The Start of an Amazing Week at the RBC Canadian Open

23 07 2012

At 6am in the morning, the footprints of the first volunteers and officials to arrive on the course are visible in the dew on the grass…it’s the first day of what will be an action-packed week filled with activity at the Hamilton Golf & Country Club as the 2012 RBC Canadian Open gets underway. And some of those early tracks in the fairway belong to volunteers supporting the Community Child Abuse Council in its precedent-setting involvement at this year’s national tournament…an amazing group of caring and hard working individuals who battled the gruelling heat and humidity all day long to sell reusable water bottles and purple awareness ribbons, accept donations, and manage an on-site effort that will raise important funds to support the Council’s vital child abuse prevention, education, and treatment programs. They are champions even as the week begins, and the entire operation wouldn’t be happening without them.

Brandt Snedeker strolls by, mere hours after flying back from that other Open across the pond. Stephen Ames rolls in a putt with a small but appreciative gallery watching from the shade. RBC’s Gord Nixon, President and CEO, tees off in the morning RBC Invitational Pro-Am. The course is alive with energy and anticipation. Ernie is coming. And right there in the midst of this inspiring environment…tremendous exposure for an important cause, conversations about a difficult topic, and generosity in support of  hope and healing for children and youth affected by trauma and abuse. It’s a wonderful experience to be in the midst of all this, knowing that the week ahead will bring significant gains for the Council in numerous ways.

Retief Goosen causes a considerable stir as he plays through the Par-3 sixteenth hole, but it’s the family walking past – all wearing purple ribbons – that captures my attention. There’s a lot going on today, not least a community coming together for the enjoyment of sport and the support of a good cause. It’s a wonderful start.

If you visit the RBC Canadian Open this week, look for the Council’s volunteers in their yellow shirts and be sure to stop by one of five water stations on the course to buy a reusable water bottle and get a purple ribbon. Saturday, July 28th is Purple Ribbon Day on the course.


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Categories : child abuse, community development, Hamilton Ontario, RBC Canadian Open, volunteers

LAST CHANCE – “inside the ropes” at the RBC Canadian Open!

15 07 2012

Time is running out for purchasing any of the following amazing experiences that offer insider vantage points at Canada’s national tournament July 23-29th…and each package generates a significant donation for the Community Child Abuse Council, the Local Charity Partner of the 2012 RBC Canadian Open.

Honorary Observer – you and a guest join one of the afternoon pairings on Thursday, July 26th for a rare opportunity to be right in the middle of the action alongside PGA Tour pros. Only one package, for two people, available.

Up Close & Personal – be part of a meet and greet opportunity with PGA Tour pros on July 25th at the Hamilton Golf & Country Club…pick up tips and pointers from the game’s best, get inside the ropes and have access only a few get to experience in a lifetime. Only a few spots left.

Caddy Experience – for the avid golf fan, this is your chance to walk the course and live the game alongside the best on the tour…only a few spots left.

For full details and pricing please contact Karen by Tuesday, July 17th at 12 noon – 905-523-1020 ext. 11 or karen.smith@childabusecouncil.on.ca

Come out and enjoy a unique experience at the 2012 RBC Canadian Open and help support vital child abuse prevention, education, and treatment programs…a win-win for all.

Thanks.


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Categories : child abuse, community development, Hamilton Ontario, mental health, philanthropy, RBC Canadian Open

Bo Van Pelt – Heart of the Open

2 07 2012

Bo Van Pelt is currently 16th on PGA Tour money leaders list and ranked 18th in FedEx Cup points

PGA Tour Pro, Bo Van Pelt, has added his support to the Community Child Abuse Council’s “Heart of the Open” Campaign! Fresh off his back nine battle with Tiger Woods over the weekend at the AT&T National, Bo has generously donated more than an hour of his time to give a private golf clinic while at the RBC Canadian Open later this month. Six lucky golfers will spend an hour on the course with Bo for a private clinic focused on chipping, putting, and sand saves, then join Bo for lunch at the exclusive RBC Clubhouse Suite on-site. The donation will raise funds to support vital child abuse prevention, education, and treatment programs provided by the Community Child Abuse Council, the Local Charity Partner of the 2012 RBC Canadian Open.

Interested in being part of Bo’s amazing group of six? Contact Karen at the Community Child Abuse Council (905-523-1020 ext. 11) right away…these spots will not last, and will be made available for auction at an upcoming Council fundraising event if not pre-sold. Big thanks to RBC for adding the exclusive luncheon (valued at $80 per person) to this package.

THANKS BO!


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Categories : child abuse, community development, Hamilton Ontario, RBC Canadian Open

Volunteers…the Heart of the OPEN

29 04 2012

The 2012 RBC Canadian Open (July 23-29) will be an exciting week of golf, and also an unprecedented week of fundraising for this year’s Local Charity Partner, the Community Child Abuse Council. Recruitment is now underway to assemble a team of volunteers willing to help the Council on-site during the week of the tournament…all part of the Council’s Heart of the OPEN Campaign to raise funds in support of child abuse education, prevention, and treatment programs. Can you spare some time to help out that week? If so, please visit the Council’s web site (www.childabusecouncil.on.ca) and look for the green “Volunteers” button on the home page…that will link you to a volunteer portal where you can register and join the team. There will be shifts each day, from Monday to Sunday, requiring more than 200 volunteers in total. All the action takes place at the beautiful Hamilton Golf & Country Club (in Ancaster), where volunteers will have a chance to soak up the atmosphere at one of the world’s leading golf tournaments before/after their shifts. So, please consider coming out to help, and know that each moment you give to the Council as a volunteer will directly help to make sure vital services are available to abused children and youth when they need them. THANK YOU!


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Categories : child abuse, Hamilton Ontario, RBC Canadian Open, volunteer

Campaign officially launched…and you can help!

9 04 2012

The Community Child Abuse Council’s Heart of the Open campaign kicked off officially today, beginning an unprecedented effort to raise funds in support of child abuse education, prevention, and treatment programs. Details about the campaign – and how you can help – are  posted on the Council’s web site: www.childabusecouncil.on.ca.

 

In partnership with the 2012 RBC Canadian Open, the Council is selling “inside the ropes” experience packages, corporate hospitality packages, and group tickets that get golf fans up close and into the action for the RBC Canadian Open’s return to the Hamilton Golf & Country Club, July 23-29. The Council’s team of volunteers will also be on-site at the tournament selling reuseable water bottles and purple awareness ribbons. Proceeds from all campaign activities will support vital prevention, education and treatment programs for child and youth victims of abuse and trauma.

A sizeable lead-off gift from RBC will enable the Council to enhance its current programs and services, but our community has an opportunity to join with RBC and realize an even greater result by supporting the Council’s campaign. Children as young as 3 years of age are currently waiting several months for trauma treatment, and the education and prevention initiatives so crucial to fighting child abuse are in need of financial investment. Remember, 1 in 3 girls and 1 in 6 boys are sexually victimized before reaching adulthood. Here in the Hamilton area, that translates into a significant

number whose lives are affected – shouldn’t we be able to help each and every one of them?

We may never see another opportunity like this one to respond as a community and invest in the lives of our youngest and most vulnerable members – please check out the many ways you can help to support the campaign, and help the Council in its efforts to create a community free of child abuse

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Categories : child abuse, community development, Hamilton Ontario, mental health, volunteers, youth

Leaders for Kids

4 04 2012

I had the pleasure of presiding at the induction of two new Leaders for Kids today at a breakfast event hosted by students at Mohawk College. Leaders for Kids is an initiative of the Community Child Abuse Council, bringing together community leaders from all walks of  life in support of the Council’s vision of a community free of child abuse. These are individuals who step up, speak out, and lend their support to the Council’s work with child and youth victims of sexual abuse and trauma. They go above and beyond, and are recognized as Leaders for Kids in appreciation of their commitment and contributions.

Today’s honourees were Laura Gainey and Vince Isber from RBC, who were both instrumental in the Council’s selection as Local Charity Partner for the 2012 RBC Canadian Open. They join a group of bighearted and generous friends to the Council, all tremendous partners who set an example for community involvement and leadership. Laura Gainey is the first Honourary Leader for Kids ever inducted into this group. In fact, the Council has never before included anyone from outside the Hamilton community. But Laura has embraced our work and supported our efforts in influential ways, and you would be hard-pressed to guess that she wasn’t a Hamiltonian if observing her commitment to local children. Vince Isber is an active and respected community booster, whose involvement with numerous community organizations and projects is admirable. Vince has stepped forward to support the Council in generous ways, and is coordinating the involvement of RBC employees from across this region in the Council’s Heart of the Open fundraising campaign.

These two Leaders for Kids exemplify what it means to get behind a cause and are demonstrating what is possible when leaders offer their talents and ideas to support an important community issue. Laura and Vince visited the Council several months ago, and showed a keen interest in its programs and services provided to abused children and youth. They asked thoughtful questions and followed up by taking action on the things they learned that were needed in order to meet the needs of more youngsters affected by the trauma of abuse. They deserve the honour they received today, and they join an impressive group of like-minded community members who are making a difference each and every day in the fight against child abuse. Congratulations Laura and Vince, and thank you to all our Leaders for Kids.


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Categories : child abuse, community development, Hamilton Ontario, mental health, philanthropy, volunteers, youth

The Heart of the OPEN

1 04 2012

The eyes of the golfing world will be on Hamilton this July as the RBC Canadian Open returns to the Hamilton Golf & Country Club.

But the heart of the Open, this year, is linked to helping child and youth victims of sexual abuse and trauma here in our community. RBC has chosen the Community Child Abuse Council as the Local Charity Partner for the 2012 RBC Canadian Open, and committed a sizeable financial investment to help the organization in its mission – to reduce the incidence and impact of child abuse and to promote the safe and healthy development of children. This is truly a gift wrapped in hope, and represents a significant opportunity for this community to make great strides in its support of vulnerable and victimized youngsters. By supporting the Council in its partnership with the RBC Canadian Open, the Hamilton region has an unprecedented chance to turn an already generous donation from RBC into something bigger – and to see the legacy of the 2012 Canadian Open be a lasting one for local children’s mental health.

The Council is about to launch a fundraising drive – The Heart of the OPEN Campaign – to engage the support of the community and to involve Hamiltonians in this partnership with RBC and the Canadian Open. Some of the campaign’s activities are directly tied to the Open, including advance ticket sales, exclusive VIP and “inside the ropes” experience packages, and on-site sales. Limited edition hats will be sold in area RBC branches in the weeks leading up to the Open with proceeds going to the campaign. Other campaign efforts are bringing together some of RBC’s corporate clients, community leaders, and friends of the Council in a range of fundraising initiatives aimed at demonstrating that the Hamilton community can and will step up to support child abuse prevention, education, and treatment in partnership with RBC.

Campaign proceeds will help enhance treatment programs for child and youth victims of sexual abuse, expand parent support groups, and invest in proven prevention initiatives. The Community Child Abuse Council is unique in providing these specialized services in the Hamilton community, and continuously works to increase its capacity so that all children needing this help can receive it. A waiting list for treatment has been an ongoing challenge, with children as young as 3 years of age often waiting several months for clinical services. A robust campaign success will also enable the Council to secure a permanent home for its programs and services.

Statistics show that one in three girls and one in six boys is sexually victimized before reaching adulthood. In Hamilton, Chief Glenn De Caire of Hamilton Police Service has publicly referred to rising rates of sexual assaults against children and women, and child pornography, as “troubling” given otherwise declining rates of violent crime in the city. The trauma resulting from sexual victimization can have a lifelong and significant impact if not treated early and effectively. The scars of abuse can last decades and can impact generations.

The 2012 RBC Canadian Open will be held July 23-29 at Hamilton Golf & Country Club

An energetic campaign team comprised of volunteers from all corners of the community is now hard at work to ensure the success of this fundraising initiative. Their efforts, along with the generosity of RBC, bring much-needed attention to child maltreatment and a vital financial investment in the future of local children and youth.  To find out more about The Heart of the OPEN Campaign, to volunteer, or to support the cause, watch the Council’s web site for details ( www.childabusecouncil.on.ca). If you’re a golfer, a golf fan, or know others who are, you can help make the excitement of the Open (July 23 – 29 last long after the trophy has been claimed and the crowds have dispersed…be part of the Open and please support the Council’s campaign and help to make sure the legacy left by the 2012 RBC Canadian Open is one that invests in children and youth well into the future. If we as a community can match RBC’s investment we can take huge strides that are long overdue. Thank you!


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Categories : child abuse, community development, Hamilton Ontario, mental health, volunteers, youth

International Women’s Day

8 03 2012

Regrettably, I haven’t been blogging much of late…a full plate has kept me busily occupied (and quite content) but finding time to blog has been a challenge. Today, however, I had to share a wonderful link to inspire and to acknowledge, to support and to inform…

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=KQOVUK68mTg

We’ve come a long way since the first IWD, but there is still much to do. I am ever-more convinced of this and acutely aware of the remaining challenges with each day spent working with the brave youngsters, dedicated staff, and generous supporters at the Community Child Abuse Council. To be clear, violence against women or children is not “a women’s issue”. It will, however, take our collective voices at full volume to change the unacceptable reality that 1 in 3 girls (and 1 in 5 boys) will be sexually victimized before adulthood.

Thanks Ayesha, for reminding us to shake the tree.


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Categories : child abuse, community development, crime and violence, women, youth

Extra baggage…priceless

1 02 2012

I was fortunate to attend the 26th Annual San Diego Conference on Child Maltreatment last week in San Diego, where some 1,500 professionals from 30+ countries gathered to consider the latest developments, research, and practices in the fields related to child maltreatment. It was an overwhelming opportunity to immerse myself in the diverse content and myriad approaches shared by an impressive line-up of presenters. I brought back some excellent ideas and resources, and made some valuable contacts. But the weightiest item in my luggage on the return flight wasn’t a book, a manual, a DVD, or any other tangible item. It was the insight I gained from one particular speaker, and it is more precious to me than anything else I learned or experienced during the entire conference.

Pam Toohey

This would probably be a good place to insert a “spoiler alert” to protect those who might be lucky enough to be in a future audience being addressed by Pam Toohey. But I won’t spoil anything. It wouldn’t be right. The impact of sitting in that audience, hearing Pam speak, and taking away her powerful message is just too valuable to risk diminishing it for anyone else. Suffice it to say that Pam found a way to share “lived experience” in a way that was both unique and inspiring. I have never experienced anything quite like it before. More than the story she told, it was the way she told it and also the ways she chose to deliver it to an audience of “in the know” professionals. Their reactions, like my own, are a tribute to Pam’s amazing contribution to the conference… spontaneous, thunderous, on-your-feet applause. I have no doubt that most of them left with the same indelible messages Pam left with me.

I had the honour of telling Pam, in person, how much I appreciated her presentation. I joked with her that any excess baggage fees I might have to pay on my flight home would be due to the incredible gift she had given me, and that I would happily pay them in exchange for coming away with such an inspiring message. Pam laughed at that, then blushed when I told her that her presentation alone had made the conference for me. In the midst of the clinical trials, the stats and outcomes, the new approaches, and the policy discussions, Pam had painted the whole experience with a very personal, very provocative brush. It coloured my entire conference experience for the better, and it will stay with me in my work and in my life for a long time to come.

Thank you Pam. I’m asking the right questions now.


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Categories : child abuse, community development, EnMark Associates, Karen Smith, mental health, research, women

Wielding Power & Influence

7 11 2011

People in power (and men, in particular) continue to make news headlines for their abuse not only of influence but of children. First we saw the horrific video of a Texas family law judge beating his daughter while spewing a venomous tirade of foul and hurtful language. Next it was former Penn State athletics official, Jerry Sandusky, charged with sexually assaulting eight boys between 1994-2009. In this latter case, other school officials have been charged with perjury and with failing to meet their duty to report suspected or known threats to children and an ongoing investigation continues.

Adding to the Penn State scandal, the accused continued to use the university’s facilities after his retirement in 1999 for his work with The Second Mile, a charity he founded in 1977 for at-risk kids. The organization’s web site lists a who’s who of sports icons and hall of famers on its honourary board (including golf great Arnold Palmer, Heisman Trophy winner John Cappelletti, former Steelers Jack Ham and Franco Harris, retired football coach Lou Holtz, current Penn State football coach Joe Paterno, baseball’s Cal Ripken Jr., actor Mark Wahlberg, and corporate notables from Hershey Foods, Quaker State, Ortho Pharmaceutical, and KMart). One wonders how their potential power and influence might be wielded given the circumstances.

“This is a case about a sexual predator who used his position within the university and community to repeatedly prey on young boys,” said state Attorney General Linda Kelly. Despite being arraigned on 40 criminal counts, Sandusky has been released on bail.

The Texas judge, meanwhile, will apparently not face charges due to the length of time that has elapsed since the (videotaped in 2004) beating took place.  Police in the Texas jurisdiction where Aransas County Court-at-Law Judge William Adams resides have announced that they “believe that there was a criminal offense involved and that there was substantial evidence to indicate that and under normal circumstances … a charge could have been made” but that the statute of limitations for such charges stands at five years (CBS News). An investigation by the state’s judicial conduct commission and the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services is still pending.

These are headlines that have crossed international date lines, but will soon simply become state, and then local, coverage as yet another round of high profile cases dims from the spotlight. Whether you live in Texas or Pennsylvania, or in Ontario, it’s ultimately up to us whether the conversation continues…what do we think about a statute of limitations on crimes like child abuse (that often don’t surface for many years)? How do we feel about sexual predators successfully using youth programs to connect with kids? And what do we imagine is the best we can do to help the children who fall prey to these criminals (or may)? What’s our potential influence here, and are we wielding it in the best interests of children?



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Categories : child abuse, community development, crime and violence, EnMark Associates, media, youth

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