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
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
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
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