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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: May 2007
Articles are arranged in reverse chronological order.
Patient care in Hamilton gets a major boost
May 28, 2007
Patient care facilities at St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton will undergo significant enhancements thanks to a $5 million donation from David Braley. Of that funding, $1 million will support a new in-patient unit dedicated to comprehensive kidney-urinary care, while the other $4 million will support the creation of eighteen new state-of-the-art operating rooms capable of offering the latest technologies to patients and supporting St. Joseph’s role as a leader in the provision of cancer surgeries. For more information, visit: www.stjoes.ca.
May 28, 2007
The Council on Foundations and European Foundation Centre (EFC) have launched the Principles of Accountability for International Philanthropy. It is the result of a two-year collaboration to explore the concept of accountability as it specifically relates to philanthropy that crosses national borders. The seven principles outlined in the report are: integrity, understanding, respect, responsiveness, fairness, cooperation and collaboration, and effectiveness. For more information or to download the full report, visit: www.usig.org.
Fast Fact: Corporate foundations gave record amount in 2006
May 28, 2007
According to a new report from the US-based Foundation Center, corporate foundations gave a record $4.2 billion in 2006, up 6% from the previous year. It is the first time that corporate giving has topped the $4 billion mark, accounting for 11% of all foundation giving last year. As well, 57% of foundations expect to give even more in 2007. Nearly half of all support from corporate foundations goes to causes related to education (25%) and public affairs/social benefit (22%), followed by human services (19%), health (12%), arts and culture (11%), international development (4%), environment and animals (3%), and science and technology (2%). -- Foundation Center
May 28, 2007
Toronto Argonauts co-owners David Cynamon and Howard Sokolowski announced last week that the team will donate $4 million over five years to the SickKids Foundation. "It's a big decision, because there are so many great institutions," Cynamon said. "We realized how much a professional athlete can contribute to a child, especially one with some physical or health issues." As part of the deal, SickKids Foundation will become the official charitable partner for the 2007 Grey Cup. For more information about SickKids, visit: www.sickkids.ca.
May 28, 2007
British Columbia's Tourism, Sport and the Arts Minister, Stan Hagen, announced that the BC Museums Association will administer a $350,000 grant program for BC's museums, art galleries, historic sites and heritage institutions as part of the province’s BC2008 celebrations. Projects must align with the province’s five pillars for BC2008: heritage, communities, Aboriginals, multiculturalism, and arts and culture. Grants may match up to 50% of project costs, to a maximum of $10,000. The first application intake deadline is July 15, 2007. For more information, visit: www.museumsassn.bc.ca.
May 28, 2007
A survey, commissioned by the Information and Volunteer Centre for Strathcona County in Alberta, shows that its residents are more likely to volunteer than their provincial or national counterparts. Overall, the majority of Strathcona County residents are active volunteers, with 50.6% of residents volunteering for a group or organization within the past 12 months. This is higher than the overall volunteer rate for both Alberta (48%) and Canada (45%). When volunteering, Strathcona County residents: fundraise (56.2%); organize, supervise or coordinate activities/events (54.7%); sit as a committee or board member (46.3%); teach/educate/mentor (31.3%); do office work, bookkeeping, admin or library work (31%); and collect/serve/deliver food or goods (27.7%) -- Information and Volunteer Centre for Strathcona County
May 28, 2007
Community Foundations of Canada marks its 15th anniversary this year. Over the years, it has grown from a small group of foundations spread across the country, to a national movement with an international reputation and a presence in more than 155 of Canada’s urban and rural communities. “Canada’s community foundations have come of age in the 15 years since our association was founded; we started with 28 members and today we exist in every province and one territory, serving almost 90% of the population,” said Monica Patten, CEO of Community Foundations of Canada (CFC). Together, community foundations are one of the country’s largest grantmakers, contributing $137 million to communities in 2006. For more information, visit: www.cfc-fcc.ca
May 28, 2007
nfpSynergy, a UK-based think-tank and research consultancy, published The State of the Third Sector 2007, the first installment of an annual survey carried out in conjunction with Third Sector magazine. The survey aims to track the mood of the sector over time, on key issues such as external pressures, government initiatives, stakeholder relations, and more. According to the first report, 92% of respondents feel that "the public doesn't understand how charities work". The report also looks at other key concerns in the sector, and offers suggestions for change. For more information or to download the report, visit: www.nfpsynergy.net.
May 28, 2007
In a recent survey, 37% of American e-mail users said spam has increased in their personal e-mail accounts, up from 28% of e-mail users who said that two years ago. And 29% of work e-mail users said spam has increased in their work e-mail accounts, up from 21% two years ago. However, the percentage of users who say spam is a big problem has dropped to 18%. Users have become more sophisticated about dealing with spam, with 71% using filters offered by their e-mail provider or employer to block spam. And while spam has not become a significant deterrent to the use of e-mail, it continues to degrade the integrity of e-mail, with about 55% of e-mail users reporting that they have lost trust in e-mail because of spam. -- Pew Research Center
May 22, 2007
The Lake of the Woods District Hospital Foundation in Kenora announced the largest one-time donation in its history. Richard and Millie Stovel of Toronto pledged $1 million dollars to the local Kenora hospital to support a renovation project for the surgical services department. The couple spends half the year in Kenora on Lake of the Woods. "We wanted to make a difference," said Richard Stovel in a press release. "We feel that Kenora deserves to have the support of summer residents such as ourselves. Too often we forget about the need of the communities where our secondary residences are located." For more information about Lake of the Woods District Hospital Foundation, visit: www.lwdh.on.ca/Foundation/index.htm.
May 22, 2007
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) recently announced that registered charities can now fill out their annual return and attachments online. The CRA says creating these basic fillable forms is the first step along the road to providing registered charities with electronic filing options in the future. For more information, visit: www.cra-arc.gc.ca/tax/charities/menu-e.html.
May 22, 2007
A new study released by the Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University and the Aspen Institute's Nonprofit Sector and Philanthropy Program, reveals that a large majority of foundations (69%) support nonprofits' overhead expenses, such as rent, administrative staff, accounting systems, or strategic planning. And nearly half make grants for general operating support. However, among the nonprofits surveyed, two-thirds say they lack adequate funding for their overhead, and 75% report that they do not rely on foundation funding to pay for such core operations."This study demonstrates the need for better communication between nonprofits and foundations about these issues," said Eugene R. Tempel, executive director of the Center on Philanthropy. "Nonprofits should more fully explore foundations' willingness to fund administrative costs. And given the short duration of much foundation funding, nonprofits and foundations together should also consider ways that foundations may be able to help nonprofits identify and develop other sustainable sources of overhead support." For more information or to download the study, visit: www.philanthropy.iupui.edu.
May 22, 2007
A recent study conducted by Charity Navigator, a US-based charitable organization that provides evaluative financial data about charities, concludes that "special events seem to be an extremely inefficient way of raising contributions." Using information gleaned from the IRS Form 990, the study found that 49% of charities held special events in their most recent fiscal year, and that special events generate 15% of all contributions to organizations. However, on average, the charities studied spent $1.33 to raise $1 in special events contributions, compared to an average overall fundraising rate of $.13 to raise $1. -- Charity Navigator
May 22, 2007
The Canada Council for the Arts, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, is asking the arts community and the public to help guide the future directions of the national arts funding agency. In developing its strategic plan for 2008-2011, the Canada Council will be holding consultations over the next two months with a wide range of service organizations representing various components of the arts community, as well as other provincial, territorial and regional arts funders and federal departments and agencies. The council is also enabling other interested individuals and organizations to provide their input through its web site. For more information, visit: www.ccarts.ca.
May 22, 2007
Last week, the Alberta government announced the creation of the Alberta Creative Development Initiative, a new $6-million fund that will support further development of the arts in Alberta over the next three years. The fund is the result of a partnership between the Alberta Foundation for the Arts (AFA) and the Canada Council for the Arts. Each organization will contribute $1 million per year for three years to the new program, which will provide grants to professional artists and arts organizations. Funding will be awarded based on peer assessment and artistic merit, with full details of the grant process to be announced in the fall. For more information, visit: www.gov.ab.ca.
May 22, 2007
The Kingston Whig-Standard reported last week that area hospitals are upset about fundraisers from Toronto's Hospital for Sick Children soliciting donations on the streets of Kingston for the past month. "It's just not right that they're here raising money," said Roger Wright, chairman of the University Hospitals Kingston Foundation. "It's fundamentally wrong." The foundation wrote a letter suggesting Sick Kids shouldn't be fundraising on Kingston streets when the local foundation was trying to do the same for the pediatrics wing at Kingston General Hospital. The Sick Kids Foundation responded with a letter stating it was interested in seeing a pediatric wing in Kingston. It proposed working with the local foundation on fundraising. "The feeling is that we have a need to mutually support each other," said Kingston Foundation executive director Denise Cumming. "We have a significant need for support."
May 22, 2007
The Sault Area Hospital will be able to purchase new equipment thanks to a gala event featuring Andrew Lloyd Webber's musical Cats. During the Algoma District School Board production of the musical, a cheque for $150,000 was presented to hospital fundraisers. About 50% of the money was raised through the student production, with the remainder generated through payroll deductions and pledges, book sales, bake sales, hat days, dress-down days, and numerous other fundraising events at schools district-wide. For more information about Sault Area Hospital, visit: www.sah.on.ca
May 22, 2007
One out of every three Canadians (31%) identifies themselves as a workaholic, and these individuals are much more likely to be dissatisfied with the balance between their work and family time than other workers, a Statistics Canada study has found. About 39% of self-identified workaholics reported that they usually worked 50 or more hours per week, twice the proportion of only 20% among non-workaholics. On the other hand, 65% of workaholics worried that they do not spend enough time with family and friends, a much higher proportion than the 45% of non-workaholics who reported doing so. They were also more likely to report that the general state of their health was fair or poor, and that they had trouble sleeping. And 56% felt they simply did not have time for fun, much higher than the one-third (34%) of non-workaholics who felt that way. -- Statistics Canada
May 22, 2007
The Toyota Environmental Activities Grant Program is now accepting applications for its 2007 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 submissions is June 8th. For more information and application guidelines, visit: www.toyota.co.jp/en/environment/ecogrant/
May 22, 2007
Islanders responded generously to the 2007 Easter Seals campaign in PEI. This year's campaign was up 25% over 2006 and is projected to raise $178,574. "This is our highest-ever total," said co-chair Peter MacDougall. MacDougall credited the generosity of Islanders, an energetic ambassador in Anthony Comeau, and tireless volunteers. "They all went above and beyond the call." The campaign supports Island children, youth and adults with disabilities. For more information about Easter Seals PEI, visit: www.eastersealspei.com.
May 22, 2007
The Global Development Network's Eighth Annual Global Development Awards and Medals Competition is now open. Carrying prizes in cash and travel worth nearly $240,000, this is the largest international competition on development research. The competition is unique in that it is open only to researchers from developing and transition countries. Entrants must submit an ongoing development project implemented in a developing or transition country. Criteria include the degree of innovation and the potential for broad application of the project in other countries. The five themes for this year's competition are:The deadline for entries is August 20, 2007. For more information, visit: www.gdnet.org
- Fragile States: Addressing Vulnerability
- Household Exposure to Risk: Effects on Poverty
- The Rule of Law: Providing Security for Development
- Women's Rights, Security and Development: Challenges and Opportunities
- Natural Resources: Risks and Implications for Sustaining Development
May 14, 2007
Ian Telfer, chairman of Vancouver-based Goldcorp Inc., announced last week that he is donating $25 million to his alma mater, the University of Ottawa. The gift will be directed to the university's School of Management, making it the largest gift in the school's history. "Over 30 years ago, the School of Management made an investment in me; now it's my turn to return the favour and make an investment in the school," said Telfer. In recognition of his donation, the management school will be renamed the Telfer School of Management. For more information, visit: www.media.uottawa.ca.
May 14, 2007
The RCMP Heritage Centre received a significant donation last week, with the commitment of $1.5 million from SGI CANADA, the competitive arm of Saskatchewan Government Insurance. In recognition of the donation, the multimedia theatre at the centre will be named the SGI CANADA Theatre. “The RCMP Heritage Centre...will be a prime tourist destination, drawing visitors from across Canada and beyond to Saskatchewan," said the Honourable Glenn Hagel, the Minister responsible for SGI CANADA. Designed by world-renowned Canadian architect Arthur Erickson, the $40-million Heritage Centre project is one of the most significant heritage developments currently underway in Canada. For more information about the centre, visit: www.rcmpheritagecentre.com.
May 14, 2007
A recent survey of nonprofit marketing trends reveals that only 37% of nonprofits track marketing impact. However, 95% of respondents report having one or more significant successes, and almost 80% cited three or more significant marketing successes. Fifty-five percent cited lack of resources and leadership support as the greatest barriers to marketing success, while 32% cited lack of clarity in messaging and marketing agenda. As well, 52% are frustrated at not meeting fundraising, media coverage, or other marketing goals. -- Nancy Schwartz & Company
May 14, 2007
Concerned Friends of Ontario Citizens in Care Facilities has released a report entitled, Creating Welcoming Communities in Long-Term Care Homes - Support for Ethno-cultural and Spiritual Diversity. Concerned Friends, a volunteer consumer group dedicated to improving the quality of care of residents in long-term care homes, observed that people of various ethno-cultural, linguistic or religious backgrounds face challenges in selecting and adapting to long-term care options because of cultural and linguistic barriers.The report identified systemic barriers, and examined good practices and existing models to increase cultural competency. It recommends that stakeholders collectively work with the Local Health Integration Networks (LHINs) to develop province-wide and regional resources (information, supports, advisory groups) that support long-term care homes, families and communities in achieving cultural competency, and encourage the development of a Community of Practice that will focus on the development of cultural competence in long-term care homes. For more information or to download the full report, visit: www.concernedfriends.ca.
May 14, 2007
Thousands of participants in more than 50 communities across the country raised a record-breaking $3 million for Kids Help Phone during the sixth annual Bell Walk for Kids Help Phone. This year's total represents an 11% increase over last year. "The funds raised at this year's event will have a significant impact on Kids Help Phone's ability to be there for kids by phone and online," said Tom McAllister, president and CEO, Kids Help Phone. "Events like the Bell Walk for Kids Help Phone make it possible for us to provide the professional counsellors needed to meet the ongoing demand for our telephone services and to respond to the sharp increases in kids requesting web-based counselling support." For more information about Kids Help Phone, visit: www.kidshelpphone.ca.
May 14, 2007
The Gilbert Center is seeking research papers for the new Journal of Networks and Civil Society. The center is interested in rigorously designed research addressing all aspects of networks and civil society, including research dealing with a number of related topics including:The deadline for proposals is Thursday, May 17th. For more information, visit: www.gilbert.org/journals/ncs/CallForPapers
- community ties and the effectiveness of movements,
- civil society organization in the context of networks,
- key leverage points in the (re)building of social networks,
- network building as advocacy and social change strategy,
- and new funding and accountability models for network centric civil society initiatives.
May 14, 2007
The Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation recently announced the five latest recipients of the $225,000 Trudeau Foundation Fellows Prize. Fellowships are awarded for outstanding contributions to the social sciences and humanities in Canada and around the world. The 2007 Fellows are:For more information, visit: www.fondationtrudeau.ca
- William D. Coleman - Canada Research Chair on Global Governance and Public Policy and founding director of the Institute on Globalization and the Human Condition at McMaster University.
- Eric Helleiner - CIGI Chair in International Governance at University of Waterloo.
- Shana Poplack - Canada Research Chair in Linguistics and Distinguished Professor at University of Ottawa.
- William E. Rees - Distinguished Professor in the School of Community and Regional Planning (SCARP) at University of British Columbia.
- Joseph Yvon Thériault - founding director of the Centre for Interdisciplinary Research on Citizenship and Minorities (CIRCEM) at University of Ottawa.
May 14, 2007
The Electronic Recycling Associations (ERA) is partnering with charities and nonprofit groups to collect old computers, laptops, servers and networking equipment for further use. Corporations and government departments across Canada are encouraged to send their old equipment to ERA so it can be distributed to charities, nonprofit groups, and similar organizations who can not otherwise afford such equipment. The ERA, which is itself a nonprofit organization, will collect old computer and server equipment, refurbish it, make sure all data is removed, and provide it to organizations and individuals in need. It currently has an outstanding request list with more than 100 charities and nonprofit groups waiting for computer and networking equipment. Many charities are applying daily for equipment, and the ERA welcomes more charities to request computers and electronic equipment for their needs. ERA can schedule a pickup for 20 or more computers from any company or government department in Canada. It also has drop-off depots, enabling residents and the public to take part and donate their personal computers. For more information and a complete list of charities in need, visit: www.era.ca
May 14, 2007
STARS (the Alberta Shock Trauma Air Rescue Society) recently received a major gift of $500,000 from Shell Canada. The funding will be directed toward the purchase of two new high-technology AW139 helicopters. “Shell’s generous contribution toward the purchase of the AW139s will allow STARS to serve our growing and aging population by having helicopters that can fly faster and further than the current fleet,” said Dr. Greg Powell, STARS president and CEO. “The aircraft are being engineered with custom medical interiors designed to maximize patient load and ergonomics, while providing optimal medical care,” he added. Including this recent donation, Shell Canada has contributed more than $1.3 million to STARS in the past few years as part of its commitment to emergency preparedness. For more information about STARS, visit: www.stars.ca
May 7, 2007
A new study sponsored by the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) finds that charities are effective in attracting new donors, but more attention needs to be paid to donor retention. The Fundraising Effectiveness Project (FEP), a collaboration between AFP and the Urban Institute’s Center on Nonprofits and Philanthropy, measured increases and decreases in new, upgraded, recaptured, downgraded and lapsed donors. According to the study, fundraising revenue increased in 2005 by 10.5%, led by a 62.4% increase in revenue from new, recaptured and upgraded donors. However, charities also suffered a 51.9% loss in donor revenue because of downgraded and lapsed donors. The FEP also found that for every six donors that charities attract, five other donors stop supporting the organizations. In 2005, the donor population increased by a total of 13.1%. New and recaptured donors increased by 60.4%, but this gain was offset by a loss of 47.4% of the donor population from 2004. For more information, visit: www.afpnet.org.
May 7, 2007
Well-known philanthropists Les and Irene Dube have pledged $1 million toward the building of the new Holy Family Cathedral in Saskatoon. "The church is very close to us and we're a spiritual family. We have the ability to fund projects. Our faith teaches us to be stewards of our wealth," said Dube, a life-long member of the Catholic Church. Half of the $12 million needed for the new cathedral has already been raised, and the Dubes hope their donation spurs others to give. Last month, the couple donated $1 million to a new urology centre of health, and in 2005 they gave $1 million to help develop the St. Thomas Moore service learning project.
May 7, 2007
The All Saints Greek Orthodox Church in Toronto is facing a huge financial headache after a fundraising company used the church's name to issue $273 million in apparently phony charitable tax receipts over the past five years. ICC Worldwide Missions Ltd. of Concord, Ontario enticed donors, who were typically not church members, to pay $3,405 or more to purchase "essential medical and educational supplies". For each $3,405 payment, donors would get a $20,650 tax receipt because ICC promised to appraise the goods at a much higher value. Federal officials estimate the scheme may have deprived government coffers of more than $100 million in unpaid taxes. "We were absolutely stunned when we found out about this," said Bill Arvanitis, the church board's new vice president. "Our little parish is struggling to meet its needs. I can tell you we did not receive $273 million in donations." The Canada Revenue Agency has begun tax audits on almost 3,000 donors to the "All Saints Giving Trust" - the tax shelter created by the fundraiser.
May 7, 2007
The latest Association of Fundraising Professionals’ (AFP) Compensation and Benefits Study found that the average salary for U.S. respondents rose to US$71,305 in 2006 - a 6% increase from the average in 2005. Average salaries for Canadian fundraisers increased by 9.2%, to C$71,827. In Canada, average salaries ranged from C$58,451 in the Eastern provinces to C$76,294 in the Central provinces. Fundraisers working for consulting agencies enjoyed the highest average salary of C$92,780, followed by those individuals employed by government (C$82,000) and scientific or research organizations (C$78,083).The study also found that a significant gender gap persists. Male fundraisers in the United States reported an average salary of $85,848 in 2006, while women earned $66,626 on average. In Canada, male fundraisers reported an average salary of C$85,362 in 2006. Women earned C$67,286 on average. Seventy-four percent of all survey respondents classified themselves as female, while 25% classified themselves as male. -- Association of Fundraising Professionals
May 7, 2007
The Rotary Club of Windsor announced last week that it will give $1 million to the John McGivney Children's Centre and $500,000 to Maryvale Adolescent and Family Services. Combined, it was the largest donation in the club's 89-year history. Both contributions will go toward the construction of new facilities. For more information, visit: www.jmccentre.ca.
May 7, 2007
A new study commissioned by Google.org and conducted by the Indiana University Center on Philanthropy argues that less than one-third of all charitable giving is directed toward the poor and others in need. The study found that of the more than $250 billion in charitable giving in 2005, less than $78 billion targeted those in need. Only 8% of all donations provided food, shelter and other basic necessities, while another 23% provided services such as medical treatment, educational opportunities, job training initiatives and similar programs. The initial results of the study were published in an opinion piece in The Wall Street Journal (“The Charity Gap,” April 4, 2007; paid registration required). It noted that even among the wealthy, the trend is strong. For donors earning more than $1 million per year, 4% of their overall giving went to cover basic needs and 19% to other programs for the poor. Only 8% of American giving supports international causes of any kind, according to the study.
May 7, 2007
The 2007 International ePhilanthropy Awards honour individuals, organizations, and companies working in the e-philanthropy field. Awards will be given to the best integrated online and offline e-philanthropy campaign, the best online donations/fundraising campaign, the best online special event registration and/or membership campaign, the best community building/volunteerism and/or activism campaign, and the best senior-friendly website design and/or online campaign. Nominees will have demonstrated extraordinary talent, creativity, and insight in drawing the public's attention to the important use of the Internet for philanthropic purposes and have created services or strategies that support this effort. The deadline for nominations is July 1st. For more information, visit: http://www.ephilanthropy.org
May 7, 2007
The recent Sow Hope in the World benefit successfully mobilized Montreal's business community, filled the Cirque du Soleil's big top and raised $530,000 for Oxfam-Québec. The proceeds from this event will help fund development support projects that will improve the lives of young people at risk around the world. Oxfam-Québec works in more than 20 developing countries, supporting the most vulnerable people, particularly women, youth, refugees and displaced persons. The agency provides access to basic education, training, funding for micro-enterprise, and water as a source of life and local development. For more information about Oxfam-Québec, visit: www.oxfam.qc.ca
May 7, 2007
The latest Sunday Times Giving Index reports that the number of UK billionaires has risen by 14 to 68, and the wealthiest 1,000 citizens have increased their total fortune by 20% to almost £360 billion. Together, these wealthy individuals pledged £1.2 billion to charitable causes. David and Heather Stevens top the list of most generous donors this year, donating shares equivalent to £100.3 million or 87% of their £115 million wealth generated from founding the Admiral insurance business. – The Sunday Times
May 7, 2007
According to a new report by TD Economics, the charitable sector has benefited significantly from the 100% tax exemption on the capital gains of publicly-listed securities and mutual funds donated to charities. "We've definitely seen an increase in donations of securities over the past year, and I believe we've just scratched the surface," says Jo-Anne Ryan, vice president of Philanthropic Advisory Services and executive director of the Private Giving Foundation launched by TD Waterhouse. "We need to continue to get the message out to Canadian investors that donating stocks offers a major advantage." She adds that, "the rise of securities donations, along with the emergence of donor-advised funds such as the Private Giving Foundation, signals a new era for the charitable sector in Canada. The trend toward 'strategic philanthropy' answers donors' desire for more control over their charitable giving. And it is, of course, a welcome development for those whose lives are made better by the work of our charitable institutions." For more information, visit: micro.newswire.ca
May 7, 2007
Public, elementary, secondary and separate schools across Canada are eligible to apply for 2007/2008 Band Aid Grants of $10,000 each toward the purchase of new musical instruments. Band Aid Grants are a component of MusiCan, the music education program of the Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (CARAS), now celebrating its 10th anniversary. All applications must be received by August 1, 2007 to be considered. For more information, visit: www.musican.ca
May 7, 2007
An Edmonton man recently raised $2,800 when his colleagues rallied around to help him lose weight. "It's the most unusual fundraiser anyone has ever done for us," says Susan Deike, manager of development and communications for Alberta Guide Dog Services.Lionel Corrigan, an occupational health and safety officer for the City of Edmonton, weighed 396 pounds when he started working with his doctor to shed his extra pounds. To help encourage him toward his goal, a group of his co-workers got together and each pledged a dollar for every pound that he dropped. In just over a year, Corrigan lost 184 pounds and says that he feels better than he's felt in 35 years, partly because of his healthier weight, and partly because of the amount he was able to raise for the guide dog program. For more information about Alberta Guide Dog Services, visit: www.bcguidedog.com.
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