare.com.
January 3, 2006
Fifty-five percent of American teenagers volunteered in 2004, compared to just 29% of adults, according to a survey produced by the Corporation for National and Community Service in collaboration with the US Census Bureau and Independent Sector. Youth Helping America - Building Active Citizens: The Role of Social Institutions in Teen Volunteering found that approximately 15.5 million teenagers contributed more than 1.3 billon hours of service in 2004. A second survey by American Humanics and the National Research Center for College and University Admissions (NRCCUA) found that 56% of high school students have volunteered with youth or community service organizations, and 89% said they would volunteer in the future. -- Corporation for National and Community Service
January 3, 2006
The 5th Annual Sharing our Strengths Community Conference will take place in Ottawa on June 14-15, 2006. The conference offers individuals and organizations an opportunity to draw upon and share in the strengths, best practices and capacity of Ottawa's nonprofit sector. The conference coordinating committee is now accepting submissions of abstracts for workshops that develop skills and knowledge, highlight innovative models of practice, identify emerging issues, and raise awareness of available resources for local community agencies and partners (front-line staff, managers, volunteers, executive directors, and board members). For more information, visit: www.unitedwayottawa.ca.
January 3, 2006
The World Economic Forum's bi-annual global public opinion poll finds that trust is dropping worldwide in a range of institutions. Public trust levels in national governments, the United Nations and global companies are now at their lowest since tracking began in January 2001. The United Nations, while continuing to receive higher trust levels than other institutions, experienced a significant decline in trust from 2004 levels, and public trust in companies also eroded over the last two years. NGOs remain the leaders in trust, but they also have to contend with decline. In 10 of 17 countries for which data is available, trust in NGOs has fallen since 2004, in some cases sharply (e.g., Brazil, India and South Korea). -- GlobeScan Incorporated
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