Publising Note: Because of the holidays, the next issue of NewBytes will be published on Monday, January 5, 2009.
CharityVillage shares your good news!
December 22, 2008
Since so much of the news these days is all doom and gloom, we asked our readers to send in good news stories - stories of great work being done in the community, unexpected donations, or the kind deeds of good Samaritans. We’re happy to report that there are many, many great things happening across Canada, and we invite you to take a look at just a few of them. To read our Good News File, please visit: www.charityvillage.com/cv/archive/anew/anew08/GoodNews.asp.
Bay Street joins with charities, calling for federal relief fund
December 22, 2008
As reported by the globeandmail.com, Ontario charities joined forces with Bay Street recently, forming a coalition that is calling for the federal government to create a recession relief fund that will prevent charities working with low income and vulnerable members of society from receiving further cutbacks due to the forecasted economic recession. The coalition is awaiting response from a letter they sent to the government, formally asking for a meeting. Investors in the private sector are increasingly concerned that they won't be able to keep up past levels of donations, and are waiting for the government to announce their intentions of how this shortfall will be handled. For more information, visit: www.theglobeandmail.com.
$3 million raised for children’s charities on Miracle Day
December 22, 2008
CIBC announced that its employees raised $3.1 million for children's charities in Canada on CIBC World Markets Miracle Day, December 3, 2008. Every year since 1984, on the first Wednesday in December, CIBC World Markets sales and trading staff and CIBC Wood Gundy investment advisors donate their fees and commissions to support children. Over the past 24 years, Miracle Day has raised more than $44 million in Canada. Funds raised are turned over to the CIBC World Markets Children's Foundation, who then issues grants to charities across Canada. For more information, visit: www.cibcwm.com.
Two Canadian voluntary service organizations merge to form new group
December 22, 2008
CUSO and VSO-Canada merged on November 1, 2008. By joining forces, the new entity becomes Canada’s largest international cooperation agency that works through volunteers. The new organization - CUSO-VSO - is the North American member of the worldwide VSO Federation. The federation includes VSO (Voluntary Service Overseas) organizations in the UK, the Netherlands, Kenya, and the Philippines, in addition to Canada and the United States. CUSO was founded in 1961, and VSO Canada in 1995. Between them, they have sent more than 12,000 volunteers to grassroots projects of international development. The combined strengths of the two Canadian organizations allows the new not-for-profit agency to expand programs, diversify sources of funding, recruit more volunteers, and better engage Canadians on global issues. For more information, visit: www.cuso.org.
Tides Canada chooses their top ten Canadian charities
December 22, 2008
Tides Canada, a charitable organization focused on the environment, social justice, and increasing the impact of Canada’s charities and nonprofits, released their top 10 charities for 2008. Tides chooses organizations that "address the root causes of complex environmental and social problems, not just the symptoms. This demands innovation, strategic thinking, passion, skill, and cooperation." Charities featured on the list are as varied as PowerUp Canada, an environmental organization, and Hoodlinc, an organization working with at-risk urban youth in Toronto.
For more information, including a full list of selected charities, visit: tidescanada.org.
Fire at Oshawa humane society kills some 200 animals
December 22, 2008
According to a report by cbcnews.ca, a fire at the Humane Society of Durham County killed some 140 cats, three dogs, and 60 hamsters, guinea pigs and other small animals. Firefighters were only able to save ten dogs, two cats, and a rat. The fire completely gutted the building and officials have not yet discovered the cause of the fire. Grief counsellors have been called in to assist staff and volunteers, and the Ontario SPCA will assist the society in rebuilding. The owners of the local General Motors Place will also be donating a portion of proceeds from an upcoming IAMS SuperDogs show to the society. For more information, visit: www.humanedurham.com.
Fraser Institute releases 2008 Generosity Index
December 22, 2008
Interest in the charitable sector is heightened each year as the holiday season approaches. The charitable sector depends on the generosity of thousands of ordinary citizens who donate privately to charities to enhance the quality of life in their communities and beyond. The Fraser Institute’s annual Generosity Index measures this private monetary generosity using readily available data on the extent and depth of charitable donations, as recorded on personal income tax returns in Canada and the United States. As in previous years, the 2008 index reveals a substantial generosity gap between these two countries, with almost 30% of US citizens filing tax returns reporting charitable activity, as opposed to only 24.7% of Canadians.
For more information, and to download the full report, visit: www.fraserinstitute.org.
Fast Fact: Canadians want charity for Christmas
December 22, 2008
Three in four (76%) of Canadians agree that they would prefer to receive a 'meaningful gift that would help someone else', rather than a traditional gift like 'a pair of socks or a sweater'. Women (82%) are more likely than men (69%) to indicate this to be the case, while 81% of older Canadians, 75% of middle-aged Canadians, and 70% of younger Canadians would prefer a meaningful gift. Residents of Saskatchewan and Manitoba (85%) are most likely to say the same, followed by those living in Atlantic Canada (78%), Ontario (77%), British Columbia (77%), Quebec (72%) and Alberta (68%). -- Ipsos Reid
Volunteer Canada looking for photographs and videos of your volunteers at work!
December 22, 2008
In 2009, National Volunteer Week is April 19-25, and while this may seem far away, at Volunteer Canada their planning is in full swing - and they want you to play a role. Between now and January 23, 2009, they are seeking photos and video footage of your organization in action as part of a new effort to create a portal of stories and information on the NVW 2009 website. A key thing to remember is that videos and photographs do not need to be professionally done. A team of video editors will work with the footage, add your logo and website, and then upload it onto the NVW website. Please upload videos to drop.io, and e-mail your photographs to outreach@volunteer.ca. For more information on the project, or for more instructions on how to upload your videos, please e-mail outreach@volunteer.ca.
ACTRA set to open credit union early next year
December 22, 2008
The Alliance of Canadian Cinema, Television and Radio Artists (ACTRA) will open their own credit union in Toronto early next year. The Creative Arts Savings & Credit Union will be run by a board of directors elected by members of ACTRA and profits will be funneled back to members instead of going to outside shareholders. Since artists often have unpredictable incomes, the credit union will be better able to provide services to workers in such a unique industry. Although the credit union will have offices in Toronto, services will primarily be conducted over the phone and Internet. For more information about ACTRA, visit: www.actratoronto.com.
Councillors in London, Ontario bail out local orchestra
December 22, 2008
Politicians in London, Ontario have agreed to guarantee a $500,000 loan to Orchestra London, essentially bailing out the organization, cbcnews.ca reports. The vote came just as city councillors learned that the organization is projected to be operating at a $900,000 loss as of next June. The city already funds the organization $460,000 per year. Councillors who opposed the loan guarantee are worried about funding requests from other organizations. Orchestra London is confident in their ability to pay back the loan, owing to higher than normal donations and the end of their collective agreement in June next year, which will see a 16.8% cut in wages and benefits for staff.
For more information about Orchestra London, visit: www.orchestralondon.ca.
Fast Fact: More bosses screening potential employees on Facebook
December 22, 2008
According to a recent report, 22% of hiring managers surveyed indicated that they do screen potential employees through the social networking site, Facebook. This is up from 11% in 2006. Of these, 34% have found content that has made them drop the candidate, with 41% suggesting that information about drugs and alcohol played a part in their decision. Further, 40% found that inappropriate or provocative photographs and information were also reasons for not continuing with a candidate. Hiring managers also commented on poor communication skills, lying about qualifications, candidates using discriminatory remarks related to race, gender or religion, and an unprofessional screen name. Despite this, 24% of these hiring managers found information that helped solidify their decision to hire a candidate. Information included good communication skills and having a professional site that conveyed a wide range of interests.
-- Careerbuilder.com
Ski race raises more than $1 million for Canadian charities
December 22, 2008
The 8th edition of the 24h of
Tremblant was a resounding success, bringing in more than $1 million. The event combines a friendly ski race, concerts, and fundraising, all at the Mont Tremblant Resort in Quebec. Thanks to the record participation of 210 teams totalling 1,700 participants, to Cybéle team who brought in the highest amount of donations - $46,842, and to the support of partners, the organizing committee surpassed their $1 million goal. Funds raised at the event will be turned over to the Charles Bruneau Cancerology Centre Foundation, the Ottawa Senators Foundation, and the Tremblant Foundation.
For more information, visit: www.24htremblant.com.
CharityVillage demographic survey results are here!
December 15, 2008
CharityVillage.com has a loyal audience, judging from the results of our latest demographic survey, conducted earlier this fall. We discovered that almost 60% of you have been visiting us for two years or more, and 65% visit more than once per week! Thanks to all of our readers for making our site the success it is today, and of course, we'd like to send out a big thank you to everyone who took time from their busy day to participate in our survey. Everyone who took part was eligible to enter our random draw for an iPod Touch, and we're happy to announce the winner, Natalie Malek! For more information, including the full survey results, visit: www.charityvillage.com/cv/adv/baninfo9.html.
CRA revokes status of Montreal arts foundation
December 15, 2008
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) revoked the charitable registration of the Fondation des Arts H.B. Ltée/H.B. Arts Foundation Ltd., a Montreal-area charity, effective December 6, 2008. According to CRA documents, the charity received in excess of $13 million in donations and paid $650,611 in professional fees. In the same period, the charity reported only $15,344 in charitable activity. In a letter to the charity, the CRA states, "it appears the primary, if not sole purpose of the charity is to receive funds and flow these funds to offshore accounts as instructed, issue tax receipts, and to pay persons associated with the scheme." For more information, visit: www.cra-arc.gc.ca.
Thieves target Vancouver-area food banks in multiple raids
December 15, 2008
Two Vancouver charities were hit hard last week by thefts that have the city up in arms. According to the Financial Post, the Surrey Food Bank was the victim of thieves who broke in five times in six days, stealing expensive items such as computers, monitors, and tools. No food was taken. Although the office has an alarm, the thieves were gone by the time police arrived. The robbers gained access by breaking doors and windows, and then, in subsequent break-ins, breaking the plywood coverings before the building could be repaired. The last break-in occurred just before a security guard, hired because of the thefts, started his shift. For more information about the Surrey Food Bank, visit: www.surreyfoodbank.org.
A Vancouver Salvation Army warehouse was also recently the victim of theft, reports the Vancouver Sun. In this case, thieves made off with $25,000 worth of goods, the majority of which were electronics to be given to impoverished teenagers for Christmas. About half the toys have now been recovered, and the Salvation Army was flooded with new toys, food, and cash donations after the incident. Vancouver radio stations have also agreed to work together to support Toys for Teens Day, where listeners will be encouraged to help refill the warehouse with age appropriate toys and cash donations. For more information about the Vancouver Salvation Army, visit: www.salvationarmyvancouver.org.
Community foundations may find themselves in hot water next year
December 15, 2008
A recent article published by globeandmail.com indicates that community foundations may find it difficult next year to meet federal and provincial regulations on how much of their assets must be dispersed. The Canada Revenue Agency requires 3.5% of a charity’s annual assets to be dispersed. However, because of the state of financial markets, several community foundations across Canada have been forced to completely suspend their granting programs, or at the very least, severely restrict them for 2009. Also, community foundations are often prevented by provincial regulations to encroach on the capital of donor funds. These challenges have spurred a group of foundations to petition the government for a clarification of the rules and even some relief from current losses. For more information, visit: www.theglobeandmail.com.
Fast Fact: Canada Revenue Agency facts and figures
December 15, 2008
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) had a busy year in 2007-8, handling 3,655 new applications for charitable registration, and 606 applications for re-registration. The CRA formally denied 357 of these applications. They went on to register 2,345 charities, both new and re-registrations. The CRA also revoked the status of 958 charities at the charity’s request, as well as 771 because the charity did not properly file their annual return within six months of their fiscal-year end, and 49 for other reasons. In total, the CRA conducted 790 audits as a result of public complaints, random selection, or based on a review of their annual information return. -- Canada Revenue Agency
Moustache campaign raises $2 million for prostate cancer research
December 15, 2008
The moustaches have been shaved and Movember has
officially come to a close. The moustache-growing charity campaign, which
raises awareness and funds for prostate cancer research during the month of November, quadrupled last year's success as almost 10,000 men grew moustaches and raised more than $2.1 million for the cause. "If you don't normally have a moustache you're compelled to explain your new look to everyone, which starts conversations about prostate cancer - the moustache is our hairy ribbon!" says Adam Garone, Movember co-founder. All funds raised will directly benefit the Prostate Cancer Research Foundation
of Canada.
For more information about the campaign, visit: ca.movember.com.
New report emphasizes benefits of strategic planning
December 15, 2008
A recent study by The Offord Group, Innovative Research Group and Canadian FundRaiser shows senior organizational leaders who engage in strategic planning believe the process is very important to the overall success of their campaigns. In a summary of the results released by the Offord Group, 56% of respondents say it is extremely important and 32% say it is very important. The purpose of the survey was to understand the degree to which organizations undertake strategic planning before launching a campaign, and how strategic planning may or may not impact fundraising success. The report highlights the contribution of strategic planning to stronger internal relationships, better recruitment, retention, and training, and successfully reaching campaign goals.
For more information, and to download the full report, visit: www.theoffordgroup.com.
(PDF)
CCSD seeking abstracts for upcoming forum
December 15, 2008
The Canadian Social Forum, hosted by the Canadian Council on Social Development (CCSD), invites the submission of abstracts in five key theme areas that are central to current efforts to reduce poverty and create sustainable and prosperous communities where all members can participate equitably in social and economic life. The deadline for submissions is January 6, 2009. The forum will be held in Calgary, May 19 - 22, 2009. The five key theme areas are:
- Addressing poverty as a factor of homelessness in Canada;
- Addressing systemic discrimination: Policies to advance the economic security of historically marginalized groups;
- Addressing the poverty of Aboriginal people in Canada’s cities;
- Addressing poverty in economic hard times;
- Addressing poverty and care: Poverty reduction strategies that take gender into account.
For more information, visit: www.ccsd.ca/csf/2009/abstracts.
Fast Fact: Canadian households major culprit in greenhouse gas emissions
December 15, 2008
Households were either directly or indirectly responsible for almost half of Canada's total greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in 2004. Household emissions from motor fuel use and residential fuel use (direct emissions) accounted for about one-third of household-related emissions.
The remaining two-thirds of household-related GHG emissions were those that resulted from industrial production of the goods and services purchased by households (indirect emissions).
Household emissions from motor fuel use increased by 29% between 1990 and 2004.
Greenhouse gases emitted by industries to meet households' demand for domestic goods and services increased 11% in 2004.
-- Statistics Canada
Report examining welfare levels in Canada released
December 15, 2008
While incomes for most Canadians receiving social assistance were stuck far below the poverty line, some cracked that line in 2007, the newest report by the National Council of Welfare says. But tough economic times mean it will be hard to really break through, unless comprehensive, nationwide action is taken, says the advisory body to the federal government.
Welfare Incomes, 2006 and 2007 looked at the circumstances of Canadians on welfare in all provinces and territories. The study found that in the case of the lone parent with a preschool-age child living in Quebec, welfare income for 2007 reached 100% of the Market Basket Measure (MBM), a poverty line measurement that takes into account the cost of meeting basic needs in different parts of Canada.
At the same time, however, the report found that single employable people receive welfare incomes at less than half of the MBM in most provinces, far below any measure of poverty or decency. These incomes range from a low of 27% of the MBM to a mere 67% in the best of cases. The council is also concerned about the maze of rules and regulations that can trap welfare recipients and often discourages or even prohibits them from helping themselves out of poverty.
For more information, and to download the full report, visit: www.ncwcnbes.net. (PDF)
UNICEF report on care of children blasts Canada
December 15, 2008
According to a new report published by UNICEF, Canada ranks at the bottom of the world’s affluent nations in terms of ensuring children get the best start in life through education and support programs. Report Card 8: The Childcare Transition - A League Table on Early Childhood Education and Care in Advanced Countries failed Canada on nine of ten benchmarks, all of which UNICEF suggests are practical and reachable. The proposed benchmarks include providing a year of parental leave at 50% or more of salary and spending 1% of GDP on childhood services. Sweden was the only country to reach all 10 benchmarks, the United States reached three, and Canada and Ireland were tied at the bottom of the list with only one benchmark reached.
For more information, and to download an overview of the report, visit: www.unicef.org. (PDF)
Send CharityVillage your good news stories!
December 15, 2008
Although the news today is dominated by doom and gloom reports, particularly relating to the current economic crisis, at CharityVillage we know that across Canada, nonprofits, volunteers, and ordinary citizens are continuing to spread joy and good cheer. We’re looking to you, our CharityVillage readers, to send us your good news stories so that we can highlight all the great things, big or small, being done by Canadians. We’ll compile them through the month of December and share them with you in a special section of our website. Send your good news stories to Nicole at editor@charityvillage.com, and please write "Good News" in the subject line of your e-mail.
Charity disbursement rules set to change in 2009
December 8, 2008
The Canada Revenue Agency will be changing its disbursement rules as of 2009. Under the Income Tax Act, all charities are subject to certain rules that require them to spend money on program activities. These are called the disbursement quota rules. One of these rules requires charities to spend 3.5% of the value of all of their property not used directly in charitable activities or administration. This rule ensures that charities do not merely accumulate funds without putting them to charitable use. Until now, this rule only applied to charitable foundations, but as of 2009, it will apply to all charitable organizations. As a transitional measure, charitable organizations that were registered prior to March 23, 2004, were formerly exempt from this rule. The exemption no longer applies, commencing with fiscal periods that begin in 2009. For more information, visit: www.cra-arc.gc.ca.
Victoria Foundation forced to cut grants next year
December 8, 2008
The Victoria Foundation will be granting in 2009, board chair Chuck Burkett announced last week.
"We understand the importance of the financial support we provide and what it takes for charitable organizations to do the important work they do," said Burkett. "As a result, we will be granting in 2009, although at a lower level than last year." According to the Victoria Times Colonist, the foundation will be cutting grants in half next year, from $3.2 million to $1.6 million. The foundation cites the volatile stock markets and the world’s economic downturn as key reasons for the cutbacks. In order to make the grants, the foundation is accessing capital from permanent endowments. For more information, visit: www.victoriafoundation.bc.ca. (PDF)
Ontario food banks see 13% spike in usage over past year
December 8, 2008
According to a new report released by the Ontario Association of Food Banks, food bank use in that province went up 13% this year. The Ontario Hunger Report 2008 also discovered that 79% of food banks in Ontario reported increases in the number of people accessing their services, with services in key manufacturing cities, hard hit by job losses, showing the largest spike. The report indicates that higher food and living costs combined with job losses and tighter restrictions on employment insurance caused this year’s unprecedented increase. For more information, and to download the full report, visit: www.oafb.ca. (PDF)
Fast Fact: Canadian core nonprofit economic output sees slower growth
December 8, 2008
The "core" nonprofit sector, or the group of smaller, diverse organizations not including hospitals and colleges and universities, increased its economic output by 4.7% in 2005, slower than the 6.5% growth seen nationally in the economy. Gross domestic product (GDP) in the core nonprofit sector amounted to $31 billion in 2005, and the sector accounted for 2.4% of the nation's economic activity. The main factor that contributed to the slower growth was a slowdown in paid compensation for employees. Paid labour compensation increased 3.9% in 2005, compared with a 4.4% increase the year before. The core nonprofit sector accounted for 33.1% of economic activity in the overall nonprofit sector in 1997; by 2005, this share had increased to 35.6%. During this nine-year period, economic activity in the core nonprofit sector increased at an annual average rate of 7%, compared with 5.8% for the economy as a whole. -- Statistics Canada
New study shows Canada can tackle climate change and prosper economically
December 8, 2008
Canada can be a leader in tackling climate
change and still experience strong economic and employment growth, according to
a new study.
Deep Reductions, Strong Growth: An economic analysis showing Canada can
prosper economically while doing its share to prevent dangerous climate
change, shows that governments - and Ottawa in particular - can no longer
argue that fighting climate change means job losses and declining standards of
living.
The study was commissioned by the Pembina Institute and the David Suzuki
Foundation, with modeling by M.K. Jaccard and Associates Inc. The study found that Canada's economy can still grow by almost 20% in the next decade
while the country reduces its greenhouse gas pollution to 25% below
the 1990 level.
For more information, and to download the full report, visit: www.davidsuzuki.org.
Donor helps keep Ballet BC afloat through the holidays
December 8, 2008
Thanks to an anonymous donor, Ballet BC sold the 7,000 tickets necessary for the ballet to present the Royal Moscow Ballet’s Nutcracker performance later in December. cbcnews.ca reports that the donor actually gave to two charities, purchasing $42,000 worth of tickets to be given to the Kids Up Front Foundation, which will distribute the tickets to underprivileged children and their families. The beleaguered ballet company recently laid off all its staff, including the dancers, in part because of low ticket sales. They are now hoping to reach 12,000 tickets sold, which will allow them to hire back their staff in February.
For more information about Ballet BC, visit: www.balletbc.com.
Quebecers give to charity, but in smaller amounts than other Canadians
December 8, 2008
According to a new report produced by the The Centre d’études sur l’action communautaire et bénévole, as many Quebecers give donations to charities as Canadians in other provinces, with 83.3% in Quebec and 85.7% in other provinces. Giving, volunteering and participating: what is the behaviour of Quebecers? used 2004 data that indicated Quebecers gave a smaller number of donations than other Canadians, and gave, on average, $10 per donation as opposed to $50 in other provinces. The study considers such factors as taxes, religion, and family culture in an effort to discover why Quebecers appear to give a smaller amount to charity than other Canadians. To read the executive summary or request a copy of the full report, visit: www.charityvillage.com. (PDF)
New awards honour immigrants’ contributions to Canada
December 8, 2008
Canadian Immigrant Magazine has teamed up with RBC to introduce a national awards program designed to celebrate the achievements of
immigrants from across the country. Canadian
Immigrant's People's Choice Awards recognizes the "Top 25 Canadian Immigrants
of 2009" and seeks to uncover and celebrate the untold stories and remarkable achievements of outstanding Canadian immigrants. Nominees would be people who moved to Canada from another country and
have since contributed to the rich diversity and success of this country.
Achievements can be either professional or personal and nominees must hold
landed immigrant or citizen status in Canada. Nominations will be accepted until January 30,
2009. Winners will
be recognized in an upcoming issue of the magazine, as well as receive a
commemorative plaque and a $250 donation toward an authorized Canadian charity
of their choice.
For more information, and to make a nomination, visit: www.canadianimmigrant.ca/top25.
Fast Fact: Canadian Internet users are a social bunch
December 8, 2008
Canadians may be spending more time on the Internet than ever before, but that doesn’t mean they are increasingly isolated. Although they spend less time on traditional social activities, nearly one-half of Internet users' time online is spent e-mailing or chatting with others. In addition, Internet users spend more time talking on the phone than non-users. One-half of home Internet users aged 16 and over contacted others through instant messaging, and one-fifth contributed content online by blogging, posting images or participating in discussion groups in 2007. These activities were most common among young Canadians.
In addition, more than 4 in 10 home Internet users went online to research community events. Further, 29% of home Internet users went online to read what other Canadians think about political or social issues, while 14% used the Internet to correspond with other Canadians about these issues.
-- Statistics Canada
Report released investigating teen suicide in BC
December 8, 2008
According to a new report issued by the BC Coroners Service, more than two-thirds of teens who kill themselves have shown past suicidal behaviour. Looking for Something to Look Forward To was developed by the child death review unit after studying the files of 81 teen suicide cases occurring between 2003 and 2007. The report highlights several risk factors for teens, including family dysfunction, violent behaviour, and drug and alcohol issues. It also estimates that suicide rates among First Nations youth are five to six times higher than non-Aboriginal youth. Suicide is the second leading cause of death for BC teens aged 12-18.
For more information, and to download the full report, visit: www.pssg.gov.bc.ca. (PDF)
College campus in Ontario reaches $2.5-million fundraising goal
December 8, 2008
A campaign to raise $2.5 million to support a new, improved location for the Georgian College Muskoka Campus in Bracebridge, Ontario was successfully completed after just two years. A recent $1.7 million donation from an anonymous donor resulted in the campaign goal being met - the largest single financial gift ever given to Georgian College. Bonnie DeWitt, Muskoka Campus manager, said although the campaign has reached completion, Georgian will always continue to build on the success of its new facility where upgrading, certificates and diplomas in skilled trades, health science, hospitality and tourism, and business programs are offered. DeWitt said an immediate goal for the campus is to seek support for the awards and scholarships program, helping more local students pay for their studies. For more information, visit: www.georgianc.on.ca.
Ontario nurses release report on workplace violence
December 8, 2008
The Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario (RNAO) is tackling violence in workplaces and educational settings by issuing comprehensive recommendations to promote violence-free environments.
The new guidelines, titled Preventing and Managing Violence in the Workplace, is aimed at governments, employers, educators, professional bodies, regulators and unions, as well as individual nurses and those from other disciplines. The guidelines are timely, considering that 28% of Ontario nurses who responded to a Statistics Canada survey released in 2006 said that they had been physically assaulted by a patient in the previous 12 months. The report also found that 19% of Ontario nurses had experienced emotional abuse at the hands of physicians and nurse co-workers.
For more information, visit: www.rnao.org.
CharityVillage is looking for your good news stories!
December 8, 2008
Although the news today is dominated by doom and gloom reports, particularly relating to the current economic crisis, at CharityVillage we know that across Canada, nonprofits, volunteers, and ordinary citizens are continuing to spread joy and good cheer. We’re looking to you, our CharityVillage readers, to send us your good news stories so that we can highlight all the great things, big or small, being done by Canadians. We’ll compile them through the month of December and share them with you in a special section of our website. Send your good news stories to Nicole at editor@charityvillage.com, and please write "Good News" in the subject line of your e-mail.
CharityVillage.com welcomes Tracy Marsh to the team
December 1, 2008
We’re pleased to announce that Tracy Marsh has joined the CharityVillage.com team as our new general manager. Tracy comes to us from the Department of Canadian Heritage where she managed two grants programs delivered to the cultural sector. Previously, she led award-winning teams at municipal and county museums in Ontario. "I’m absolutely delighted to welcome Tracy to our team," said CharityVillage.com President Maggie Leithead. "She’s talented, has a terrific breadth of sector experience, and is dedicated to helping us continue to be the best nonprofit resource site in the country." Meet Tracy today at www.charityvillage.com/cv/about/tracy.html.
Imagine Canada publishes open letter from Canadian charities
December 1, 2008
Canada’s charities and nonprofits recently published an open
letter to Stephen Harper in select newspapers across the country, urging the Prime Minister to
consider the important role of charities and nonprofits in assisting Canadians and communities,
particularly during periods of economic hardship.
The letter, prepared by Imagine Canada and published in the Calgary Herald, Ottawa Citizen and La Presse, urges the
Prime Minister to maintain existing levels of funding to Canada's charities and nonprofits through its
grants and contributions programs, and to consider special short-term measures that will have an
important stimulative effect on individual and corporate giving.
The signatories note that during the past
two years, the federal government has introduced tax measures that have, in those economic
circumstances, proven very effective in stimulating new charitable gifts. Short-term simulative tax
measures can leverage private giving and assist in preserving and increasing critical donor revenues at a
time when these funds will be needed most. For more information, visit: www.imaginecanada.ca. (PDF)
Falling stock prices mean smaller donations for charities
December 1, 2008
With the stock exchange acting like an out of control roller coaster, charities across Canada are continuing to face uncertain times. The Community Foundation of Ottawa recently announced it will be cancelling its 2009 grantmaking program. The organization's investment portfolio suffered badly in recent months and will not provide enough funds for 2009 grants. Last year, the foundation gave out $5.4 million in grants to Ottawa nonprofits.
The Ottawa charity is not the only community foundation to lose in the stock market game. Globeandmail.com reported that many arts organizations across Canada that rely on grants and income from community foundations have found themselves without their usual funds. And if that weren't enough of a blow for Canadian charities, the failed takeover of BCE Inc. is also wreaking havoc on gift of stock campaigns, the globeandmail.com reports. With new tax regulations offering strong incentives for shareholders to donate stock to charity, many organizations were expecting large donations of BCE Inc. stock. For more information, visit: www.theglobeandmail.com.
Low ticket sales force Ballet BC to lay off all staff
December 1, 2008
Ballet British Columbia, faced with flagging subscriptions and ticket sales,
announced they have terminated all staff and dancers as the board
restructures the organization. The termination affects 38 company dancers,
administrative, artistic, and contract staff. President Graeme Barrit said despite Ballet BC’s fiscally prudent management, the recent
economic downturn and a noticeable decline in ticket sales have made it
especially difficult to meet the company’s financial obligations.
However, the board has decided to move forward with a presentation of the
Moscow Classical Ballet’s Nutcracker in late December in hopes that the holiday special will increase ticket sales. Ballet BC did receive a one-time emergency donation of $85,000 from Vancouver City Council to help them pay for facility rental fees in December. For more information, visit: www.balletbc.com. (PDF)
Survey underscores NGO ambivalence about corporate partnerships
December 1, 2008
While a majority of non-governmental
organizations (NGOs) welcome collaboration with the private sector to achieve
mutual objectives, most see such engagement as a less-than-ideal solution that
could threaten their independence and legitimacy as 'watchdogs' of corporate
performance on social and environmental issues.
This is one of the major findings of a survey released
last week, entitled Spanning the Great Divide: A
Report on the Relationship Between Canadian NGOs and Corporations. Twenty-one NGOs
participated in the research.
All respondents believe that corporations 'greenwash', either
misrepresenting their environmental practices or spending more time and money
advertising being green than they do on implementing environmentally sound
practices.
The research also found that while larger and better-established NGOs are more
open to negotiating and working with the private sector, their smaller
counterparts are more wary. For more information, and to download the full report, visit: www.national.ca.
(PDF)
Fast Fact: Canadians view global food situation as critical
December 1, 2008
In Canada, 96% of citizens would describe the global food situation for citizens of
developing nations in Africa, Asia and Latin America as ‘critical’, with 56% describing it as ‘very critical’, and 40%
as ‘somewhat critical’.
When informed that the average Nigerian family spends 73% of their income on food, one in
four (26%) Canadians say that their understanding of the global food situation has made
them more likely to donate to a charity or purchase a gift from a charity on behalf of someone
else this Christmas that would help children and their families overseas. Six in ten (63%) say
their knowledge of the global food situation hasn’t influenced them in this way, while 12% of Canadians say their understanding of the situation has made them less likely
to do so. -- Ipsos Reid
Teddy Bear Affair raises $1.5 million for high-risk youth
December 1, 2008
Nearly 1,000 guests and countless supporters of
this year's Bollywood-inspired Teddy Bear Affair, which took place on November
15, helped to raise $1.5 million for the Children's Aid Foundation. One
hundred percent of the funds raised will go directly toward helping high-risk
children across Canada in the areas of education, enrichment and prevention. Guests were enticed by live and silent auction items open for
bidding throughout the evening. The live auction included a
new condominium from Cresford Developments, which closed at
$265,000.
For more information about the Teddy Bear Affair, visit: www.cafdn.org.
More working Canadians accessing food banks than ever before
December 1, 2008
In its HungerCount 2008 study, released last week,
Food Banks Canada reports
that food banks are helping a growing number of working individuals and
families. As a percentage of all households assisted by food banks, those with
income from employment have grown from 11.9% in 2002 to 14.5% in 2008 - the
highest level ever. HungerCount 2008 results show seven of ten provinces, accounting for 72% of
the national population, saw an increase in the proportion of food bank
clients who were working in 2008. The report also indicates that 19.3% of the households that turn to food banks for help each month are
living on income from current or recent employment. After more than a decade of robust economic health, food bank use
remains 6% higher than in 1997, the first year for which comparable
data are available.
For more information, and to download the full report, visit: www.cafb-acba.ca.
Carleton University fundraiser temporarily tarnished in the public eye
December 1, 2008
The Carleton University Students' Association (CUSA) found itself in hot water last week over a controversial decision to consider changing the recipient of its annual fundraiser, Shinerama. In the past, funds raised at the event were handed over to the Canadian Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. The association voted last week to investigate whether they could give to a more "inclusive" charity, indicating that cystic fibrosis only affects caucasians, and mostly men, and that the intent was to find a charity that served the "diverse communities" at Carleton University. Public and student backlash was immense, and CUSA president Brittany Smyth states that the CUSA council will revisit the
motion in a meeting to be held this week. For more information, visit: www.cusaonline.com. (PDF)
Presentation addresses future labour shortages in nonprofit sector
December 1, 2008
According to former Canadian Policy Research Networks vice president of research, Ron Saunders, a slowing labour force growth will heighten the competition among organizations for skilled workers. Saunders addressed the issue in a recent presentation to the "summit" convened by the HR Council for the Voluntary and Non-Profit Sector.
In Labour Force Trends and Implications for the Voluntary and Non-Profit Sector, Saunders states that the voluntary and nonprofit sectors must identify strategies to attract and retain older workers and people from groups under-represented in the work force, including First Nations, immigrants and disabled workers.
Saunders also notes recent research on job quality indicates that a sense of pride in the organization, particularly strong in the voluntary and nonprofit sector, is a key element in job satisfaction.
For more information, and to download the presentation, visit: www.cprn.org.
BC hospital benefits from $1 million radiothon
December 1, 2008
A new fundraising record was established at the Surrey Memorial Hospital Foundation last week.
Listeners to Red 93.1 FM surpassed the one-day fundraising record they set last year, and with pledges still being calculated, donors gave close to $1 million during a 16-hour radiothon. As well, there were hundreds more donors than last year. "This outpouring of support is overwhelming," says foundation president and CEO Jane Adams. "The South Asian community has once again come together in record numbers for Surrey Memorial Hospital."
The funds will be used for the hospital's new emergency centre. For more information, visit: www.smhfoundation.com.
Fast Fact: Ontario is abundant in youth, low on seniors
December 1, 2008
A new report based on 2006 census data outlines key demographic information about Ontario's citizens during the period of 2001-2006. Ontario’s youth population grew by 9.3%, significantly faster than the growth rate of Canada (5.5%). This age group makes up 16.2% of Ontario’s total population. Close to 25% of Ontario residents belong to visible minority groups and 17% of Ontario’s total foreign-born population came to this province between 2001 and 2006. Of the First Nations population living in Ontario, 70% lived off reserve as of 2006, with approximately 76% living in urban areas. Ontario residents have slightly higher educational attainments than Canadians as a whole, although nearly 14% of Ontarians do not have a high-school diploma, certificate or degree.
-- Ontario Trillium Foundation
International Volunteer Day gets new Canadian website
December 1, 2008
In 1985, the United Nations General Assembly established International Volunteer Day (IVD) to commemorate the contributions and dedication of volunteers worldwide. Today, IVD is celebrated globally by volunteers, voluntary organizations, and by all those who benefit directly from the endless help of the volunteer.
Volunteer Canada is pleased to present a new IVD mini-site that features news releases, links for volunteers, as well as interviews and stories of the role that volunteerism plays in the lives of well-known Canadian personalities.
For more information, visit: volunteer.ca.
Canada's poor more likely to be hospitalized for chronic health conditions
December 1, 2008
A new study examining health care gaps shows that Canada's poor are far more likely to be hospitalized than middle- and high-income Canadians. Reducing Gaps in Health Care: A Focus on Socio-Economic Status in Urban Canada looked at 21 measures of health in 15 Canadian urban centres, and found that major differences occur not just between income levels but also in various parts of the country. Published by the Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI), the report found that low-income Canadians were more likely to be hospitalized for chronic medical conditions, including asthma in children, diabetes, and mental health problems. For more information, and to download the full report, visit: secure.cihi.ca.
Coalition releases innovative plan to address housing poverty
December 1, 2008
A coalition of private, public, and nonprofit
housing associations, community organizations, academics, and foundations
released a proposal last week for a new housing benefit for low-income Ontarians.
The proposal, outlined in A Housing Benefit for Ontario: One Housing Solution
for a Poverty Reduction Strategy, recommends a new income benefit that will
help low-income, working age renters with high shelter costs in communities
across Ontario. The proposal would add a necessary affordable housing
component to Ontario's highly anticipated Poverty Reduction Strategy, expected
in December.
For more information, and to download the full report, visit: www.dailybread.ca.
