Today, December 15th, you can help the CHML/Y108 Children’s Fund by filling your tank at any area Pioneer gas station. One cent from each litre pumped will be donated to the Fund. Tell your friends!
Gas Up!
15 12 2010Comments : Leave a Comment »
Tags: children, community, non-profit, philanthropy, youth
Categories : community development, EnMark Associates, philanthropy, youth
Hunger Heroes
14 12 2010Hats off to some of Hamilton’s generous responders to the need for food and support among those experiencing hunger in this community:
The Copetown Lions Club has “adopted” King George School on Gage Avenue North in Hamilton, supporting a nutritious snack program through donations of $3,700 in the past year. Along with donations from other area Lions Clubs, some $12,000 has been raised by this generous service group. The Club will also host about 250 students from King George for a free turkey lunch at the Lions Community Hall in Copetown.
No Frills and Fortinos grocery stores (part of the Loblaw chain) are hosting the 2010 Extra Helping Holiday National Food Drive in stores now – the aim is to raise $1.35 million and 1.2 million lbs of food to combat hunger across Canada. Here in Hamilton, monies and food raised will go to Hamilton Food Share. Donate money at checkout, or pick up needed food items to deposit in designated collection containers. Items of particular need include canned meat and fish, pasta, rice, dry and canned soups and stews, canned fruit and vegetables, flour, cereals, peanut butter, canned or powdered milk, beans and legumes, butter, infant formula and baby food.
More than 18,000 people rely on food banks in this community, and by extension rely upon our generosity. This is the time of year when the level of that generosity peaks, but please remember the food bank each and every time you shop for groceries throughout the year. Pick up an extra item or two, especially from among the needed items list above, and drop it in the collection container when you check out. Hamilton’s hungry thank you for doing so.
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Tags: children, community, family, food bank, health, hunger, poverty, school nutrition, volunteer
Categories : community development, EnMark Associates, philanthropy, poverty, volunteers
Hamilton needs more than policing to end violence
12 12 2010Hamilton’s new Mayor, Bob Bratina, has praised recent efforts by Hamilton Police Service (and particularly the ACTION unit) at reducing crime in the downtown core. The Dundas News reports that between May and November of this year, the special ACTION unit’s 40 officers made 657 arrests, laid 960 charges, seized more than $400,000 in illegal street drugs and issued 3,250 offense tickets. Muggings were down, as were life-threatening calls.
(photo: thehamiltonian.net)
Police Chief, Glenn De Caire, told a recent press conference that he expects to see the crime rate go up as reporting and enforcement efforts continue, but that this translates into increased safety. This is good news for our troubled downtown core, and a commendable accomplishment for our police service. Mayor Bratina has pointed to unruliness, loitering, yelling and public disorder as embarrassing indicators of the downtown’s problem areas (especially the intersection of James and King Sts.). But he and Council will need to look much further and extend their reach considerably if they are genuinely committed to reducing violence in this community.
The focus on downtown, aside from being Mayor Bratina’s ward, has much to do with exposure. It’s part of the city that is on display to all who pass through, and its shady reputation is an oft-cited reason for shopping elsewhere. Those who have worked in the core know that it is an eye-opening sight on any typical day. And yes, there are incidents involving violence. But the bigger picture has yet to be addressed by our elected leaders.
Violence against women, child abuse and sexual exploitation, and elder abuse are (to our shame) alive and well here in Hamilton. These are significant concerns as well as repugnant crimes. No community can claim to be making ground in anti-violence efforts while these horrific crimes continue. It matters not that the “jurisdiction” for addressing these crimes does not rest solely at the municipal level. Our city’s leaders must be the loudest voices among those demanding resources and action from all levels of government. It matters not that rates decline or rise from one year to the next – a sexually abused 3-year old is never an acceptable statistic.
What does matter is that we see these violent crimes as a community-wide issue. Our tolerance for abuse must be zero, and our collective response to the victimization of our citizens must be loud and clear – we expect the prevention of violence to be a priority in all City actions. That will help to turn attention to the root causes behind some of these crimes, and to the lobbying
Mayor Bratina (photo: Spectator)
and advocacy efforts that are required of our city leaders in order to address those causes. In the same way that we are acting to eliminate poverty in Hamilton, we must act to eliminate violence. The police will be crucial partners in these efforts, but we can’t reasonably expect them to prevent violence on their own.
MPP Sophia Aggelonitis has expressed her concern about these issues in the past, and recently cited the provincial government’s commitment of more than $1 million to Hamilton as part of her government’s anti-violence strategy. We should expect to see part of this money earmarked for violence prevention that goes beyond policing to address the victimization of children, seniors, and women as well as prevention of violent crime in general. Sure, we’d like to see fewer fights in front of Jackson Square. But tidying up the unsightly facade downtown won’t do much in making Hamilton the best place in which to raise a child. In truth, much of the violence in this community is hidden and too rarely spoken about. Elder abuse doesn’t tend to happen on busy streets downtown, nor does child pornography appear in public places very often. These crimes happen in the shadows. They happen in homes. They happen in all parts of Hamilton. And each time they do, the victims are our neighbours, our family members, our friends. These are ugly crimes that leave lasting scars. Preventing them must be high on our new City Council’s agenda.
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Tags: anti-violence, child abuse, community, prevention, rape, sexual assault, substance use, woman abuse
Categories : child abuse, community development, crime and violence, EnMark Associates, women
Losani Homes’ Record-Breaking Turkey Drive
11 12 2010As a follow-up to my recent post congratulating Losani Homes on being honoured for their philanthropy, here’s an astounding accomplishment that has gone quietly unnoticed by most Hamiltonians…
The Losani family hosted about 500 guests last week for their annual Turkey Drive. The event raises money for local charities. This year, the modest goal was $50,000. But that amount was
Lino and Fred Losani at cheque presentation
nearly reached before the event even took place, thanks to early calls and requests made to Losani Homes trades associates. By the time the event finished, a whopping $210,000 had been raised! This is quite likely a record for a single fundraising event of this kind in Hamilton.
Fred Losani, speaking to guests, acknowledged the generosity of their associates and recognized the success that can happen when we all work together. He pointed to recent events like Al Pacino’s visit to the city, which raised a reported $150,000 for charitable causes, saying that by
Food Share's Joanne Santucci accepts donation
comparison very little effort was required for Losani Homes to achieve this incredible outcome. The bighearted company provided food and drink for guests at the Turkey Drive and organized the “virtual sale” of turkeys to those in attendance. Of the money pledged, $110,000 has been shared between the Community Child Abuse Council, Hamilton Food Share and Good Shepherd. The remaining funds, once collected, will be distributed among other worthy causes.
Any other companies out there feeling generous enough to try something similar with their own network of associates? There is no shortage of need in this community, and this approach to philanthropy is just the sort of gesture that can make a huge difference without requiring
Community Child Abuse Council Board Chair, Greg Doerr
charities to knock on doors or invest huge amounts of time and energy for limited returns. The Losanis have set the bar and shown that the results can be tremendous – their quiet leadership is admirable and sets an example for us all. We are grateful for their commitment to this community, and thankful for the generosity of their associates – Barzotti Woodworking, Pearson Dunn, Turkstra Lumber and the many others who gave to this event (a full list was published in the Hamilton Spectator on December 9, 2010).
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Tags: capacity, child abuse, children, community, family, food bank, non-profit, philanthropy, poverty, volunteer
Categories : child abuse, community development, EnMark Associates, philanthropy, poverty, volunteers
Let It Snow, But Be Ready
9 12 2010
The appearance of snow each year signals a seasonal change that typically includes a checklist for coping with winter. At home, this means finding the shovel, making sure there is plenty of ice-melt on hand, checking for dangerous icicles overhead, and watching that the dog’s paws don’t get iced up when outside playing. For those working in the not-for-profit world, the list is a slightly longer one.
Winter weather brings hazards, which means it’s time to make sure policies are updated and ready to deal with inclement weather issues such as agency closures, snow clearing, communicating cancellations and responding to utility outages. It’s also flu season – time to check that appropriate policies are on the books to deal with infectious outbreaks, employee absenteeism, management coverage and on-call duties. It’s a good time to review these policies with employees and volunteers, and to institute any necessary updates. Risk management policies are vital tools in the effort to keep everyone safe, and your entire team should be up to speed on their responsibilities.
Public Health officials are a good source for information and assistance with policy development concerning pandemic or infectious outbreak as well as universal precautions for dealing with everything from bloodborne pathogens to sanitary practices.
A policy and procedure tune-up should be considered essential at this time of year. Haven’t done it yet? The time is now…it’s snowing.
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Tags: governance, health, non-profit, prevention, risk management
Categories : EnMark Associates, governance
Giving that truly counts
6 12 2010
There has been a lot in the news recently about the trend for giving so-called philanthropic gifts (a goat, school books, water purification tablets, mosquito nets) through various international aid organizations. These are tremendous opportunities to add an additional layer of meaning to the gift-giving act and to make a difference in the lives of ordinary people who need help.
Interested in doing something like this right here in your own community? There are no shortage of opportunities! Be creative, think of the many needs out there, and do something difference-making this year. Here are some ideas to get you thinking in the right direction:
- sponsor a family through the Children’s Aid Society
- drop off warm coats to the Salvation Army
- remember the food bank when you do your grocery shopping
- purchase a magazine subscription for a local women’s shelter
- introduce yourself as a volunteer by presenting a ‘VOU’ certificate to a worthy organization (provide your contact information and let them know how much time you are willing to give them for a future occasion when they may need it)
- take up a collection at your holiday gathering and donate it to a local charity
- invest in the future of Hamilton with a gift to the Hamilton Community Foundation
- share some of your homebaked goodies with the volunteer dog walkers at the SPCA
- offer your expertise to a local agency who might otherwise have to pay for a service: tune a piano for a senior’s centre or take care of the snow in an agency parking lot
- ask your neighbours what they are supporting this year – find out about a need and respond if you can
If you have a favourite charity, call and ask them what they might be needing this holiday
season. Many have a wish list of needed items. Check web sites for wish lists and other ideas. Find your own unique gesture that will make a difference, no matter how small. The gifts that keep giving are some of the very best. I find that it feels like the gift was one received rather than given. If you can’t give money, give in another way. It’s the giving that counts.
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Tags: children, community, family, food bank, mission, non-profit, philanthropy, poverty, volunteer
Categories : community development, EnMark Associates, philanthropy, volunteers
Congratulations Losani Homes
4 12 2010‘Tis the time of generosity again, the season when so many look for opportunities to give back, 
lend a hand, or make a donation. The media is reporting that despite a downturn in Canadian philanthropy overall, Hamiltonians remain generous. Many local charities who depend on this generosity hope that’s true and that it continues. There is so much to be done.
Fred & Lino Losani (centre) receive AFP award
The Association of Professional Fundraisers, Golden Horseshoe Chapter, honours one company each year for its philanthropic support to the community. This year that honour went to Losani Homes, recognized for their leadership and community spirit at a luncheon in November. The company supports many worthwhile causes, including the Community Child Abuse Council, Hamilton Food Share, and the Good Shepherd. And their support is increasing, reaching further to do more for the community. That takes not only a healthy bottom line in business terms, but also a commitment to ongoing philanthropy that is not simply based on quarterly results. Kudos to them for demonstrating just such a commitment and strengthening this community in so many ways.
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Tags: capacity, child abuse, community, hunger, mission, non-profit, philanthropy, poverty, volunteer
Categories : child abuse, community development, EnMark Associates, media, philanthropy, poverty, volunteers
The Twinkle in Mohawk’s Eye
19 11 2010Hamilton may be known as a university town, but right now it’s Mohawk College adding some sparkle and polish to the steel city. The new campus renovations, including an impressive new Learning Exchange building, are the twinkle in Mohawk College’s eye, and that eye is apparently fixed confidently on the future. Great expanses of glass, some of it in a rainbow of subtle colours, command attention along the new Fennel Avenue facade. Lettering on the new
(Photo: Mohawk College)
sign (with new logo) is some 5 ft. tall. The new Cummings Library has enhanced wireless access, e-learning and an innovative “collaboratory”. Common spaces abound, with sofas and large booths as well as more traditional seating. And, yes, there’s even a Starbucks. The college calls it “a new campus for a new decade”.
(Mohawk College)
This week the college is hosting several events that are part of The Hamilton Music Awards, and is one of the presenting sponsors. Showcasing local talent and honouring area musicians, this is a fitting venue for Mohawk College to encourage and attract young music students and connect with its community. Rob MacIsaac, President, describes Hamilton as “a great place to learn” thanks in part to Mohawk College and “a great place to call home” thanks in part to the musical icons and upcoming stars being recognized this weekend.
The festival and conference portions of the 5-day event are now on, with the Industry Awards on Saturday evening and the Hamilton Music Awards on Sunday evening (including a lifetime achievement award to Lighthouse founder and Hamiltonian Ronn “Skip” Prokop). Many talented people will walk the halls of Mohawk College for these events, including young talents whose future may well include enrollment at Mohawk. The new campus additions bode well for tomorrow’s student body and for Hamilton, with exemplary environmental design features and an obvious nod to learning comforts. Named the Centre for Entrepreneurship, Learning and Innovation this is the college’s largest-ever project and it is aptly named. The official opening won’t happen until January 2011 but already it’s apparent that the campus has been transformed.
Turns out Hamilton isn’t just a university and college town, it’s home to some of the most innovative educational facilities found anywhere. And, for Mohawk College, this most recent achievement came without aid of federal funds (requested but denied when infrastructure money was being allocated). That’s no small accomplishment, and something to be applauded.
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Tags: capacity, community, education, innovation, technology, youth
Categories : community development, EnMark Associates, technology, youth
The Poverty Push
11 11 2010“If a free society cannot help the many who are poor, it cannot save the few who are rich.” (John F. Kennedy, speech Jan. 20, 1961)
Polling conducted around the time of Hamilton’s recent municipal election revealed the issue of poverty as one of significant importance to local voters. In fact, it led the list of burning election issues. Some found this surprising, given the economic upheavals we have faced and the uncertainties of stadium, football team, steelmaker pensions and other local challenges. How heartening to know that Hamiltonians are looking for more and better solutions to the poverty crisis. The push, it appears, is on. Media attention has been significant, and the buzz in the community has reached near vuvuzela proportions.
[Illustration: projectanalog.wordpress.com
The rallying cry is “making Hamilton the best place to raise a child”. To get to that, we’ll need to sort out the line-ups at the hot meal programs, the staggering numbers depending on food banks, the waiting list for social services, the lack of a living wage for many, and the inertia that has allowed this community to reach this state. That’s a tall order, but essential.
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Tags: capacity, community, hunger, poverty, volunteer
Categories : community development, EnMark Associates, poverty, volunteers
Old Spice?
9 11 2010Marketing magazine recently reported that Canadians are fans of the current Old Spice advertising campaign (“You like the way I look. Of course you do.”). Not only was it the most recognized campaign, it was also the best liked in this country (least liked? The family chasing the Dairy Queen Blizzard truck).
Flash back for a moment to 1965 and imagine the likelihood of either of these marketing campaigns being successful. A naked guy taunting us from the shower? A family drive with Mom on the hood of the car trying to grab hold of an ice cream truck? Doubtful these would ever have been conceived, let alone aired and memorable. My point here is that things have changed considerably in the way marketing reaches us. More disturbing to me is the change in how it affects us, and what has become acceptable to so many of us.
The so-called “prime time” viewing slots on television have opened up to include programming that once was restricted to much later hours and intended for adults only. Shows like “Pimp My Ride” and “Desperate Housewives” are now airing when young kids are still in their living rooms. Not that long ago, Brooke Shields caused a tremendous uproar by exposing her navel and midrift in an advertising campaign. Bratz dolls have sexed up their wardrobes to the point 
that once-fashionable Barbie has now donned similar garb in order to stay “trendy” and competitive. The cast of Glee on the cover of GQ magazine has been in the news for its racy portrayal of highschool kids, and children have come to know firefighters in most communities as heroes and calendar pinups.
There’s only one common element in all this, and it’s money. Whatever sells goes. And we buy it. Every lowdown, inappropriate and disrespectful moment of it. Maybe our filters are so tired from trying to screen and distinguish among all this stuff that they just don’t work anymore. Or maybe we’ve just become numb to all the skin and sex and selling. Old Spice sales reportedly are up, and Bratz dolls are again being touted as a must-have item for the holidays this year. Trouble is, child abuse is up too. Domestic assaults are still a plague on families. Pornography still nets kids and ruins lives. The links are obvious. What we do about it is trickier.
Stop advertising? No. Censor more of this stuff? Governments won’t do it. Quit spending our money on the products and services that try to sell to kids with sex and violence? Now that just might work. I spoke to a mother the other day who had been trying to explain to her 8-year old why a particular mannequin’s outfit was inappropriate for school (mini skirt, lacy tights, spaghetti strap/sequin top). It’s not easy. I admire her taking a stand though, and she showed that it can be done (and done at any age) with patience and love. She told me she’d rather put up with a few tantrums than risk the alternative.
Can we find more ways to reinforce the appropriate, and gradually reduce the inappropriate, from our lives and the lives of young children? Can we do a better job of turning trashy TV into teachable moments for kids? I think so. And I tip my hat to all those parents out there who are trying to do just that every day. Their task is daunting, and they could use our help and reinforcement. Whether you have children or not, take opportunities to voice your disapproval when the merchandise in the next store you visit falls well short of the mark for appropriateness. As I often hear teachers and parents telling children, “use your voice”.
Photo: spreadshirt.com
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Tags: anti-violence, child abuse, children, communications, community, education, family, health, marketing, media, prevention, sexual assault, woman abuse, women, youth
Categories : child abuse, community development, EnMark Associates, media, women, youth
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