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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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at their publishing date, the quick-changing nature of the web means that some
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To view other articles in the archive, use our Chronological Index.
NewsBytes: June, 2006
Articles are arranged in reverse chronological order.
Independent panel to advise on federal grant programs
June 26, 2006
The Treasury Board of Canada recently announced the creation of an independent blue-ribbon panel to recommend measures to make the delivery of grant and contribution programs more efficient, while ensuring greater accountability. "People who work hard, pay their taxes and play by the rules want accountability from their government," said Minister John Baird, president of the Treasury Board. "With some $26 billion dollars going to grant and contributions each year, we owe taxpayers a thorough review of these programs as part of our ongoing efforts to restore accountability to government and to leave the legacy of political scandal in the past." The independent panel will have three main areas of focus:For more information, visit: www.tbs-sct.gc.ca.
- reviewing the administrative requirements individuals and organizations must meet in order to access government grant and contribution programs;
- examining the issues faced by government departments in managing these programs; and,
- assessing whether instruments other than grants and contributions are more appropriate for funding some programs.
June 26, 2006
Philanthropist Lawrence Tanenbaum is donating $25 million to the Samuel Lunenfeld Research Institute of Mount Sinai Hospital to finance biomedical research. It is the single biggest gift the Toronto hospital has received. Part of the funding will be used to establish the Larry and Judy Tanenbaum Family Research Challenge Fund. "Seeing the remarkable talent and scientific excellence at the Samuel Lunenfeld Research Institute, I am proud to contribute and help these exceptional scientists advance biomedical research in Ontario. They are literally transforming the future of healthcare," said Tanenbaum, a vice chair of Mount Sinai's board of directors and a leader in the governance of its research institute. For more information, visit: www.mtsinai.on.ca.
June 26, 2006
A recent survey commissioned by Volunteer Alberta suggests that Alberta's voluntary sector is facing escalating costs because of growing demands for volunteer screening. Survey results indicate that in 2005, the voluntary sector spent more than $1 million on Police Information Checks (PICs). This demand for improved voluntary sector risk management is increasing the use of, and is becoming a standard operating policy for many organizations.
To date, however, there are no provincial standards to guide volunteer engaging organizations in the screening process. As well, the cost for conducting PICs often comes out of an organization's program funds. Volunteer Alberta would like to see standard practices and procedures set provincially, and hopes that additional funds for PICs will become part of the typical funding model so they will no longer dilute program delivery funds that reduce program outcomes and effectiveness. For more information and to download the full report, visit: www.policychannel.com.
Fast Fact: Annual charitable giving surpasses $260 billion in US
June 26, 2006
According to the annual Giving USA report, American donors gave more than $260 billion to charitable causes in 2005, a 6.1% increase from 2004. It is estimated that a minimum of $7.37 billion of that total went to disaster relief - about 3% percent of all charitable giving last year. Individual giving was by far the largest source of charitable contributions: $199.07 billion or 76.5% of overall giving. Foundation grantmaking was the second largest source of contributions, reaching $30 billion in 2005, followed by charitable bequests ($17.44 billion, 6.7% of total giving), and corporate contributions ($13.77 billion, 5.3% of total giving). -- Giving USA Foundation
June 26, 2006
Vancouver arts benefactor Michael Audain and his wife, Yoshiko Karasawa, announced a $2 million gift in support of contemporary Canadian acquisitions at the National Gallery of Canada. It's the largest donation the gallery's foundation has received and will be used to create the Audain Endowment for Contemporary Canadian Art. "This fund will ensure that the National Gallery of Canada will have the ability to acquire Canadian contemporary art, and to focus on the unique talents of artists from Canada with an emphasis on British Columbia," said Pierre Théberge, director of the National Gallery of Canada. For more information, visit: www.gallery.ca.
June 26, 2006
The inaugural Conference Board of Canada survey on human resources (HR) metrics reveals that Canadian organizations do not have the bench strength they need to replace their current senior executives who are nearing retirement. According to the 166 Canadian organizations that participated in the study, half of senior executives will be eligible to retire in the next five years, and the feeder pool of second-level executives is just two years younger, on average. "Leadership succession and development is the number one talent-management priority for Canadian organizations responding to the survey," said Ruth Wright, senior research associate, and author of The Strategic Value of People: Human Resources Trends and Metrics. "Given the pressures that an aging workforce are putting on labour markets, the HR function needs to focus on talent development. In addition, HR needs credible and relevant measurements of workforce capability." For more information or to download the report, visit: www.conferenceboard.ca.
June 26, 2006
Human Resources and Social Development Canada has issued its second call for proposals for the Understanding the Early Years (UEY) initiative. The initiative aims to give Canadian children the best possible start in life by providing families and their communities with information on their young children and the factors that influence children's development, as well as the existing programs and services that support them. The deadline for submissions is September 29th. For more information and proposal guidelines, visit: www.sdc.gc.ca.
June 26, 2006
Employees form closer ties with their companies if their firms have strong social alliances with a nonprofit organization, finds a new study by university researchers. "In today's highly competitive labour market, understanding the impact of corporate societal marketing is particularly important, given the increasing prevalence of links between charities and firms," said Ida Berger, a professor at Ryerson University's School of Business Management, and lead author of the study. Researchers found that employees on both sides of a corporate/nonprofit alliance were able to bring their social concerns into the workplace and feel good about what their company or nonprofit organization was doing. Berger says the growth in partnerships between companies and charities is on the rise, and it clearly benefits workers. "It motivates and energizes employees so it's a competitive advantage for companies who are involved in these alliances." The study was published in the spring issue of the Journal of the Academy of Marketing Science. For more information, visit: jam.sagepub.com.
June 26, 2006
A new government survey out of the US reports that 65.4 million adult Americans - about 29% of the population - volunteered their time to charitable organizations in 2005. This is an increase of six million people from three years ago, when the US Census Bureau and the Bureau of Labor Statistics began tracking such data. According to the findings, the typical American volunteer is a white woman who donates her time to a religious organization as a tutor or other position helping children. The Midwest was the region with the largest percentage of volunteers, 33.3%, followed by the western United States (29.2%), the South (27.4%), and the Northeast (25.8). -- Corporation for National and Community Service
June 26, 2006
Former Ontario Cabinet Minister and MPP James W. Snow recently turned over the keys for his Pineland Farm home to the Salvation Army in Milton, Ontario. Valued at $2.1 million, the gift is one of the largest living donations in Salvation Army Canada's history. The 3.6-hectare rural estate includes a 7,000-square-foot home, two remodelled barns with a banquet facility and carpenter shop totalling 15,000 square feet, tennis courts and other amenities. "The Salvation Army has been our preferred charity for many years," Snow said. "We feel they run a very efficient organization and we have always had a lot of trust in them. We donate to other charities, but that's our favourite." The Salvation Army is forming a community needs assessment committee to help determine how best to use the property. For more information, visit: www.torontosalvationarmy.ca.
June 26, 2006
Each year, March of Dimes Canada and Ontario March of Dimes present their annual awards program, which is designed to recognize and thank those individuals, organizations and businesses that have made a significant contribution to creating a society inclusive of people with disabilities. Nominations are due by July 21, 2006 and winners will be announced at the Annual General Meeting at the end of September. For full details about the awards, eligibility criteria and nomination forms go to www.dimes.on.ca.
June 19, 2006
According to the latest edition of the Charity Law Update from Carter & Associates, the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) is temporarily suspending the activities of all of its advisory committees while it reviews the role and mandate of these bodies. Among the suspended advisory committees is the Charities Advisory Committee (CAC), which was formed based upon a recommendation of the Joint Regulatory Table. In a letter to members of the advisory committees, Minister of National Revenue, Carol Skelton indicated that the review, which is expected to be completed by the end of this summer, is intended to ensure that the CRA gets the best possible value from the advisory committee process.
June 19, 2006
Ira Gluskin, and his wife Maxine Granovsky-Gluskin have pledged a gift of $3.5 million to renovate and expand the University of Toronto's economics building. The building will be named Max Gluskin House, in honour of Ira's father. The gift is the Gluskins' second major donation to the university, following their $1 million gift to establish the May Gluskin Chair in Canadian History in 2000, named for Ira Gluskin's mother. "I'd been waiting to do something for economics or business," he said. "I hope that the visibility of the gift will cause someone else to become 'competition', and make a bigger donation to the university." For more information, visit: www.news.utoronto.ca.
June 19, 2006
Proportionately fewer people are employed in the culture sector in rural Canada compared to the nation as a whole, according to a new study. In 2003, less than 3% of Canada's rural workforce was employed in the culture sector. In comparison, just under 4% of the country's total workforce was employed in the culture sector. However, the study also found that culture sector employment grew more quickly than overall employment in rural areas between 1996 and 2003. Rural cultural employment rose at about 2.6% per year, whereas overall rural employment increased at an annual average rate of 1.5%. Within Canada's provinces, rural areas of Newfoundland and Labrador reported the strongest growth in culture sector employment, with an average increase of 8% a year from 1996 to 2003. Alberta's rural areas also reported a strong culture sector employment growth of 6% a year on average during the same period. -- Statistics Canada
June 19, 2006
Last week, the Ministry of International Cooperation announced a new Voluntary Sector Fund, with a budget of $20 million per year to support development projects that strive to reduce poverty and promote human rights. As part of the new fund, Canadian non-governmental organizations across Canada can submit international development proposals to the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) for funding of up to $500,000 per project. New partners such as diaspora groups and professional associations will also be eligible for funding. For more information about eligibility and application guidelines, visit: www.acdi-cida.gc.ca.
June 19, 2006
Texas billionaire Boone Pickens is donating $2 million to the Hotchkiss Brain Institute. The donation will establish the Boone Pickens Centre for Neurological Science and Advanced Technologies, which will be located at the University of Calgary's Health Research Innovation Centre when it opens in April 2007. The new facility will focus on neurosurgery robots, brain pacemakers aimed at helping patients with Parkinson's disease, and brain-cell silicon chips that will focus on epilepsy. For more information, visit: www.hbi.ucalgary.ca.
June 19, 2006
A survey of 167 of the largest charities in the US reveals that online fundraising continues to gain strength. In 2005, online donations to organizations participating in the survey reached $911.9 million. This is up 148% from $366 million in 2004. Among some of the very largest organizations, online fundraising now accounts for 10% to 15% of overall fundraising revenue from all methods. The three organizations that raised the most money online in 2005 were: Fidelity Charitable Gift Fund ($180 million), the American Red Cross ($157.7 million), and United Way of America ($140.9 million). -- Chronicle of Philanthropy
June 19, 2006
The 13th annual Ethics in Action™ Awards are now accepting nominations from BC-based businesses and business leaders who are building new corporate models, and organizations and individuals who exemplify good corporate citizenship by making corporate social responsibility (CSR) a key aspect of their daily operations. Businesses are nominated for awards in such categories as: Community Care, Environmental Excellence, Overall Leadership, and Individual Impact. The deadline for completed applications is July 24th. For more information, visit: www.ethicsinaction.com.
June 19, 2006
IPSCO Inc. president and CEO, David Sutherland announced that the company will contribute $2.5 million to assist with a recently announced renewal and revitalization plan for Regina Exhibition Park. Under the 15-year partnership agreement, the park will be renamed IPSCO Place in recognition of IPSCO's contribution. "IPSCO has been a good corporate citizen in the Regina region for 50 years. I am extremely pleased they are continuing their support of this community through this generous contribution. Corporate partnerships are essential in revitalizing Regina's sport, recreation and entertainment infrastructure," said Regina mayor, Pat Fiacco. For more information, visit: www.ipscoplace.com.
June 19, 2006
A new survey on corporate donations shows that the 62 biggest companies in the US gave $8.4 billion last year, an increase of 14%. The median amount donated rose from $33.4 million in 2004 to $38.2 million in 2005. The rise in corporate giving reflects increases in the companies' revenues (17%) and pretax profits (15%). In addition to financial support, 87% of the companies surveyed said they have a formal volunteer program, with 44% offering paid time off to employees who volunteer. -- Committee to Encourage Corporate Philanthropy
June 19, 2006
Last week, the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) presented Jean Béliveau with a plaque as he passed through Paris. The Quebec man is almost halfway into a 12-year walk around the globe to promote world peace. Ambassadors from more than 30 countries gathered in Paris to honour Béliveau, who left Montreal in August 2000 to walk around the world in the name of non-violence and peace. So far, he has completed 36,000 kilometres of the 76,000-kilometre trek, covering North and South America and Africa.
June 19, 2006
Team Spirit: Aboriginal Girls in Sport, a partnership between the Canadian Association for the Advancement of Women and Sport and Physical Activity (CAAWS) and the Aboriginal Sport Circle, has received sport participation development program funding from Heritage Canada/Sport Canada. As a result, they are now seeking proposals from organizations across Canada to develop and implement multi-year community sport programs for Aboriginal girls and young women. Three programs will be selected to receive $6,000 in funding over two years. Team Spirit is a national project designed to increase community sport opportunities for Aboriginal girls and young women (ages 9-18). Proposals are due August 8, 2006. For more information, visit: caaws.ca.
June 19, 2006
Wal-Mart Canada announced that its Children's Miracle Network fundraising campaign, including the 3rd Annual Wal-Mart Walk for Miracles, met its goal of raising $3 million for 14 children's hospitals nationwide. "We are thrilled that within only a few weeks Wal-Mart stores, along with our customers and suppliers, raised $3 million dollars in support of Canadian kids' health," said Mario Pilozzi, president and CEO, Wal-Mart Canada Corp. "The work that the doctors, nurses and researchers do at these children's hospitals touch us all, and Wal-Mart Canada is proud to be able to help the hospitals continue on with their lifesaving work." For more information about the Walk for Miracles, visit: www.walmartwalkformiracles.ca.
June 12, 2006
Philanthropists Gordon and Leslie Diamond have donated $20 million to the Vancouver General Hospital and UBC Hospital Foundation. In honour of the gift, a new 11-storey centre currently under construction will be named the Gordon & Leslie Diamond Health Care Centre. It will officially open in the fall of 2006. In addition to funding state-of-the-art medical equipment for the new centre, the donation will establish a brand new Leslie Diamond Fund for Women's Health, expand the women's and men's urological health program, and help provide funding for a new CT scanner for the emergency department at VGH. "Our hope is to inspire as many people as possible, so they too can experience how wonderful giving can be," said Leslie Diamond. "I want our great-grandchildren to drive by the centre some day and see this contribution in the hopes that they too will carry on the act of giving." For more information, visit: www.supportvgh.ca.
June 12, 2006
Imagine Canada is now accepting applications for the 2006 Business & Community Partnership Awards. Established in 1996, the awards recognize and celebrate outstanding partnerships between small or large businesses and charitable or nonprofit organizations that are finding new and innovative ways to strengthen and support Canadian communities. The judges will be looking for exemplary partnerships that demonstrate: creative, sustainable solutions that meet a community need; active involvement of both partners in the design and implementation of the project or program; and a wide spectrum of resources brought by both partners. The three winning partnerships will receive national media exposure and community recognition. The deadline for submitting applications is July 7th. For more information, visit: www.imaginecanada.ca.
June 12, 2006
The BC Children's Hospital Miracle Weekend set a new North American record last week, raising $13,086,895. Funds raised through the weekend telethon are used to purchase vital equipment and support clinical care, research and development, and staff and family education programs. The Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO) also held its 24-hour telethon over the weekend and raised $4.9 million, almost half a million more than last year. The money will go to everything from medical research and specialized equipment to books and toys. For more information about the BC Children's Hospital Miracle Weekend, visit: www.bcchf.ca. For more information about CHEO, visit: www.cheo.on.ca.
June 12, 2006
Statistics Canada released the results of its 2004 Canada Survey of Giving, Volunteering and Participating. The CSGVP revealed that more than 22 million Canadians - 85% of the adult population - donated money to a charity or nonprofit in 2004. They donated an estimated $8.9 billion, or an average of $400 each. The five provinces with donor rates higher than the national average were Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, Ontario and New Brunswick. In terms of donating time, Saskatchewan leads the country, with 54% of Saskatchewan residents over the age of 15 volunteering in 2004. The national average is 45%. -- Statistics Canada
June 12, 2006
The steering committee of the 2nd Canadian Conference on Social Enterprise is now accepting workshop proposals. The conference will cover topics such as: early stage/social enterprise planning; operations and growth of social enterprises; and social enterprise environment dialogue. Sessions will balance practical skill-building workshops with sharing of experiences, models, and best practices related to social enterprise development and dialogue on policy and theoretical issues. The conference will be held in Vancouver, BC, January 28 to 31, 2007. The deadline for proposals is July 6th. For more information, visit: www.enterprisingnonprofits.ca.
June 12, 2006
The Milan and Maureen Ilich Foundation has pledged the last $1 million needed to establish a $4-million endowed research chair in statistics and information sciences for arthritis and musculoskeletal diseases. They join donors Merck-Frosst Canada Ltd., the Lohn Foundation, and Simon Fraser University in supporting this partnership between SFU and the Arthritis Research Centre of Canada (ARC). "This research chair will serve as the foundation for the world's only interdisciplinary research partnership devoted to arthritis and musculoskeletal diseases," said SFU president Michael Stevenson. "The program will combine the public health research strength of SFU's new faculty of health sciences with the practical clinical expertise of researchers at the Arthritis Research Centre." For more information, visit: www.sfu.ca.
June 12, 2006
The Toyota Environmental Activities Grant Program is now accepting applications for its 2006 grant cycle. The program provides support to practical projects conducted by NPOs and other private nonprofit groups throughout the world, under the theme of "Environmental Technology and Human Resource Development Contributing to Environmental Revitalization and Conservation". The deadline for applications is July 7th. For more information, visit: www.toyota.co.jp.
June 12, 2006
According to a new survey, 76% of Americans agree that to be socially responsible, companies should place employee salary and wage increases above making charitable contributions. Based on these beliefs about CSR, only 21% of respondents gave US corporations top marks for being socially responsible, and only 30% believe that companies are doing a "somewhat better" or "a lot better" job of being socially responsible than a few years ago. Fifty-three percent of Americans feel that their own online research is one of the most credible means by which to shape their opinions on deciding whether US companies are being socially responsible. -- National Consumers League
June 12, 2006
Johnson & Johnson (J&J), working in conjunction with the Society for the Arts in Healthcare (SAH), seeks proposals from healthcare organizations and/or arts agencies working in partnership to produce innovative projects to serve patients, their families, and caregivers in healthcare settings to promote healing and preventative health. Preference will be given to projects that are new initiatives and have the potential to be replicated. In addition to projects serving broad patient populations and healthcare providers, a portion of grant funds will be reserved for arts programs serving those living with HIV/AIDS, their families, and/or caregivers. Funding is available for programs in the US and Canada that represent leading models and initiatives in high quality healthcare through the use of arts. The deadline for letters of intent is August 16th. For more information, visit: www.thesah.org.
June 12, 2006
The 5th Annual Canadian Environment Awards recently recognized the commitment of Canadians who are helping to protect, preserve, and restore the country's environment. Several nonprofit groups were among the recipients, each of whom received a cash award to donate to the environmental cause of their choice. "These extraordinary Canadians are making a real difference in communities across Canada," said Clive Mather, president and CEO of Shell Canada, founding partner of the Canadian Environment Awards. "We hope their stories will inspire many others to become involved in activities to improve our environment." Award recipients include: Scouts Canada, Héritage Saint-Bernard, Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment, Kitchener-Waterloo YMCA, and Quest Outreach Society. For a complete list of award recipients, visit: www.canadiangeographic.ca.
June 12, 2006
Students at the University of New Brunswick (UNB) received a welcome gift totaling $400,000 from TD Bank Financial Group (TDBFG) and TD Securities. TDBFG's $300,000 donation will create the TD Bank Financial Group Bursaries, which will provide support to students in perpetuity for five annual awards valued at $2,000 each. TD Securities' donation of $100,000 will support UNB Fredericton's Centre for Financial Studies. The centre's award-winning Student Investment Fund (SIF) program gives UNB business students real investment experience in Canada's growing financial services industry. For more information, visit: www.unb.ca.
June 5, 2006
The University Health Network (Toronto General, Toronto Western and Princess Margaret Hospitals) announced that the Peter Munk Charitable Foundation is donating $37 million to the Peter Munk Cardiac Centre (PMCC) at Toronto General Hospital. The Munk donation represents the largest single gift ever made to a Canadian hospital. The gift will fund a new program and facility that will revolutionize the diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular disease. "I am very pleased and proud that I have been able to support in a very tangible way this great Canadian institution and its role as a world centre for cardiac research and treatment," said Peter Munk. For more information, visit: www.uhn.ca/media.
June 5, 2006
The Volunteer Centre of Peel has suspended all services until further notice as a result of alleged "financial misappropriations." A statement posted on the centre's web site says that board members discovered financial discrepancies and "took immediate actions, including legal consultation and contacting funding partners and the police." The centre's core funding from United Way of Peel Region has been suspended as per United Way policy, and with almost 50% of the centre's current budget being funded by United Way, it is not able to financially sustain operations. "We know that many organizations and individuals rely on our services and the decision to suspend services was not taken lightly," the board said in a written statement. For more information, visit: www.volunteerpeel.com.
June 5, 2006
A new provincial grant program will distribute approximately $7.6 million annually to more than 2,600 provincial groups and organizations. All Saskatchewan groups and organizations that hold licensed bingos, raffles and break-open ticket sales will receive a grant equal to 25% of the net revenues raised from these activities. Effective July 1st, 2006, groups eligible for charitable gaming licences will also have the opportunity to hold Texas Hold 'em poker tournaments and 'Monte Carlo' events (mock casinos) as charitable fundraising events. These new categories of charitable gaming will also be eligible for the new grants. For more information, visit: www.gov.sk.ca.
June 5, 2006
A new poll of Canadian business leaders, representing both small and large companies, finds that a majority view charities and their work favourably. However, executives don't believe they need to support them more than they already do. Seventy percent of executives agreed with the statement that charities were more efficient and cost-effective than the government. Nevertheless, only 27% felt that for-profit organizations have an obligation to contribute to "the less fortunate." When asked why Canadian companies don't give more to charity, 42% said firms are already heavily taxed and don't have the ability to give more; 36% agreed that it was improper for companies to give away money that belongs to shareholders; and 20% said charities don't undergo enough scrutiny and oversight to justify giving more. -- COMPAS Inc.
June 5, 2006
The Canada Survey of Giving, Volunteering and Participating (CSGVP) will be released by Statistics Canada on Monday, June 5th at 8:30am (EDT). This largest-ever analysis, conducted jointly by StatsCan and Imagine Canada, involved the participation of more than 22,000 Canadians and provides new information about how Canadians support one another and their communities. Survey details will be available on the StatsCan Daily web site after 8:30am on Monday, June 5th. Visit: www.statcan.ca/english/dai-quo. For highlights from the survey, check out our Cover Story on Monday, June 12th.
June 5, 2006
UNICEF Canada announced last week that it is cancelling its 50-year-old Halloween fundraising campaign. In recent years, Canadians have donated an average of $3 million every Halloween through UNICEF's familiar orange boxes, usually toted door to door by young trick or treaters After consulting with teachers and parents about the Halloween change collection program, UNICEF decided it was time to put the cardboard boxes to rest. Instead, teachers will be given opportunities to organize educational activities that include raising money for people in need. For more information, visit: www.unicef.ca.
June 5, 2006
Richard Rooney, vice chair of the Stratford Festival Board of Governors, and Laura Dinner have pledged $1 million to further the educational activities at the Stratford Festival of Canada. The gift represents a four-year commitment to support education initiatives such as the Teaching Shakespeare School program and further cultivation of youth audiences through the school performances at the festival. The funds will also help establish the Laura Dinner and Richard Rooney Artist/Educator Training Program. For more information, visit: www.stratfordfestival.ca.
June 5, 2006
The Canada Council for the Arts is establishing two new annual awards celebrating outstanding achievement in the field of arts management. The awards pay tribute to the council's former director, John Hobday, and were made possible by a $1 million donation from the Samuel and Saidye Bronfman Family Foundation, which will create a permanent endowment for the awards. Beginning in late 2007, two John Hobday Awards in Arts Management, valued at $10,000 each, will be presented annually. The awards will allow recipients to enhance their own professional development by taking part in a recognized program, seminar, workshop, or a mentorship with another experienced arts manager; or to pass their knowledge on to the next generation by acting as a mentor for a young arts administrator. The competition will be open to both senior and mid-career arts managers. To learn more about the new awards, visit: www.canadacouncil.ca. For more information about the Samuel and Saidye Bronfman Family Foundation, visit: www.bronfmanfoundation.org.
June 5, 2006
According to a survey released last week, Canadians suffering from stress and mental health problems often keep going to work until the point of burnout. A poll of 1,500 Canadians found that stress and mental health problems now account for 40% of long-term disability claims, 35 million lost workdays a year, and 40% of employee turnover. Rising stress levels are attributed to a number of factors, but one of the most notable is wireless technology. Of those surveyed, 83% said wireless technology is either maintaining or increasing stress levels because employees feel they are electronically connected to work round-the-clock. Financial worries and work-life conflict also contribute to rising stress levels. Twenty-one percent of respondents reported experiencing various physical health problems caused by mental health issues, yet 62% of this group maintained regular work schedules, making sacrifices in their personal lives instead. -- Desjardins Financial Security
June 5, 2006
Imperial Oil is donating $3 million to education programs across Canada to continue to address the country's growing requirement for educated youth, and science and technology skills. Through the company's Building Futures program, the funds will be invested at McGill University, York University, Junior Achievement Canada, YMCA Calgary, Let's Talk Science, and the Canadian Petroleum Interpretive Centre of Alberta. For more information, visit: www.imperialoil.ca.
June 5, 2006
The City of Toronto is now accepting nominations for its Community Service Volunteer Awards. Each year, through the awards, the city honours local residents who contribute to their communities and help to motivate others to do the same. The deadline for nominations is June 30th. For more information and submission guidelines, visit: www.toronto.ca/volunteer_awards.
June 5, 2006
The C.D. Howe Institute announced that businessman and philanthropist Roger Phillips has given the institute a $1 million endowment to establish the Roger Phillips Scholar in Social Policy. "This donation represents my firm belief that independent public policy research, particularly social policy research, is absolutely vital to the nation's future prosperity and the well-being of all Canadians," said Roger Phillips. This is the largest donation the C.D. Howe Institute has ever received. For more information, visit: www.cdhowe.org.
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