Grateful in Wonderland

22 10 2011

What a night. A steady parade of hats, costumes, and grins arriving at the Ancaster Fairgrounds to travel “down the rabbit hole” and celebrate the 35th anniversary of the Community Child Abuse Council at the 2011 Mad Hatter’s Ball. By all accounts a good time was had by all, and the Council was the fortunate beneficiary of all the fun.

Regular readers of my blog know that this is an event I spearheaded in the early part of 2011. Watching it all unfold last night was heartwarming. The tally of proceeds isn’t in yet, but money aside it was truly inspiring to see the merriment and hear the laughter in a crowd brought together by a very sad need (fighting child abuse). As I said from the stage, it’s tough to be celebratory when you’re the Community Child Abuse Council and families turn to you in the wake of sexual abuse. But those little victories and

heart-swelling success stories that unfold on a regular basis at the Council are ones that must be shared and celebrated. That’s why, from the very start, we set out to host a “party with a purpose” rather than any other sort of fundraising event.

My personal thanks to friends and family, colleagues, and Council supporters who came out to attend the festivities and spend money in support of the cause. And my very sincere gratitude to those, including friends and family, who gave their time and considerable talents as volunteers before, during, and after the event. What an amazing team of volunteers the evening brought together! I appreciate your support so very much.

Pictures from the event will be posted on the Mad Hatter’s Ball web site: www.the2011mhb.com

 


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Categories : child abuse, Hamilton Ontario, Karen Smith, philanthropy, volunteers

Unofficially Summer

22 05 2011

Summer’s official start is generally recognized to be June 21 (or, more specifically, the Summer Solstice). But for many of us, the “May 24” long weekend has traditionally heralded the arrival of the warmer weather and released us to once again enjoy outdoor living. Here’s hoping you are all making the best of this seasonal (and uniquely ours) celebration. As you stock up on charcoal, hose off the lawn chairs and otherwise prepare for summertime, however, take a moment to think about the season change from another perspective…

The network of community service providers whose programs and supports are vital to so many of our neighbours and fellow citizens approach the summer months with a different view than most of us: will there be enough food at the food banks to respond to the increase in demand that generally happens when school lets out? how can we best utilize the summer students who will be helping us? how many days of dangerously high temperatures are we in for and are we ready to respond to the needs of the most vulnerable? will our board volunteers meet over the summer? will enough donors remember us when our fundraising appeal comes during their summer vacation? how will the coming provincial election impact our ability to provide services? have we recruited enough replacements for our key volunteers who will be leaving for holidays?

The community engine that responds to human needs is ever running. There is no vacation for the safety net that is vitally essential to the health and wellbeing of our most vulnerable citizens. The ongoing activities that keep this engine running are often unseen but always imporant. Taking time to consider that as we plan our summers can only add to the strength of the response. As we take time out to enjoy the season, we may also be in a position to help make sure it’s a good summer for all.  Worth thinking about.


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Categories : community development, EnMark Associates, Hamilton Ontario, volunteers

Feed The Dream

15 04 2011

Did you know that in Hamilton more than 23,000 students get a breakfast, lunch and/or snack each day at their local school or community centre? Many of these kids, 1 in 4, live in poverty. Others lack the required nutrition to get them through the day because busy lives, work schedules, or stressful home situations get in the way. Hamilton Partners in Nutrition (HPIN) provides nutritional meals and snacks to students across this community, funded largely through provincial money but relying also on donations and fundraising. Rising food costs require ongoing efforts to raise money and a significant dependence on volunteer dedication.

On Saturday, June 18th you can support their work by supporting their Feed The Dream Auction. It will be held at Hamilton’s Discovery Centre and will include both silent and live auction events as well as entertainment and hors d’oevres. Opportunities to help include buying event tickets, donating auction items, volunteering for the evening, or advertising in the auction brochure. EnMark Associates is pleased to be donating an auction item, and challenges readers of this site to do the same.

Full details can be found at www.partnersinnutrition.ca or by calling 905-522-1148, ext. 301.  Be sure to find out about the special pre-auction cruise aboard The Harbour Queen.

There are more than 100 student nutrition programs in Hamilton, and as of June 2010 they serve 447,183 breakfast meals and 650,690 snacks with the help of 6,695 volunteers. Parents alone contribute more than 45,000 hours of volunteer time, estimated to represent more than $750,000.

 

Karen’s recent work has included a project with the Hamilton Community Foundation and area stakeholders to develop a universal school-based nutrition program in Hamilton. Buildiing from what is already in place, the initiative aims to make nourishment available to all elementary school students (secondary school population would come next) and to help the community move forward towards the goal of being the best place in which to raise a child. Watch this blog and the Hamilton Community Foundation’s web site (see link at right) for updates on the project.


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Categories : community development, EnMark Associates, Hamilton Ontario, philanthropy, poverty, volunteers, youth

A few bad apples…

14 03 2011

March is Fraud Prevention Month, prompting a quiz sponsored by CanadaHelps and Capital One concerning charitable giving. To take the online quiz and see how much you know about charitable fraud, click here: http://www.canadahelps.org/.

Charity fraud is rare in Canada despite media coverage that might suggest otherwise. In more than 20 years working in the charitable sector, with dozens and dozens of organizations, I have never once come across actual fraud. We have a reasonably strict system of monitoring and enforcement here in Canada, making it tough to scam donors or operate fraudulent charities. The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) pulls the plug on those who try, resulting in loss of charitable status or revoked registration.

Mark Blumberg’s Canadian Charity Law List for this month includes examples of this enforcement in action. “CRA has revoked the registration of The Organ Donation & Transplant Association of Canada for excessive fundraising and administrative fees and for involvement in an ‘international donation arrangement'”. Apparently this organization ran into trouble for gifts in kind whose real value didn’t match their reported value. Then there’s Pediatric AIDS Canada/USA, whose registration was also revoked by CRA for high fundraising costs and involvement in an “international donation arrangement that artificially inflated expenditures on charitable activities”.

Both these organizations were included in a recent Toronto Star article about charity fraud (“Plug pulled on charity after audit reveals money misspent”, March 7, 2011). The article essentially deals with six organizations where cases of charitable spending or reporting breaches led to CRA intervention. I point this out because six organizations out of thousands who conduct themselves legitimately is a very small number. Even if there are other, as yet undiscovered, fraudsters out there they remain a very small percentage of Canada’s overall charitable sector. The damage they inflict, however, can be devastating to all.

Donor diligence is the best defense against making contributions to fraudulent causes. But donors should not become alarmed and think that fraud is rampant in Canadian charities. It is not. A very few bad apples make it extremely challenging for legitimate charities to maintain goodwill and donor trust (and often add to the costs of operating a bona fide charity). Volunteers, too, can be skeptical about supporting the sector if they don’t feel their efforts are aligned with legitimate and legal purposes. So there’s much at stake (donors, volunteers, public opinion) for the good apples.

Updated charity laws, aggressive prosecution of lawbreakers, and accessible information for donors and volunteers are all helping to keep fraud to an absolute minimum in Canada. One bad apple is one too many, but it’s important that the entire sector not be branded criminals by a very few examples of cheating, fraudulent fundraising, or illegal scams.

For more information, check these resources:

http://www.canadiancharitylaw.ca

http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/charities


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Categories : crime and violence, EnMark Associates, governance, philanthropy, volunteers

New year, new Act for Ontario Not-For-Profits

18 01 2011

The Corporations Act, which has applied to Ontario non-profits since 1907, was replaced in October with the Not-For-Profit Corporations Act. If you missed it, here’s a brief wrap-up of the pertinent content changes and a link to the new Act.

Legislative Assembly of Ontario

The Act is a legal framework, setting out rules for many of the same issues and requirements as the previous Corporations Act. The updates, however, were long overdue and address current issues and realities. Here’s what stands out among the highlights of Bill 65:

  • harmonizes regulations with other Canadian jurisdictions (including Canada Not-For-Profit Corporations Act of 2009)
  • simplified incorporation process (potentially from previous several weeks to just a few days)
  • directors now have statutory duty of care (act honestly, in good faith/best interests of the corporation, exercise the care, diligence and skill of a reasonably prudent person, and comply with Act and all by-laws)
  • liability protection provisions for directors (with certain conditions)
  • allows commercial activities if revenues used for the organization’s non-profit purpose
  • increases financial transparency (from changes in annual reporting to rules for accessing  records)

To access the Act at the Legislative Assembly of Ontario web site, use this link:

http://www.ontla.on.ca/web/bills/bills_detail.do?locale=en&BillID=2347&detailPage=bills_detail_the_bill&Intranet=


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Categories : EnMark Associates, governance, philanthropy, volunteers

Hunger Heroes

14 12 2010

Hats 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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Categories : community development, EnMark Associates, philanthropy, poverty, volunteers

Losani Homes’ Record-Breaking Turkey Drive

11 12 2010

As 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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Categories : child abuse, community development, EnMark Associates, philanthropy, poverty, volunteers

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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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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Categories : child abuse, community development, EnMark Associates, media, philanthropy, poverty, volunteers

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

Now that the election is over, what can we expect? Will our newly elected representatives pay heed to the significance of this issue? Are we to finally see a coordinated and concerted effort to address poverty in Hamilton? Only time will tell. We’ll have to keep the volume turned up and continue to voice our opinions. Community leaders will need to continue their efforts at collaborating in search of new and effective solutions. There is a role for each of us in the poverty push – voters and volunteers, concerned citizens and families, educators and service providers, businesspeople and students, faith communities and corporations. Whether we give voice or give time, make a donation or make a difference in other ways, we are the force behind the poverty push. We need to be informed and engaged, and to be diligent in our monitoring of Hamilton’s progress.

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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Categories : community development, EnMark Associates, poverty, volunteers

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