Fund release: Owen Sound December 3, 2007 – United Way and Union Gas today announced the 2006-2007 Winter Warmth Fund, providing financial assistance to low-income families and individuals struggling to pay their heating and hydro bills.
The fund was initially established in Toronto during the winter of 2004 and has expanded to include five utilities, local United Ways and community agencies throughout Ontario. The five utility companies – Enbridge Gas Distribution, Enersource Corporation, Hydro Ottawa, Toronto Hydro and Union Gas Limited – will combine efforts with United Way to coordinate the fund through over 45 community agencies across the province.
Funds for the annual program are contributed by the participating utility companies and are available to their eligible customers.
In the winter of 2006-7 The United Way assisted 19 households representing 21 adults and 20 children with their Union Gas utility bill, in addition many were referred to other resources in the community. “This program helps families that have hit a “bump in the road” explained United Way of Bruce Grey Executive Director Francesca Dobbyn. The ability to sustain the utility payment after the ‘hand-up” is a requirement of the program. “We had people who had unexpected car repair bills, children with medical needs and such” added Dobbyn.
“Union Gas is pleased to work with the United Way again this year to deliver the Winter Warmth Fund to communities across our service territory,” said Greg Ebel, President of Union Gas Limited. “This is one of the many initiatives through which Union Gas gives back to the community.”
How the Fund Works
Families and individuals needing financial assistance to pay their heating and hydro bills can find information about the Winter Warmth Fund at the United Way of Bruce Grey
After a successful application process, one-time funding will be credited directly to the applicant’s utilities account.
Eligibility
Eligible grant recipients include low-income households who are in arrears or at risk of going into arrears on their energy bills and have exhausted all other sources of financial support.
Customers can contact the United Way to determine funding eligibility and to submit an application. The United Way can be reached at 519 376 1560 Monday to Friday 8:30 – 4:30, or on site at the United Way Centre at 380 9th Street East Owen Sound
For further information: United Way of Bruce Grey 519 376 1560
Thursday, November 29, 2007
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
December 6th Remembered
Fourteen young women were killed at l’ecole Polytechnique in Montreal, December 6th, 1989 by a gunman who segregated them by their gender. That event in our Canadian history brought home the face of violence against women in our own country. That day has become a National Day for Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women. Women’s Reach is a group of women, providing advocacy and support to sexual violence survivors in Grey and Bruce counties. Hazel Pratt of the group says, “Our commitment is to encourage and empower women to become self-advocates for their needs as survivors of sexual violence”. Women’s Reach is organizing a memorial event for 7:00 pm December 6th in the Saugeen Villa Sunshine Room at The Village Seniors’ Community in Hanover. A short program of music and words of remembrance with guest speaker Bonita Johnson-deMatteis of the Nemesis Group Services will be held with refreshments to follow. All are welcome to participate and attend.
For more information about the December 6th event in Hanover, contact Christine Forand at 519-369-1440 or
Hazel Pratt at 519-363-3167.
Thank you for your attention to this important day
Christine Forand
Hazel Pratt
For more information about the December 6th event in Hanover, contact Christine Forand at 519-369-1440 or
Hazel Pratt at 519-363-3167.
Thank you for your attention to this important day
Christine Forand
Hazel Pratt
Catching up
It's been busy, in the past 2 weeks I've been to London, Hanover, Collingwood, Walkerton, Kincardine and Toronto for a couple of days. I'm getting behind on a few things and blogging here is one of the things that gets pushed to the side when it gets this busy. But here's a 'catch-up' of what's going on.
A Christmas Carol
Sunday November 25th, 3 pm
Few events hosted by CBC Radio are as eagerly anticipated or as warmly
received as the readings of A Christmas Carol. The readings bring together
the pleasure of hearing a good story, the joy of music of the season, and
the inspired energy of those who want to make their community a better
place.
The 2006 Christmas Carol was a complete success. Over $205,000.00 was
raised! We thank all those communities that helped carry on this CBC
tradition.
For the last 17 years the Christmas Carol has benefited shelters, food
banks, libraries and hospitals across Canada, and brought joy to the
communities that support them. Congratulations on helping make a difference
this season.
Benefiting Keystone Child Youth and Family Services: All proceeds will go
towards the WRAP discretionary fund which will serve the clients directly.
$10 admission
Just hear those sleigh bells jingling,
Ring ting tingling too
Come on, it's lovely weather
For a sleigh ride together with you
Old-Fashioned Sleigh Ride JOIN SANTA ON
Saturday December 15, 2007
Meet Local Teams and Drivers in parade and at work in a special “All Breeds” Drive.
Choose one of the different Breeds of Heavy Horses/Mules including:
Jim Merriam with his Mule Team
Ross Trask and his Clydesdales
Don Roi and the Suffolks
Durk DeVries and the Percherons
John Ball with his team of Paints
Rick Maas and the Halflingers
Bob Thomas and Lincoln Urbshott with their Belgians
11:00 A.M. Santa arrives and the rides begin. Reservations are needed for 11:00 am only.
Sleigh rides continue until 3 pm. Get together with friends or family and book a full sleigh or come and join another group. Treat your staff to a sleigh ride for their Christmas Social. Sponsor a family for this fun winter outing. Sponsor your favourite team and cheer them on.
Sponsor a “Celebrity Driver” or ride in one of their sleighs!
Free-will donations will be directed to The Women’s Centre (Grey & Bruce) Inc.
For more information and to book a sleigh, contact:
Your Hosts: Durk and Alma DeVries,
or
The Women’s Centre (Grey & Bruce) Inc.
519-376-0755 x 100 or 105
Dual Acre Percherons
One mile north of Shallow Lake on County Road 1/70
Phone 519-935-3156 or 519-935-2462 e-mail dual.acres@sympatico.ca
A Christmas Carol
Sunday November 25th, 3 pm
Few events hosted by CBC Radio are as eagerly anticipated or as warmly
received as the readings of A Christmas Carol. The readings bring together
the pleasure of hearing a good story, the joy of music of the season, and
the inspired energy of those who want to make their community a better
place.
The 2006 Christmas Carol was a complete success. Over $205,000.00 was
raised! We thank all those communities that helped carry on this CBC
tradition.
For the last 17 years the Christmas Carol has benefited shelters, food
banks, libraries and hospitals across Canada, and brought joy to the
communities that support them. Congratulations on helping make a difference
this season.
Benefiting Keystone Child Youth and Family Services: All proceeds will go
towards the WRAP discretionary fund which will serve the clients directly.
$10 admission
Just hear those sleigh bells jingling,
Ring ting tingling too
Come on, it's lovely weather
For a sleigh ride together with you
Old-Fashioned Sleigh Ride JOIN SANTA ON
Saturday December 15, 2007
Meet Local Teams and Drivers in parade and at work in a special “All Breeds” Drive.
Choose one of the different Breeds of Heavy Horses/Mules including:
Jim Merriam with his Mule Team
Ross Trask and his Clydesdales
Don Roi and the Suffolks
Durk DeVries and the Percherons
John Ball with his team of Paints
Rick Maas and the Halflingers
Bob Thomas and Lincoln Urbshott with their Belgians
11:00 A.M. Santa arrives and the rides begin. Reservations are needed for 11:00 am only.
Sleigh rides continue until 3 pm. Get together with friends or family and book a full sleigh or come and join another group. Treat your staff to a sleigh ride for their Christmas Social. Sponsor a family for this fun winter outing. Sponsor your favourite team and cheer them on.
Sponsor a “Celebrity Driver” or ride in one of their sleighs!
Free-will donations will be directed to The Women’s Centre (Grey & Bruce) Inc.
For more information and to book a sleigh, contact:
Your Hosts: Durk and Alma DeVries,
or
The Women’s Centre (Grey & Bruce) Inc.
519-376-0755 x 100 or 105
Dual Acre Percherons
One mile north of Shallow Lake on County Road 1/70
Phone 519-935-3156 or 519-935-2462 e-mail dual.acres@sympatico.ca
Monday, November 12, 2007
A little more sane
This week is going to be a bit more sane. I am on training Thursday Friday but otherwise I'm home safe and sound.
Today we're pulling together information for an insert in the Owen Sound Sun Times. We want to tell the community just what it is we've been up to over the past year. We're also hoping to generate some donations.
The campaign is going well, but we've got a long way to go yet.
We've many new and exciting initiaitives planned for the new year and it's going to be very exciting. So what this space!
Today we're pulling together information for an insert in the Owen Sound Sun Times. We want to tell the community just what it is we've been up to over the past year. We're also hoping to generate some donations.
The campaign is going well, but we've got a long way to go yet.
We've many new and exciting initiaitives planned for the new year and it's going to be very exciting. So what this space!
Sunday, November 4, 2007
Crazy week
This week is going to be a little crazy. Monday I am in London for a policy forum on Seniors and I wish to bring the concerns of SAAN and specifically elder abuse to this forum.
Tuesday morning I'm in Hanover to pick up Lesson's fundraising dollars. Lesson's more than doubled their goal of $500! Tuesday night I'm in Clinton for the Annual General Meeting of Epilepsy Huron Perth Bruce.
Wednesday I'm off to Collingwood to meet with TD Canada Trust to work on their campaign for this fall, as well as a meeting with Community Connection on our Volunteer Portal project and an update on 211 as well.
Thursday is our SAAN meeting and Friday brings our Women's Poverty Group together as well as a conference call on Winter Warmth. Starting December 3rd under the Winter Warmth program we will be once again be assisting people with their Union Gas utility bills.
It's just going to be one of those weeks, lots to do, lots of people to see and all and all very positive.
Tuesday morning I'm in Hanover to pick up Lesson's fundraising dollars. Lesson's more than doubled their goal of $500! Tuesday night I'm in Clinton for the Annual General Meeting of Epilepsy Huron Perth Bruce.
Wednesday I'm off to Collingwood to meet with TD Canada Trust to work on their campaign for this fall, as well as a meeting with Community Connection on our Volunteer Portal project and an update on 211 as well.
Thursday is our SAAN meeting and Friday brings our Women's Poverty Group together as well as a conference call on Winter Warmth. Starting December 3rd under the Winter Warmth program we will be once again be assisting people with their Union Gas utility bills.
It's just going to be one of those weeks, lots to do, lots of people to see and all and all very positive.
Friday, November 2, 2007
Fall newsletter
Despite the Winterama meetings....
Despite the garden being fully harvested....
Despite the talk of snow in the forecast...
Check our Fall Newsletter. As the autumn is the focus of our campaign, it focuses a lot on the campaign.
So pass it along!
Despite the garden being fully harvested....
Despite the talk of snow in the forecast...
Check our Fall Newsletter. As the autumn is the focus of our campaign, it focuses a lot on the campaign.
So pass it along!
Thursday, November 1, 2007
Fantastic news
Hobart Food Equipment has celebrated its 10 year partnership with the United Way of Bruce Grey by blowing the lid of its fundraising campaign.
The 2007 employee and corporate campaign hit an all time high with just over $38 000 being raised in it’s month long campaign. Employee participation for payroll deduction was 70%, a 20% increase over 2006.
With support from its parent company ITW of Illinois Hobart Food Equipment employees have raised almost $90 000 in the past 3 years for the United Way of Bruce Grey, bringing its 10 year total to just under $150 000.
“This has blown our socks off,” said Paul Stethem, head of Human Resources, “our goal was a 10% increase and we achieved an increase of just over 50%”.
“This donation puts us well over halfway to our goal of raising $285 00, to begin to meet the needs in our community” said United Way Executive Director Francesca Dobbyn
Hobart’s parent company ITW matches the employee contribution dollar for dollar. There was initial concern that the rising dollar would negatively impact the campaign, but the employee response was so strong, that the campaign will show an increase despite the current exchange rate.
The current United Way of Bruce Grey campaign total is: $160 387.22
Hobart is the world's leading innovator of food equipment, systems and service and has been around for more than 110 years. Hobart Corporation is a part of Illinois Tool Works (ITW). The Owen Sound plant employs 181. Hobart Food Equipment plants and offices across Canada have collectively raised upwards of $75 000 for United Ways across Canada in 2007.
For more information please contact
Paul Stethem
Hobart Food Equipment
519 376 8886
Francesca Dobbyn
United Way of Bruce Grey
519 376 1560
The 2007 employee and corporate campaign hit an all time high with just over $38 000 being raised in it’s month long campaign. Employee participation for payroll deduction was 70%, a 20% increase over 2006.
With support from its parent company ITW of Illinois Hobart Food Equipment employees have raised almost $90 000 in the past 3 years for the United Way of Bruce Grey, bringing its 10 year total to just under $150 000.
“This has blown our socks off,” said Paul Stethem, head of Human Resources, “our goal was a 10% increase and we achieved an increase of just over 50%”.
“This donation puts us well over halfway to our goal of raising $285 00, to begin to meet the needs in our community” said United Way Executive Director Francesca Dobbyn
Hobart’s parent company ITW matches the employee contribution dollar for dollar. There was initial concern that the rising dollar would negatively impact the campaign, but the employee response was so strong, that the campaign will show an increase despite the current exchange rate.
The current United Way of Bruce Grey campaign total is: $160 387.22
Hobart is the world's leading innovator of food equipment, systems and service and has been around for more than 110 years. Hobart Corporation is a part of Illinois Tool Works (ITW). The Owen Sound plant employs 181. Hobart Food Equipment plants and offices across Canada have collectively raised upwards of $75 000 for United Ways across Canada in 2007.
For more information please contact
Paul Stethem
Hobart Food Equipment
519 376 8886
Francesca Dobbyn
United Way of Bruce Grey
519 376 1560
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
The United Way of Bruce Grey is handing out cash!
United Way’s Rotary Children's Fund Grants 2007
The United Way of Bruce Grey is handing out cash!
October 31st, 10 am
United Way Centre – 380 9th Street East
Through a partnership with area Rotary Clubs and the Winterama event, held annually in February, the United Way is pleased to announce its second series of grants issued from the United Way’s Rotary Children's Fund.
In the spring of 2007, the United Way of Bruce Grey Board of Directors issues a resolution that youth and children raise all fundraising events, the funds, will also be allocated to the Children’s Fund. These additional events are the Galaxy Film Festival, where teens watch movies from midnight to 7 am, and Homecoming’s Amazing Race proceeds. This resulted in the Children’s Fund growing to over $20 000 for 2007.
Total Funds Requested $ 27 938.13
Total Funds Available $ 21 109.45
Winterama $ 16 862.25
Galaxy Film Festival $ 180.20
Amazing Race $ 67.00
The spirit of the fund
This fund is to assist our agencies in helping children and youth that use their services. If there is a wish list for an agency, for children and youth, this fund is for that wish list. The fund is to improve the lives of children and youth in our community.
The United Way and Rotary Winterama will also renew their partnership for the 2008 event.
Successful Applicants:
GRACE $1 000
To support the ongoing GRACE program
PRANCE $2 500
Towards the purchase of a new horse
Children’s Aid of Owen Sound and Grey $2 650
To support "Youth in Power: Teens in Care" a support group for teens, covers transportation and other related costs
Keystone Child, Youth and Family Services $ 3 000
Resources for the Parent Mutual Aid program and Ontario Early Years Centres
South Grey Bruce Youth Literacy Council $ 2 500.00
Updated learning resources for the tutoring program
Women's House Serving Bruce and Grey $ 2 390.00
Upgrades to children's resources (collapsible cribs, strollers, crib mattresses car seats etc)
Friends and Neighbours Club (CMHA) $ 1 569.01
Hands free microphones for puppeteers
Durham and District Food Bank $ 1 000.00
Purchase a variety of items to assist individuals within the community serviced by the food bank
SHEATRE $1 500
To create a teacher and student guide for "Far from the Heart" a teen based play that address 'date rape'
Grey Bruce Eat and Learn $3 000
Various school healthy eating programs, such as cooking classes, healthier snacks, new fridge etc
For more information contact Francesca Dobbyn at 519 376 1560
-30-
The United Way of Bruce Grey is handing out cash!
October 31st, 10 am
United Way Centre – 380 9th Street East
Through a partnership with area Rotary Clubs and the Winterama event, held annually in February, the United Way is pleased to announce its second series of grants issued from the United Way’s Rotary Children's Fund.
In the spring of 2007, the United Way of Bruce Grey Board of Directors issues a resolution that youth and children raise all fundraising events, the funds, will also be allocated to the Children’s Fund. These additional events are the Galaxy Film Festival, where teens watch movies from midnight to 7 am, and Homecoming’s Amazing Race proceeds. This resulted in the Children’s Fund growing to over $20 000 for 2007.
Total Funds Requested $ 27 938.13
Total Funds Available $ 21 109.45
Winterama $ 16 862.25
Galaxy Film Festival $ 180.20
Amazing Race $ 67.00
The spirit of the fund
This fund is to assist our agencies in helping children and youth that use their services. If there is a wish list for an agency, for children and youth, this fund is for that wish list. The fund is to improve the lives of children and youth in our community.
The United Way and Rotary Winterama will also renew their partnership for the 2008 event.
Successful Applicants:
GRACE $1 000
To support the ongoing GRACE program
PRANCE $2 500
Towards the purchase of a new horse
Children’s Aid of Owen Sound and Grey $2 650
To support "Youth in Power: Teens in Care" a support group for teens, covers transportation and other related costs
Keystone Child, Youth and Family Services $ 3 000
Resources for the Parent Mutual Aid program and Ontario Early Years Centres
South Grey Bruce Youth Literacy Council $ 2 500.00
Updated learning resources for the tutoring program
Women's House Serving Bruce and Grey $ 2 390.00
Upgrades to children's resources (collapsible cribs, strollers, crib mattresses car seats etc)
Friends and Neighbours Club (CMHA) $ 1 569.01
Hands free microphones for puppeteers
Durham and District Food Bank $ 1 000.00
Purchase a variety of items to assist individuals within the community serviced by the food bank
SHEATRE $1 500
To create a teacher and student guide for "Far from the Heart" a teen based play that address 'date rape'
Grey Bruce Eat and Learn $3 000
Various school healthy eating programs, such as cooking classes, healthier snacks, new fridge etc
For more information contact Francesca Dobbyn at 519 376 1560
-30-
Grand Opening
Grand Opening
Saturday, November 3, 2007
380 9th Street East, United Way Centre Owen Sound
11 a.m. To 2 p.m.
St. John Ambulance, Owen Sound Branch invites neighbours and friends to come, celebrate with us the at 11:00 a.m.Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for the Grand Opening of our new headquarters at 380 9th Street East, downtown Owen Sound at the United Way Centre.
On Saturday, November 3rd from 11 a.m. To 2 p.m. Bring your Teddy Bear to our Mobile First Aid Station.
Medical First Responder Community Service Volunteers and First-Aid-CPR Instructors will meet you and help Teddy through his emergency. Then come upstairs, have a hands-on experience with an Automated Electronic Defibrillator (A.E.D.) training device, try out your CPR skills on a mannequin and meet one of the St. John Ambulance Therapy Dogs.
There will be hourly drawings for free First Aid Kits. Coupons for your next First-Aid Course and First-Aid information will be available.
At the Grand Opening talk to St. John Ambulance staff about the satisfying volunteer opportunities for people sixteen years of age and older. With the Medical First Responder (MFR) Services advanced first aid training with community experience provides personal and career development.
St. John Ambulance Therapy Dog Service takes a volunteer and their dog into a health care facility each week to provide the physical and emotional benefit of regular contact with the unconditional love of a pet.
St. John Ambulance, Owen Sound Branch continues in a tradition of caring established in the community since 1912.
St. John Ambulance…Saving Lives at work, home and play.
Wendy Taylor
Branch Manager
St. John Ambulance
Owen Sound Branch
Phone: 519-376-4813
Fax: 519-376-4981
Email: Wendy.Taylor@on.sja.ca
Web site: www.stjohnowensound.org
Saturday, November 3, 2007
380 9th Street East, United Way Centre Owen Sound
11 a.m. To 2 p.m.
St. John Ambulance, Owen Sound Branch invites neighbours and friends to come, celebrate with us the at 11:00 a.m.Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for the Grand Opening of our new headquarters at 380 9th Street East, downtown Owen Sound at the United Way Centre.
On Saturday, November 3rd from 11 a.m. To 2 p.m. Bring your Teddy Bear to our Mobile First Aid Station.
Medical First Responder Community Service Volunteers and First-Aid-CPR Instructors will meet you and help Teddy through his emergency. Then come upstairs, have a hands-on experience with an Automated Electronic Defibrillator (A.E.D.) training device, try out your CPR skills on a mannequin and meet one of the St. John Ambulance Therapy Dogs.
There will be hourly drawings for free First Aid Kits. Coupons for your next First-Aid Course and First-Aid information will be available.
At the Grand Opening talk to St. John Ambulance staff about the satisfying volunteer opportunities for people sixteen years of age and older. With the Medical First Responder (MFR) Services advanced first aid training with community experience provides personal and career development.
St. John Ambulance Therapy Dog Service takes a volunteer and their dog into a health care facility each week to provide the physical and emotional benefit of regular contact with the unconditional love of a pet.
St. John Ambulance, Owen Sound Branch continues in a tradition of caring established in the community since 1912.
St. John Ambulance…Saving Lives at work, home and play.
Wendy Taylor
Branch Manager
St. John Ambulance
Owen Sound Branch
Phone: 519-376-4813
Fax: 519-376-4981
Email: Wendy.Taylor@on.sja.ca
Web site: www.stjohnowensound.org
Working with your Lawyer
IN CELEBRATING THE SPIRIT OF LOUIS RIEL
Metis Nation of Grey Owen Sound with
Seana Moorhead, Staff Lawyer
Grey-Bruce Community Legal Clinic
Invites you to an Information Session:
Working with your Lawyer
Legal Aid – How to get? What to expect? Talking to a lawyer. Funding and Appeals – What is available for you? What are my rights? And how do I get them?
Friday November 16, 1 - 3 pm
Metis Office 380 9th. Street East 370-0435
Free, everyone welcome, refreshments.
Metis Nation of Grey Owen Sound with
Seana Moorhead, Staff Lawyer
Grey-Bruce Community Legal Clinic
Invites you to an Information Session:
Working with your Lawyer
Legal Aid – How to get? What to expect? Talking to a lawyer. Funding and Appeals – What is available for you? What are my rights? And how do I get them?
Friday November 16, 1 - 3 pm
Metis Office 380 9th. Street East 370-0435
Free, everyone welcome, refreshments.
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
United Way day at Bruce Power
Jackie and I spent the day at B10, the administration building at Bruce Power. We had a display as well as Jackie's puppets, which were a great hit. We were visited by lots of United Way supporters from Dave Trumble and Kevin McKay to Susan Bissett and Duncan Hawthorne. We signed people up on the spot for pay roll deduction and many others took the forms back to their workstation.
We have already began planning "next years" piece where we hope to be at both Stations as well, and have 3 days on site. For that we will need Dave and Kevin's support in terms of making our visit a fun and informative session rather than a hard sell.
We truly hope that others will sign up and be supportive around the site.
A big thank you to Bev Fry who spent the day with us, got us through security, and fetched and carried, and most importantly, arranged lunch for the three of us.
I also have our 'video' in many different formats as well as on DVD and will show it at the next board meeting as well post the link when I pop it up on You Tube.
Thank you to Jackie who totally rearranged her day to accommodate this day.
Attached is a wonderful picture that sums up the antics of the day...two site fire fighters, Lise (the puppet) and Jackie. Oh my job is so much work....but the perks.....*sigh*.
Monday, October 22, 2007
2007 CN Tower Climb
Owen Sound - An energetic group of staff and volunteers of the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) climbed the CN Tower in Toronto in support of the United Way yesterday, raising over $300 for their annual campaign.
Five volunteer puppeteers and the program coordinator of the Friends and Neighbours (FAN) Club participated in the climb, an annual fundraising event hosted by the United Way of Toronto. The fastest member of the group, a fifteen year-old student of WHSS, ascended to the top of the tower in an astonishing 17 minutes and 19 seconds while the rest of the group completed the climb in less than an hour.
The FAN Club, a children's mental health puppet program of the CMHA is a funded agency of the United Way of Bruce Grey.
Volunteers of the FAN Club felt this was a way they could do their part to support the agency that supports them and challenges residents of Grey Bruce to do what they can as well to help the United Way meet it's fundraising goal of $280,000 by the end of the campaign on December 1. Pledges for the Tower Climb are still being accepted at the CMHA office until the end of the week.
Five volunteer puppeteers and the program coordinator of the Friends and Neighbours (FAN) Club participated in the climb, an annual fundraising event hosted by the United Way of Toronto. The fastest member of the group, a fifteen year-old student of WHSS, ascended to the top of the tower in an astonishing 17 minutes and 19 seconds while the rest of the group completed the climb in less than an hour.
The FAN Club, a children's mental health puppet program of the CMHA is a funded agency of the United Way of Bruce Grey.
Volunteers of the FAN Club felt this was a way they could do their part to support the agency that supports them and challenges residents of Grey Bruce to do what they can as well to help the United Way meet it's fundraising goal of $280,000 by the end of the campaign on December 1. Pledges for the Tower Climb are still being accepted at the CMHA office until the end of the week.
Friday, October 19, 2007
Yesterday was Persons Day
In 1867 the British North America Act set out the powers and responsibilities of the provinces and of the federal government. This act used the word "persons" when it referred to more than one person and the word "he" when it referred to one person. Therefore, many argued, the act was really saying that only a man could be a person, thus preventing women from participating fully in politics or affairs of state.
Emily Murphy was the first female magistrate in the British Empire and magistrate of a newly created Women's Court operating in Edmonton. On her first day a defendant's lawyer challenged a ruling because she was not a "person" and therefore not qualified to perform the duties of a magistrate.
Women's groups also began pressuring the federal government to appoint a female to the Senate. Despite the support of prime ministers Arthur Meighen and William Lyon MacKenzie King, no appointments materialized. Governments used the persons argument as an excuse to keep women out of important positions.
If only a man could be a person, then when the act also said only "qualified persons" could be appointed to the Senate of Canada, then only men could be appointed.
In 1927 Emily Murphy and four other prominent Canadian women - Nellie McClung, Irene Parlby, Louise McKinney and Henrietta Muir Edwards - asked the Supreme Court of Canada to answer the question "Does the word 'person' in Section 24 of the BNA Act include female persons?"
After five weeks of debate and argument the Supreme Court decided the word "person" did not include women.
The group refused to accept the decision and took the Persons case to the Privy Council in England, which in those days was Canada's highest court.
On Oct. 18, 1929, Lord Sankey, lord chancellor of the Privy Council, announced the decision of the five lords. The decision stated "that the exclusion of women from all public offices is a relic of days more barbarous than ours. And to those who would ask why the word 'person' should include females, the obvious answer is why should it not?"
The Famous Five achieved not only the right for women to serve in the Senate but they and their many contributions paved the way for women to participate in other aspects of public life.
Emily Murphy was the first female magistrate in the British Empire and magistrate of a newly created Women's Court operating in Edmonton. On her first day a defendant's lawyer challenged a ruling because she was not a "person" and therefore not qualified to perform the duties of a magistrate.
Women's groups also began pressuring the federal government to appoint a female to the Senate. Despite the support of prime ministers Arthur Meighen and William Lyon MacKenzie King, no appointments materialized. Governments used the persons argument as an excuse to keep women out of important positions.
If only a man could be a person, then when the act also said only "qualified persons" could be appointed to the Senate of Canada, then only men could be appointed.
In 1927 Emily Murphy and four other prominent Canadian women - Nellie McClung, Irene Parlby, Louise McKinney and Henrietta Muir Edwards - asked the Supreme Court of Canada to answer the question "Does the word 'person' in Section 24 of the BNA Act include female persons?"
After five weeks of debate and argument the Supreme Court decided the word "person" did not include women.
The group refused to accept the decision and took the Persons case to the Privy Council in England, which in those days was Canada's highest court.
On Oct. 18, 1929, Lord Sankey, lord chancellor of the Privy Council, announced the decision of the five lords. The decision stated "that the exclusion of women from all public offices is a relic of days more barbarous than ours. And to those who would ask why the word 'person' should include females, the obvious answer is why should it not?"
The Famous Five achieved not only the right for women to serve in the Senate but they and their many contributions paved the way for women to participate in other aspects of public life.
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
Celebrating Rural Women Writing Workshop
Celebrating Rural Women Writing Workshop
Tuesday October 23, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
With Dawna Proudman
What is this all about?
This workshop is to help us tell our stories in a powerful way. Some of us may want to use what we wrote as part of the "Trunk of Poverty" display.
What if I can't write very well?
This is not about spelling or grammar. This is not school! Dawna will create a safe space for us to find our clear and true voices. We will learn to give ourselves support, to give and receive feedback from each other and to recognize the inner critic (the voice in our heads that says "You're no good. Nobody's interested in anything you say.)
Why does this matter?
When we speak our truth we change ourselves and our world in positive ways. In sharing our experiences, we hope to dispell myths about women living in poverty and inspire change in our community.
Who can attend?
Any woman who has experienced poverty at some point in her life. You may want to have your writing become part of the "Trunk of Poverty" display, but this is not required. It is up to you what you decide to do with your writing.
Is there a cost?
There is no cost. Lunch is provided free of charge. If you need help to pay for a sitter or for gas, we will provide that.
Where is this?
In Walkerton at the St. Paul United Church at the corner of Jackson and Jane, across from the jail.
Dawna Proudman lives in Durham, Ontario where she enjoys the space and pace of rural life. As the facilitator of "Just Write!" workshops for adults and "Creative Pursuits" workshops for children, she has worked with groups of 3 to 300 to stimulate and encourage word play and the joy of self-expression since 1993.
Questions or to register call Amy at Women Today (1 888 547 3478) or email May at mbtettero@bmts.com.
Tuesday October 23, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
With Dawna Proudman
What is this all about?
This workshop is to help us tell our stories in a powerful way. Some of us may want to use what we wrote as part of the "Trunk of Poverty" display.
What if I can't write very well?
This is not about spelling or grammar. This is not school! Dawna will create a safe space for us to find our clear and true voices. We will learn to give ourselves support, to give and receive feedback from each other and to recognize the inner critic (the voice in our heads that says "You're no good. Nobody's interested in anything you say.)
Why does this matter?
When we speak our truth we change ourselves and our world in positive ways. In sharing our experiences, we hope to dispell myths about women living in poverty and inspire change in our community.
Who can attend?
Any woman who has experienced poverty at some point in her life. You may want to have your writing become part of the "Trunk of Poverty" display, but this is not required. It is up to you what you decide to do with your writing.
Is there a cost?
There is no cost. Lunch is provided free of charge. If you need help to pay for a sitter or for gas, we will provide that.
Where is this?
In Walkerton at the St. Paul United Church at the corner of Jackson and Jane, across from the jail.
Dawna Proudman lives in Durham, Ontario where she enjoys the space and pace of rural life. As the facilitator of "Just Write!" workshops for adults and "Creative Pursuits" workshops for children, she has worked with groups of 3 to 300 to stimulate and encourage word play and the joy of self-expression since 1993.
Questions or to register call Amy at Women Today (1 888 547 3478) or email May at mbtettero@bmts.com.
Saturday, October 13, 2007
S.T.A.R.S.
I drove down to Toronto today to make a presentation at the Ontario Linux Fest. Myself along with Brad from the Bruce Grey Linux Users Group (BGLUG) were presenting on our STARS project.
STARS stands for Supplying Technology to At Risk Students.
Essentially we collect used computer equipment (nothing below a Pentium 2), make sure it all works and build computers for high school students who do not have access to a computer at home. BGLUG loads a version of Linux which is free shareware that has no licence and is not pirated software. The computers have their own version of a Power Point Presentation, word processor, spreadsheet etc. They are also set up to save in a Microsoft format so that the students can take their work to school and print it off.
We were invited to the Fest by Richard Weait after he attended HICK Tech in the spring and heard about our project there.
The audience was really receptive and many had heard of and were working on similar projects in their communities.
I also got to "Podcast" for the first time. I have no idea when it will be online but it was for LinuxLink Radio. This is a bi-weekly podcast geared towards developers of embedded Linux
STARS stands for Supplying Technology to At Risk Students.
Essentially we collect used computer equipment (nothing below a Pentium 2), make sure it all works and build computers for high school students who do not have access to a computer at home. BGLUG loads a version of Linux which is free shareware that has no licence and is not pirated software. The computers have their own version of a Power Point Presentation, word processor, spreadsheet etc. They are also set up to save in a Microsoft format so that the students can take their work to school and print it off.
We were invited to the Fest by Richard Weait after he attended HICK Tech in the spring and heard about our project there.
The audience was really receptive and many had heard of and were working on similar projects in their communities.
I also got to "Podcast" for the first time. I have no idea when it will be online but it was for LinuxLink Radio. This is a bi-weekly podcast geared towards developers of embedded Linux
Sunday, October 7, 2007
Food drive falling short
Sun Times article
It doesn't take much to help out, and tin here and a tin there can make a difference. It is not our job to judge 'why' we should help, just to acknowledge that help is needed.
We should be asking 'why' but not of the Salvation Army, but of those that make policy deicsions in regard to poverty issues. Why are the benefits from Ontario Works and Disability so low people cannot eat? Why does it take so many hours, in a region plaqued with seasonal tourism work, to qualify for EI? Why can two parents earning minimum wage not have a nice living standard?
Don't ask why should I give, ask why do I need to give?
But while you're asking, just give.
It doesn't take much to help out, and tin here and a tin there can make a difference. It is not our job to judge 'why' we should help, just to acknowledge that help is needed.
We should be asking 'why' but not of the Salvation Army, but of those that make policy deicsions in regard to poverty issues. Why are the benefits from Ontario Works and Disability so low people cannot eat? Why does it take so many hours, in a region plaqued with seasonal tourism work, to qualify for EI? Why can two parents earning minimum wage not have a nice living standard?
Don't ask why should I give, ask why do I need to give?
But while you're asking, just give.
Friday, October 5, 2007
Pitas
Well pita could stand for 'pain in the a$$' and it would fit the situation, but it also stands for something else.
In a world of bizarreness either Kitty or Calli like playing with Pitas.
With my food allergy, pitas about the only bread product I can safely eat. And with my schedule I often keep food at the office so I have something to eat if I forget to bring leftovers for lunch etc. Saves me running to the store or restaurant.
Now 3 times, this has happened.
I've left the pita's on the counter, in a sealed bag. I come in the next morning and they are either still on the counter or on the floor, and the package is ripped to pieces.
Now the Pita is not eaten at all, just clawed to death.
Last night I left my bag of groceries on a chair and forgot to take them home, went in this morning and pita all over the floor.
They have no flavour or brand preference.
I haven't experimented with bread or other crabs, but maybe I'll bring a bagel in to see what happens!
This is funny and annoying at the same time.
In a world of bizarreness either Kitty or Calli like playing with Pitas.
With my food allergy, pitas about the only bread product I can safely eat. And with my schedule I often keep food at the office so I have something to eat if I forget to bring leftovers for lunch etc. Saves me running to the store or restaurant.
Now 3 times, this has happened.
I've left the pita's on the counter, in a sealed bag. I come in the next morning and they are either still on the counter or on the floor, and the package is ripped to pieces.
Now the Pita is not eaten at all, just clawed to death.
Last night I left my bag of groceries on a chair and forgot to take them home, went in this morning and pita all over the floor.
They have no flavour or brand preference.
I haven't experimented with bread or other crabs, but maybe I'll bring a bagel in to see what happens!
This is funny and annoying at the same time.
Friday, September 28, 2007
Planning for February
It was paradox week at the United Way this week.
Wednesday was the first planning meeting for Winterama 2008. Winterama is a snowshoeing-skiing-snowmobiling-skating event that takes place in Shallow Lake, the weekend after Wiarton Willie Weekend. It involves 5 area Rotary Clubs: Hepworth-Shallow Lake, Wiarton, Port Elgin, Southampton and Tara. Together they plan and support this 'athon event.
The United Way has been fortunate to be able to partner with the Rotarians and receives 50% of the net proceeds, in 2006, our first event we received just over $10 000, in 2007 the amount jumped to over $16 000.
The Rotarians stipulated that the United Way use 100% of the funds to youth and child related programs.
Which brings me to the second axis of the paradox. While Wednesday was the first planning meeting, Friday was the deadline for United Way funded agencies to apply for the funds that were raised in 2007.
So we plan for the next event, we get to play with the previous event's success.
The funds have been placed into the United Way's Rotary Children's Fund. This fund is a way for United Way agencies to access additional funds, and to create programs that they always "wished" for, but never had the opportunity.
Watch this space for the list of successful programs late October.
Wednesday was the first planning meeting for Winterama 2008. Winterama is a snowshoeing-skiing-snowmobiling-skating event that takes place in Shallow Lake, the weekend after Wiarton Willie Weekend. It involves 5 area Rotary Clubs: Hepworth-Shallow Lake, Wiarton, Port Elgin, Southampton and Tara. Together they plan and support this 'athon event.
The United Way has been fortunate to be able to partner with the Rotarians and receives 50% of the net proceeds, in 2006, our first event we received just over $10 000, in 2007 the amount jumped to over $16 000.
The Rotarians stipulated that the United Way use 100% of the funds to youth and child related programs.
Which brings me to the second axis of the paradox. While Wednesday was the first planning meeting, Friday was the deadline for United Way funded agencies to apply for the funds that were raised in 2007.
So we plan for the next event, we get to play with the previous event's success.
The funds have been placed into the United Way's Rotary Children's Fund. This fund is a way for United Way agencies to access additional funds, and to create programs that they always "wished" for, but never had the opportunity.
Watch this space for the list of successful programs late October.
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
PRANCE needs volunteers
P.R.A.N.C.E.
Pegasus Riding Association Nurturing Challenged Equestrians operates out of Port Elgin and services southern Bruce County from Kincardine over to Walkerton and areas in between. The program assists challenged individuals with therapeutic horse riding programs. The United Way will be assisting with support staff and summer programming.
Hello to all,
Sorry about this mass email. The annual PRANCE ride-a-thon is coming up very quick in fact Saturday to be exact. Jenn, Kathy, and myself are wondering if you could spare a few hours to give us a hand. The time of the event is 11-3 but we also need help on the Friday, and all through the day on Saturday from 8-5 Please respond to this email my address is hlrichardson@sympatico.ca . Please respond either way.
Please address it in the following manner
1) Who you are
2) time available
3) What you would like to do ( leader, sidewalker, arena crew, food booth, parking)
I thank you very much for reading the email. Hope to see you all there on Saturday!!!
Thanks again,
Heather Richardson
weekend barn rat
Pegasus Riding Association Nurturing Challenged Equestrians operates out of Port Elgin and services southern Bruce County from Kincardine over to Walkerton and areas in between. The program assists challenged individuals with therapeutic horse riding programs. The United Way will be assisting with support staff and summer programming.
Hello to all,
Sorry about this mass email. The annual PRANCE ride-a-thon is coming up very quick in fact Saturday to be exact. Jenn, Kathy, and myself are wondering if you could spare a few hours to give us a hand. The time of the event is 11-3 but we also need help on the Friday, and all through the day on Saturday from 8-5 Please respond to this email my address is hlrichardson@sympatico.ca . Please respond either way.
Please address it in the following manner
1) Who you are
2) time available
3) What you would like to do ( leader, sidewalker, arena crew, food booth, parking)
I thank you very much for reading the email. Hope to see you all there on Saturday!!!
Thanks again,
Heather Richardson
weekend barn rat
Sunday, September 23, 2007
Backpack wrap up
561
That's the number we're sitting at right now. Five hundred and sixty-one! That's a lot of school supplies.
One moment I'm celebrating the next I'm totally appalled. Celebrating the donations and support of the community, appalled at the massive need.
So many people to thank:
- Grey Owen Sound Children's Aid who, upon filling their own need, sent resources our way.
- Bell Canada; the crew around the corner with 17 fully stocked and 16 empty backpacks
- Giant Tiger; Joel and the crew made me believe we could do this - donated 104 backpacks
- Business Depot; filled my car with donated supplies and let me purchase over the limit on many items (the flyer says "limit 6 per customer" - I go and buy 57)
- Wal-Mart; for allowing us to the park the bus at the store, sponsoring the radio outreach, letting me take over a cashier for 30 minutes at a time AND for a $2 000 matching donation!!!! Which will pull my over all budget back in line, having gone $2000 over budget (with permission from the board).
- Mix 106; the whole gang at Bayshore Broadcasting for getting behind this program and making the need known to the community.
- Hobart Food Equipment; a donation of $250
- Donors; to all our donors who increased their annual United Way donation to support what we were trying to do
I know I'm missing a few but please do not be offended, I need to sit down and review the whole program so we can plan for next year, and truly thank everyone properly.
That's the number we're sitting at right now. Five hundred and sixty-one! That's a lot of school supplies.
One moment I'm celebrating the next I'm totally appalled. Celebrating the donations and support of the community, appalled at the massive need.
So many people to thank:
- Grey Owen Sound Children's Aid who, upon filling their own need, sent resources our way.
- Bell Canada; the crew around the corner with 17 fully stocked and 16 empty backpacks
- Giant Tiger; Joel and the crew made me believe we could do this - donated 104 backpacks
- Business Depot; filled my car with donated supplies and let me purchase over the limit on many items (the flyer says "limit 6 per customer" - I go and buy 57)
- Wal-Mart; for allowing us to the park the bus at the store, sponsoring the radio outreach, letting me take over a cashier for 30 minutes at a time AND for a $2 000 matching donation!!!! Which will pull my over all budget back in line, having gone $2000 over budget (with permission from the board).
- Mix 106; the whole gang at Bayshore Broadcasting for getting behind this program and making the need known to the community.
- Hobart Food Equipment; a donation of $250
- Donors; to all our donors who increased their annual United Way donation to support what we were trying to do
I know I'm missing a few but please do not be offended, I need to sit down and review the whole program so we can plan for next year, and truly thank everyone properly.
So terrible....
....at posting here!
When it gets too busy to tell everyone it's busy; it's too busy.
Kitty and Calli have settled in and are a wonderful addition to the office environment. They even started playing this week which truly shows how much they feel at home. They tend to hide when new people come into the building but if you start talking at them as soon as you see them, they halt their flight and will come and say hello.
The Linux Users Group has been working on refurbishing more computers and a massive donation was dropped off last week. This prompted an examination of the space available and a trip to Canadian Tire for shelving. This then prompted a clearing out of all things that annoyed me and we put 3 desks, 2 tables and a chair out for Owen Sound's "Goods Exchange Day". A day where you put out what you don't want by the curb, and people come and get what they want; like a free garage sale. By noon Saturday we were down to one desk and one table left!!
When it gets too busy to tell everyone it's busy; it's too busy.
Kitty and Calli have settled in and are a wonderful addition to the office environment. They even started playing this week which truly shows how much they feel at home. They tend to hide when new people come into the building but if you start talking at them as soon as you see them, they halt their flight and will come and say hello.
The Linux Users Group has been working on refurbishing more computers and a massive donation was dropped off last week. This prompted an examination of the space available and a trip to Canadian Tire for shelving. This then prompted a clearing out of all things that annoyed me and we put 3 desks, 2 tables and a chair out for Owen Sound's "Goods Exchange Day". A day where you put out what you don't want by the curb, and people come and get what they want; like a free garage sale. By noon Saturday we were down to one desk and one table left!!
Wednesday, September 5, 2007
Housing the homeless
In a region where we've lost our Men's Shelter, and our Women's Shelters try and help the homeless as much as they can, our animals do have a few shelters to try and start life all over again.
The Owen Sound Animal Shelter is one such place, and I've spent wayyyyy too much time there, as I now have personally adopted 4 shelter cats, all with their own story and special needs.
I'm a sucker for a hard luck story. Besides my almost grown kids tell me they take a few with them when they move our and start lives of their own. At which point I'll have empty bedrooms and who knows who'll start camping out here after that.
One trip out to the shelter introduced me to 2 lovely ladies - Kitty and Calli. Two older calico sisters, 11 and 12 years of age. Not good for finding homes, too old, plus as sisters, they've been together forever and separating them would be cruel.
Now we've joked around the office about having a cat, well we did it, we now have two!!!!
They only arrived Tuesday afternoon so they are very shy right now, but do come out and visit during the day. Calli is very talkative and Kitty's just taking it easy right now, and playing it quiet.
It is our hope that they will add to the calming nature of our office, helping those in distress to relax and take deep breaths.
You can read more about them on the shelter blog here
The Owen Sound Animal Shelter is one such place, and I've spent wayyyyy too much time there, as I now have personally adopted 4 shelter cats, all with their own story and special needs.
I'm a sucker for a hard luck story. Besides my almost grown kids tell me they take a few with them when they move our and start lives of their own. At which point I'll have empty bedrooms and who knows who'll start camping out here after that.
One trip out to the shelter introduced me to 2 lovely ladies - Kitty and Calli. Two older calico sisters, 11 and 12 years of age. Not good for finding homes, too old, plus as sisters, they've been together forever and separating them would be cruel.
Now we've joked around the office about having a cat, well we did it, we now have two!!!!
They only arrived Tuesday afternoon so they are very shy right now, but do come out and visit during the day. Calli is very talkative and Kitty's just taking it easy right now, and playing it quiet.
It is our hope that they will add to the calming nature of our office, helping those in distress to relax and take deep breaths.
You can read more about them on the shelter blog here
Friday, August 31, 2007
It's over
148 packages of Crayons - $146.52
338 packages of paper - $165.62
479 metric rulers - $617.91
Hearing the squeal of a 5 year old boy for his new Spiderman back pack - priceless
I haven't posted much of anything with substance this week, apologies to all those in crisis, or need things from me like 'yesterday' I send you all hugs!!
We were short 200 backpacks on Monday and I made an appeal to the community.
They came through, but it's been exhausting.
Most of you are preparing 2 or 3 children for back to school - we just did 502
Thank you so much to Suzanne who's been holding down the fort while I"m out scrounging up donations. Thank you to Holly for babysitting the office and handing out backpacks while we held Tuesday's seminar. And to Cindy (a new volunteer I met in the crowd at Summerfolk) and Marie (our cleaner) who have been stuffing and de-packaging and generally helping us out. Another huge hug to my daughter Chrissy who not only unloaded the cargo van Friday night while I "cheered" but also unloaded my car today - mom keeps running out of steam.
I have no words left, the tears won't fall, just too tired and if they start, I know they won't stop.
I have loaded and unloaded my car more times then I care to count. I have no fingernails left and I am now know, by name, to everyone at Staples, Wal*Mart, Giant Tiger and Tim Hortons (green tea gives me wings).
Just when you wanted to rip someone's head off, a parent's eyes would fill with tears in gratitude and it would be all worth the effort.
Once more I was enough. Worthy of a miracle. For the children.
338 packages of paper - $165.62
479 metric rulers - $617.91
Hearing the squeal of a 5 year old boy for his new Spiderman back pack - priceless
I haven't posted much of anything with substance this week, apologies to all those in crisis, or need things from me like 'yesterday' I send you all hugs!!
We were short 200 backpacks on Monday and I made an appeal to the community.
They came through, but it's been exhausting.
Most of you are preparing 2 or 3 children for back to school - we just did 502
Thank you so much to Suzanne who's been holding down the fort while I"m out scrounging up donations. Thank you to Holly for babysitting the office and handing out backpacks while we held Tuesday's seminar. And to Cindy (a new volunteer I met in the crowd at Summerfolk) and Marie (our cleaner) who have been stuffing and de-packaging and generally helping us out. Another huge hug to my daughter Chrissy who not only unloaded the cargo van Friday night while I "cheered" but also unloaded my car today - mom keeps running out of steam.
I have no words left, the tears won't fall, just too tired and if they start, I know they won't stop.
I have loaded and unloaded my car more times then I care to count. I have no fingernails left and I am now know, by name, to everyone at Staples, Wal*Mart, Giant Tiger and Tim Hortons (green tea gives me wings).
Just when you wanted to rip someone's head off, a parent's eyes would fill with tears in gratitude and it would be all worth the effort.
Once more I was enough. Worthy of a miracle. For the children.
Saturday, August 25, 2007
of Angels and Miracles
The United Way is trying to fill the need of back to school by collecting supplies, our list is well over 400. We’ve been fortunate this year in that Wal-Mart came on as a sponsor. But we didn’t get the donations we needed so I had budgeted about $1500 of United Way dollars to spend. I generated a ‘must have’ list and told Wal-Mart of my budget and they were going to pull it all together for me as the parents are coming next week to pick up the backpacks.
I had faxed Wal-Mart our list Thursday afternoon but the only person who knew what to do with it left at 2:30 pm. So no one worked on the order over night.
I showed up at 8 am Friday expecting to pick up the order and it wasn’t there. This was suppose to be a day off for the office. Wal-Mart said to come back at 2, which was fine. The crew that showed up to help unload the car then went about their business.
I stayed in the office and got some stuff done and put a few fires out.
I went back to Wal-Mart at 2 to get all the stuff. But their computer wouldn't allow the transactions to proceed as they’d broken it down into 3 transactions. It needed to be broken down further.
So I had things I had to do between 3 and 6 so I said I'd be back at 6. Looking at the stack of stuff I knew it would take a few trips in my car and I wasn’t feeling up to that kind of an effort, so I called Thrifty Rent a Car and they let me ‘borrow' a cargo van.
So at 5:30 I pick up the van and I return to Wal-Mart for the 3rd time at 6 and we start ringing through stuff again, and then the credit card maxes out. I'm starting to realize Wal-Mart didn't stick to the budget. I’d verified Friday morning I had $1500 space on the card.
So I drive back to the office to get the debit card for our accounts. It has a $1 000 limit on it.
I get back up to Wal-Mart (if you’re counting this is the 4th time) and the debit card keeps saying 'over limit' so I decide the best plan is to go back to the office get a cheque and sign a cheque over to me and then pay out of my account. Not exactly best practice but not much in alternatives. There was half of the order rung through and paid for and the other half not and they weren’t letting it out of their sight unpaid for, and I don’t blame them.
I double check with Suzanne on my way back to the office, calling her at home, and she agrees that the debit card should have had a $1000 limit on it. I get to the office and since we’re redoing the signing authorities on the bank I knew exactly where the information was. I grab the forms and all of a sudden the debit card has a 0 (zero) limit. Which is totally stupid because when we buy stamps etc, we use the debit card.
I was ready to have a discussion on switching banks, now I’m flat out prepared to start the process.
Naturally I didn't have my debit card with me, (can't spend $ if I don't have the card and I’m trying to keep to a budget), so I get Chrissy to cab to the office as I'm still at Wal-Mart (at this point, because I called her to let her know why I couldn’t take her to Kendo and she offered to come and help – she knows by my voice how tired and frustrated I am and steps up – I love my kid (son is working)) and it would be faster the cab that is. Plus driving my free cargo van lots makes me feel guilty.
So I head back to the office for the 3rd time and wait for Chrissy, hit the bank and head up to Wal-Mart again (5th time) and it all gets paid for and Chrissy and 3 Wal-Mart staff load the van up. Thank goodness for the van!!!
Well it’s only unloaded into the front of the building, I’ll be dragging Chrissy and her brother back to get it up the stairs and into the office sometime today (Saturday)
Chrissy essentially unloads the van, I’m sort of helping but at this point it’s 7 pm and the 2 pm lunch was a long time ago.
We return the van and are in my car at 8 pm.
12 hours to conduct this transaction.
We’re over budget by a few hundred dollars at least, and I will deal with that and Wal-Mart on Monday.
Love them or hate them they put a lot of time and energy into making this work. They kept apologizing and I explained the 8 am and 2 pm screw-ups were theirs; the 6pm onward nonsense was strictly a United Way screw up.
But what truly keeps me awake is that I’m going to be about 150 – 200 backpacks short. I’ll have the filling, which is something anyway, but no backpacks. I have to look at the budget and see what I can do.
We’re hoping for matching dollars from Wal-Mart but that’s a head office decision and those wheels turn slowly.
I believe in miracles and angels so I truly hope something will happen, but it keeps me awake at night, doing math: $10 backpacks, need 200 that’s $2 000 that’s well over budget.
Out there, somewhere is a angel, who can offer me a miracle, if I just work hard enough, I’ll find it.
I had faxed Wal-Mart our list Thursday afternoon but the only person who knew what to do with it left at 2:30 pm. So no one worked on the order over night.
I showed up at 8 am Friday expecting to pick up the order and it wasn’t there. This was suppose to be a day off for the office. Wal-Mart said to come back at 2, which was fine. The crew that showed up to help unload the car then went about their business.
I stayed in the office and got some stuff done and put a few fires out.
I went back to Wal-Mart at 2 to get all the stuff. But their computer wouldn't allow the transactions to proceed as they’d broken it down into 3 transactions. It needed to be broken down further.
So I had things I had to do between 3 and 6 so I said I'd be back at 6. Looking at the stack of stuff I knew it would take a few trips in my car and I wasn’t feeling up to that kind of an effort, so I called Thrifty Rent a Car and they let me ‘borrow' a cargo van.
So at 5:30 I pick up the van and I return to Wal-Mart for the 3rd time at 6 and we start ringing through stuff again, and then the credit card maxes out. I'm starting to realize Wal-Mart didn't stick to the budget. I’d verified Friday morning I had $1500 space on the card.
So I drive back to the office to get the debit card for our accounts. It has a $1 000 limit on it.
I get back up to Wal-Mart (if you’re counting this is the 4th time) and the debit card keeps saying 'over limit' so I decide the best plan is to go back to the office get a cheque and sign a cheque over to me and then pay out of my account. Not exactly best practice but not much in alternatives. There was half of the order rung through and paid for and the other half not and they weren’t letting it out of their sight unpaid for, and I don’t blame them.
I double check with Suzanne on my way back to the office, calling her at home, and she agrees that the debit card should have had a $1000 limit on it. I get to the office and since we’re redoing the signing authorities on the bank I knew exactly where the information was. I grab the forms and all of a sudden the debit card has a 0 (zero) limit. Which is totally stupid because when we buy stamps etc, we use the debit card.
I was ready to have a discussion on switching banks, now I’m flat out prepared to start the process.
Naturally I didn't have my debit card with me, (can't spend $ if I don't have the card and I’m trying to keep to a budget), so I get Chrissy to cab to the office as I'm still at Wal-Mart (at this point, because I called her to let her know why I couldn’t take her to Kendo and she offered to come and help – she knows by my voice how tired and frustrated I am and steps up – I love my kid (son is working)) and it would be faster the cab that is. Plus driving my free cargo van lots makes me feel guilty.
So I head back to the office for the 3rd time and wait for Chrissy, hit the bank and head up to Wal-Mart again (5th time) and it all gets paid for and Chrissy and 3 Wal-Mart staff load the van up. Thank goodness for the van!!!
Well it’s only unloaded into the front of the building, I’ll be dragging Chrissy and her brother back to get it up the stairs and into the office sometime today (Saturday)
Chrissy essentially unloads the van, I’m sort of helping but at this point it’s 7 pm and the 2 pm lunch was a long time ago.
We return the van and are in my car at 8 pm.
12 hours to conduct this transaction.
We’re over budget by a few hundred dollars at least, and I will deal with that and Wal-Mart on Monday.
Love them or hate them they put a lot of time and energy into making this work. They kept apologizing and I explained the 8 am and 2 pm screw-ups were theirs; the 6pm onward nonsense was strictly a United Way screw up.
But what truly keeps me awake is that I’m going to be about 150 – 200 backpacks short. I’ll have the filling, which is something anyway, but no backpacks. I have to look at the budget and see what I can do.
We’re hoping for matching dollars from Wal-Mart but that’s a head office decision and those wheels turn slowly.
I believe in miracles and angels so I truly hope something will happen, but it keeps me awake at night, doing math: $10 backpacks, need 200 that’s $2 000 that’s well over budget.
Out there, somewhere is a angel, who can offer me a miracle, if I just work hard enough, I’ll find it.
Friday, August 24, 2007
I'll sleep labour day weekend
The backpack request list sits at over 400 right now, I"ve managed to get 75 or so out of the building to our agencies already, but next week will be as insane as insane gets. We did ok with the bus at Wal*Mart and I think we'll do that again. I am going up to Wal*Mart at 2 pm today to pick up our supplies that we budgeted for through our board fund. We are spending about $1500 of the $2800 that is our board fund. I am hoping to get up there to find that Wal*Mart head office matched our dollars as well as the community dollars that were spent.
I am very concerned at the size of our list this year, it keeps me awake at night. But I'm hoping after 2 pm today, I will have all that we need and it's just a question of filling them up.
It's so hard to answer the phone and know you are the last best hope for these famlies and yet you have to tell them it's a waiting list situation and you just don't know if you'll be able to help them.
Special hug and thank you to Suzanne, Jackie and Holly for staffing the bus over the weekend. I will say that "people watching" at Wal*Mart is rather fascinating, and you learn a lot about humanity sitting outside.
I am very concerned at the size of our list this year, it keeps me awake at night. But I'm hoping after 2 pm today, I will have all that we need and it's just a question of filling them up.
It's so hard to answer the phone and know you are the last best hope for these famlies and yet you have to tell them it's a waiting list situation and you just don't know if you'll be able to help them.
Special hug and thank you to Suzanne, Jackie and Holly for staffing the bus over the weekend. I will say that "people watching" at Wal*Mart is rather fascinating, and you learn a lot about humanity sitting outside.
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
Back to cool!!
As more and more of the costs of public and secondary schools are passed on directly to the family, more and more working and low income families are having a hard time in September. Many students go to the first day of school empty handed. I'm sure you can imagine the teasing and bullying that happens when a student shows up without the supplies required by the school board.
The United Way appeals to the community for donations of back to school supplies, in August, so that we can ensure that children arrive at school fully supplied.
The United Way will be at Wal*Mart this Thursday Friday and Saturday, 11am - 8 pm as we attempt to fill a school bus full with back to school supplies.
Supplies can also be dropped off at '98 The Beach in Port Elgin, The Bruce Power Visitors Centre, The Coast in Kincardine, and the United Way office in Owen Sound.
This is the third year for our program. In 2005 we gave out 250 fully stocked back packs, in 2006 the number jumped to 355 and currently, our request list is at 450 and is anticipated to reach or surpass 500 this year.
The United Way funds 17 agencies that run 18 programs throughout Bruce and Grey counties. We use these agencies to reach the families. The agencies approach their clients and generate a list of clients in need. We are supplied with the age and gender of those hoping to receive a backpack. Once our appeal to the community is issued, generally through radio advertising paid for by a retail sponsor, then we receive requests directly from families, these request are vetted and filled on a first come first served, pending the availability of supplies.
We seek both donations of actual back to school supplies as well as cash donations. High school students need scientific calculators, French-English dictionaries as well as math sets. These items tend to be costly and our donors will maximize their dollars with 99 cent crayons rather than $10 calculators. So we use cash donations to fill the gaps in the donations. Despite the generosity of our community we purchase a lot of the supplies
needed.
All of the donations stay within Bruce and Grey counties.
The communities support of this program is essential for its success.
The United Way appeals to the community for donations of back to school supplies, in August, so that we can ensure that children arrive at school fully supplied.
The United Way will be at Wal*Mart this Thursday Friday and Saturday, 11am - 8 pm as we attempt to fill a school bus full with back to school supplies.
Supplies can also be dropped off at '98 The Beach in Port Elgin, The Bruce Power Visitors Centre, The Coast in Kincardine, and the United Way office in Owen Sound.
This is the third year for our program. In 2005 we gave out 250 fully stocked back packs, in 2006 the number jumped to 355 and currently, our request list is at 450 and is anticipated to reach or surpass 500 this year.
The United Way funds 17 agencies that run 18 programs throughout Bruce and Grey counties. We use these agencies to reach the families. The agencies approach their clients and generate a list of clients in need. We are supplied with the age and gender of those hoping to receive a backpack. Once our appeal to the community is issued, generally through radio advertising paid for by a retail sponsor, then we receive requests directly from families, these request are vetted and filled on a first come first served, pending the availability of supplies.
We seek both donations of actual back to school supplies as well as cash donations. High school students need scientific calculators, French-English dictionaries as well as math sets. These items tend to be costly and our donors will maximize their dollars with 99 cent crayons rather than $10 calculators. So we use cash donations to fill the gaps in the donations. Despite the generosity of our community we purchase a lot of the supplies
needed.
All of the donations stay within Bruce and Grey counties.
The communities support of this program is essential for its success.
Saturday, August 4, 2007
It was Amazing
Eight teams took to the city for Thursday's Amazing Race, all a part of Owen Sound's 150th Homecoming.
There are pictures and video that was submitted by some of the stops.
Pictures
Videos
The stops varied from packing hampers of food at the food bank, running the obstacle course at the Marine Rail Museum, a quiz in the mall, to assembling computers, blogging online and counting architectural anomalies.
thank you for everyone who participated, the organizing committee and of course the students who participated. BIG thank you to our main sponsor Boston Pizza who fed and water our hungry and super hot - who knew it would fall on the hottest day of summer to date - participants.
Everyone is already talking "next year"
There are pictures and video that was submitted by some of the stops.
Pictures
Videos
The stops varied from packing hampers of food at the food bank, running the obstacle course at the Marine Rail Museum, a quiz in the mall, to assembling computers, blogging online and counting architectural anomalies.
thank you for everyone who participated, the organizing committee and of course the students who participated. BIG thank you to our main sponsor Boston Pizza who fed and water our hungry and super hot - who knew it would fall on the hottest day of summer to date - participants.
Everyone is already talking "next year"
Monday, July 30, 2007
Good bye July
I so suck at keeping this as up to date as I want to.
Thursday is the Amazing Race and we do need more teams. But it's coming together really well and all the adults want to play too. But this is a teen event for teens, so if adults really want to play, they need to let me know and I'll look at it to see if we can do it as an adult event next summer too.
We are also starting to gather back to school supplies and I hope to make a wonderful announcement soon on the sponsor for our radio promotion later this week. You'll never guess who's coming on board!!!
The United Way Center is a great place for a meeting, come and visit.
The garden, you should see the garden. I had two hot sweet ripe cherry tomatoes out of my garden today. The rain in July has made everything grow so big. We're going to have pumpkins and corn too. And don't let the pig weed scare you, it's greens for a salad!
Thursday is the Amazing Race and we do need more teams. But it's coming together really well and all the adults want to play too. But this is a teen event for teens, so if adults really want to play, they need to let me know and I'll look at it to see if we can do it as an adult event next summer too.
We are also starting to gather back to school supplies and I hope to make a wonderful announcement soon on the sponsor for our radio promotion later this week. You'll never guess who's coming on board!!!
The United Way Center is a great place for a meeting, come and visit.
The garden, you should see the garden. I had two hot sweet ripe cherry tomatoes out of my garden today. The rain in July has made everything grow so big. We're going to have pumpkins and corn too. And don't let the pig weed scare you, it's greens for a salad!
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
Metis Stories and Carving exhibit
You are invited to Aboriginal Myth and Stories
as told by respected writer and story-teller Basil Johnston and
An Exhibit of the Carvings of talented artist Fred Boorman
At the Grey-Owen Sound Metis Centre (which is the United Way Centre)
380 9th Street, East Owen Sound 370-0435
July 25,26, 27 10 am – noon and 2 – 4 pm.
Refreshments, Books and Carvings available for sale
Silent Auction fundraiser.
as told by respected writer and story-teller Basil Johnston and
An Exhibit of the Carvings of talented artist Fred Boorman
At the Grey-Owen Sound Metis Centre (which is the United Way Centre)
380 9th Street, East Owen Sound 370-0435
July 25,26, 27 10 am – noon and 2 – 4 pm.
Refreshments, Books and Carvings available for sale
Silent Auction fundraiser.
Thursday, July 19, 2007
Doing the paperwork
I hate, as in HATE paperwork, I'd rather spend my time doing the work than tracking the work I'm doing. But I recognize that this needs to be done, properly and professionally, and preferably by an expert.
We've been fortunate in that we were chosen to be a host for the following seminar:
The United Way of Bruce Grey in partnership with Pillar Nonprofit Network presents a free workshop for charitable organizations
Filling out your T3010A Form (Registered charity Information Return)...accurately & on time
The single leading cause of a charity losing their status is they do not file a T3010A
Tuesday August 28th, 8:30-12 noon
Owen Sound & North Grey Union Public Library 824 First Avenue West
Refreshments will be provided, space is limited
Please register by August 24th by calling 376 1560, faxing 376 5458 or by emailing unitedwaybg@bmts.com
Presenter: Tom Stewart
Tom Stewart is a professional accountant. He earned his CMA in 1985 and worked in the accounting department for several companies before joining the voluntary sector as Director of Finance at the United Way of London & Middlesex. He has 10 years of experience working for not-for-profits and registered charities and is currently the Finance Manager of the London InterCommunity Health Centre."
We've been fortunate in that we were chosen to be a host for the following seminar:
The United Way of Bruce Grey in partnership with Pillar Nonprofit Network presents a free workshop for charitable organizations
Filling out your T3010A Form (Registered charity Information Return)...accurately & on time
The single leading cause of a charity losing their status is they do not file a T3010A
Tuesday August 28th, 8:30-12 noon
Owen Sound & North Grey Union Public Library 824 First Avenue West
Refreshments will be provided, space is limited
Please register by August 24th by calling 376 1560, faxing 376 5458 or by emailing unitedwaybg@bmts.com
Presenter: Tom Stewart
Tom Stewart is a professional accountant. He earned his CMA in 1985 and worked in the accounting department for several companies before joining the voluntary sector as Director of Finance at the United Way of London & Middlesex. He has 10 years of experience working for not-for-profits and registered charities and is currently the Finance Manager of the London InterCommunity Health Centre."
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
The Amazing Race
As part of the Owen Sound’s 150th Homecoming celebrations the United Way of Bruce Grey along with numerous community partners is staging an “Amazing Race” event August 2nd, a scavenger hunt across the city.
This event is for teens aged 13 to 18 and will have teams of 3 to 4 players for a total of 15 teams, and therefore 60 teens.
The teams will navigate around the city of Owen Sound using the Owen Sound Transit system. The Transit Authority is a full partner in this event.
We are seeking stops along the 4 bus routes and in the downtown area that would provide anywhere from a 2 minute to a 20-minute clue based activity for the participants.
We are hoping to combine physical skills with puzzle clues so that the participants are challenged on all fronts.
As we are in the final stages of planning all stops need to be confirmed by July 20th.
If you would like to be a 'stop' please call me at 519 376 1560
This event is for teens aged 13 to 18 and will have teams of 3 to 4 players for a total of 15 teams, and therefore 60 teens.
The teams will navigate around the city of Owen Sound using the Owen Sound Transit system. The Transit Authority is a full partner in this event.
We are seeking stops along the 4 bus routes and in the downtown area that would provide anywhere from a 2 minute to a 20-minute clue based activity for the participants.
We are hoping to combine physical skills with puzzle clues so that the participants are challenged on all fronts.
As we are in the final stages of planning all stops need to be confirmed by July 20th.
If you would like to be a 'stop' please call me at 519 376 1560
Monday, July 9, 2007
Back to Cool!
The United Way's 2007 campaign for back to school supplies was launched last week at the Kincardine Baptist Church. Fifteen or so ladies gathered together to celebrate the 70th birthdays of Pryia Hardman and Marylou McKee. Instead of presents their friends brought back-to-school supplies for the United Way.
This is the third year that the Kincardine Baptist Church has hosted a summer party to support the collection. Tons of things were donated and we're off to a great start.
Donations can be dropped off at the United Way Centre; 380 9th Street East,
The Bruce Power Visitors Centre, highway 21 just north of Tiverton
We'll have more locations soon so stay tuned.
This is the third year that the Kincardine Baptist Church has hosted a summer party to support the collection. Tons of things were donated and we're off to a great start.
Donations can be dropped off at the United Way Centre; 380 9th Street East,
The Bruce Power Visitors Centre, highway 21 just north of Tiverton
We'll have more locations soon so stay tuned.
Friday, July 6, 2007
Ya 'canna throw yur Granny......
The S.A.A.N.* Community Education Program Presents:
“Fred & Doris in: Ye Canna Throw Your Granny Off The Bus”
Seniors perform a powerful play with music to disclose the realities and impacts of senior abuse in rural Ontario to their peers, general audiences and youth.
Doris is determined to brighten Fred's life, but Fred has a dark secret. As they catch up on news about old friends, Fred learns he's not the only one who's been abused. And he finds out what can be done to change things.
“Fred & Doris in: Ye Canna Throw Your Granny Off The Bus”, a play that mingles gaiety, misery and lively music, offers a heartening approach to the harsh reality of senior abuse.
Featuring Audrey Otter and Ted Codack.
Created by Audrey Otter, Ted Codack, Joan Chandler and David Sereda.
Directed by Chandler and Sereda. A Production of Sheatre. www.sheatre.com
The primary purpose of “Granny” is to improve the awareness about senior abuse, creating a climate in which disclosure may be more easily made by victims and others in Grey and Bruce Counties.
Length: Approx 1 hour. Performances last about 45 minutes, and are followed with a 15-minute interim for audience interaction.
To book a presentation please contact:
SHEATRE EDUCATIONAL ALTERNATIVE THEATRE (HURON)
R.R. #1 · Kemble · Ontario · Canada · N0H 1S0
Telephone: (519) 534-3039 · Fax: (519) 534-3040
Email: sheatre@sheatre.com
Funding provided by New Horizons for Seniors and the *Seniors Advocacy and Awareness Network
“Fred & Doris in: Ye Canna Throw Your Granny Off The Bus”
Seniors perform a powerful play with music to disclose the realities and impacts of senior abuse in rural Ontario to their peers, general audiences and youth.
Doris is determined to brighten Fred's life, but Fred has a dark secret. As they catch up on news about old friends, Fred learns he's not the only one who's been abused. And he finds out what can be done to change things.
“Fred & Doris in: Ye Canna Throw Your Granny Off The Bus”, a play that mingles gaiety, misery and lively music, offers a heartening approach to the harsh reality of senior abuse.
Featuring Audrey Otter and Ted Codack.
Created by Audrey Otter, Ted Codack, Joan Chandler and David Sereda.
Directed by Chandler and Sereda. A Production of Sheatre. www.sheatre.com
The primary purpose of “Granny” is to improve the awareness about senior abuse, creating a climate in which disclosure may be more easily made by victims and others in Grey and Bruce Counties.
Length: Approx 1 hour. Performances last about 45 minutes, and are followed with a 15-minute interim for audience interaction.
To book a presentation please contact:
SHEATRE EDUCATIONAL ALTERNATIVE THEATRE (HURON)
R.R. #1 · Kemble · Ontario · Canada · N0H 1S0
Telephone: (519) 534-3039 · Fax: (519) 534-3040
Email: sheatre@sheatre.com
Funding provided by New Horizons for Seniors and the *Seniors Advocacy and Awareness Network
For Rent
Third floor of a busy community building, wireless internet, washroom and storage room, access to top of the line phone system.
Contact the United Way if interested.
Contact the United Way if interested.
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
vacation....of sorts
I get two weeks vacation every year, and I can take my overtime as lou time whenever appropriate. I'm just not very good at it.
I'm suppose to be on vacation this week. So far I've finished a report for our Community Matters project and wrote up our strategic plan. I still have one more grant proposal to write and then I can be free and clear to relax for a day.
But it's hard to relax when I keep reading about the death of women, and family members, at the hands of their spouse, two in 24 hours this week.
We react in horror, but the reality is, what are we doing as a society to protect these families?
We don't make it easy for women to get out of abusive relationships. For most women leaving an abusive relationship means instant poverty, further abuse by the justice system and no real hope.
The United Way funds two front line programs for violence prevention: Women's House Serving Bruce and Grey and The Men's Program.
The Women's House is a crisis shelter for women seeking to escape abusive relationships. Funding to the Women’s House covers a portion of the shortfall in funding from the Ministry of Community and Social Services in order to sustain the essential programs and services already in place. In addition to shelter services Women’s house also provides outreach counseling in 9 communities throughout Bruce and Grey, and is launching the new Sexual Assault Services out of Owen Sound.
The Men's Program is an anger management program for men who have been either court referred to deal with their anger, or who self identify that they are not being safe with their anger. The Men’s Program only receives funding from the Ministry of the Attorney General for men who are court mandated. The United Way has been funding the community-referred portion of the Men’s Program. In 2005, 75 men self referred them for help to the Men’s Program, getting the help they needed BEFORE committing a crime.
It's never enough and sometimes it doesn't seem like you're making a difference at all. Women continue to die at the hands of their partners.
I'm suppose to be on vacation this week. So far I've finished a report for our Community Matters project and wrote up our strategic plan. I still have one more grant proposal to write and then I can be free and clear to relax for a day.
But it's hard to relax when I keep reading about the death of women, and family members, at the hands of their spouse, two in 24 hours this week.
We react in horror, but the reality is, what are we doing as a society to protect these families?
We don't make it easy for women to get out of abusive relationships. For most women leaving an abusive relationship means instant poverty, further abuse by the justice system and no real hope.
The United Way funds two front line programs for violence prevention: Women's House Serving Bruce and Grey and The Men's Program.
The Women's House is a crisis shelter for women seeking to escape abusive relationships. Funding to the Women’s House covers a portion of the shortfall in funding from the Ministry of Community and Social Services in order to sustain the essential programs and services already in place. In addition to shelter services Women’s house also provides outreach counseling in 9 communities throughout Bruce and Grey, and is launching the new Sexual Assault Services out of Owen Sound.
The Men's Program is an anger management program for men who have been either court referred to deal with their anger, or who self identify that they are not being safe with their anger. The Men’s Program only receives funding from the Ministry of the Attorney General for men who are court mandated. The United Way has been funding the community-referred portion of the Men’s Program. In 2005, 75 men self referred them for help to the Men’s Program, getting the help they needed BEFORE committing a crime.
It's never enough and sometimes it doesn't seem like you're making a difference at all. Women continue to die at the hands of their partners.
Friday, June 22, 2007
The United Way of Bruce Grey held a press conference on June 22nd announcing the awarding of over $160 000 in grants to the community , $135 000 directly to local service agencies . The United Way will be funding 4 new funded programs. The United Way will fund 18 agencies in 2007.
These agencies are:
Women's House of Bruce County $18,000.00
Family Services Perth Huron Bruce Grey $15,000.00
Men' Program $14,000.00
Grey Bruce Eat & Learn $13,000.00
Keystone Child Youth and Family Services $12,000.00
St. John Ambulance $9,000.00
GRACE $8,000.00
Epilepsy, Huron-Perth-Bruce $3,850.00
Brain Injury Society $2,650.00
Durham & District Food bank $5,300.00
Housing Resource Centre $1,200.00
2nd Year Asks
South Grey Bruce Youth Literacy Council $5,000.00
CHIP - Adult Learning Centre $5,000.00
Friends & Neighbour Club (CMHA) $5,000.00
New Asks
Big Brothers & Sisters Of Hanover District $6,000.00
Big Sisters Owen Sound & Grey $2,000.00
PRANCE $5,000.00
Keystone - School program $5,000.00
These agencies are:
Women's House of Bruce County $18,000.00
Family Services Perth Huron Bruce Grey $15,000.00
Men' Program $14,000.00
Grey Bruce Eat & Learn $13,000.00
Keystone Child Youth and Family Services $12,000.00
St. John Ambulance $9,000.00
GRACE $8,000.00
Epilepsy, Huron-Perth-Bruce $3,850.00
Brain Injury Society $2,650.00
Durham & District Food bank $5,300.00
Housing Resource Centre $1,200.00
2nd Year Asks
South Grey Bruce Youth Literacy Council $5,000.00
CHIP - Adult Learning Centre $5,000.00
Friends & Neighbour Club (CMHA) $5,000.00
New Asks
Big Brothers & Sisters Of Hanover District $6,000.00
Big Sisters Owen Sound & Grey $2,000.00
PRANCE $5,000.00
Keystone - School program $5,000.00
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
Know your talents
I've come to the realization that I'm a big picture person, not a details person. It's neither a good thing or a bad thing, it's just a 'thing'.
But when it comes to days like today, when I need to get a grant application written, my 'big picture' mentatlity gets in the way. I just want to write "We're a great organization and we do great things so just send us a cheque", but alas it never works that way.
We need work plans, and expecations and sustainablity modles, and partners and letters of support and on and on it goes.
I have friends who live and breath this stuff, who can take 2 or 3 of my ideas and make them sound really brilliant and potentially grant'able. But dollars are limited and hiring people is out of the question and I've used up all my favours.
Plus the whole "new and inovative" bit is driving me batty. Can't repeat anythign we've ever done before, it has to be all new and dynamic. That gets weary after a while.
But when it comes to days like today, when I need to get a grant application written, my 'big picture' mentatlity gets in the way. I just want to write "We're a great organization and we do great things so just send us a cheque", but alas it never works that way.
We need work plans, and expecations and sustainablity modles, and partners and letters of support and on and on it goes.
I have friends who live and breath this stuff, who can take 2 or 3 of my ideas and make them sound really brilliant and potentially grant'able. But dollars are limited and hiring people is out of the question and I've used up all my favours.
Plus the whole "new and inovative" bit is driving me batty. Can't repeat anythign we've ever done before, it has to be all new and dynamic. That gets weary after a while.
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
It's so pretty...
Ok confession time, I'm a girly girl. My favourite colour is pink, I love flowers and I'll cry over...well anything.
So when it came to think of a 'fun' way to give out our grants, I went all girly this year. I took our ficus tree and blew $20 at the dollar store and with 18 cheques to give away we now have 18 pretty butterflies in the tree, and pretty butterflies on the walls around. It's all so pretty and delicate, and corny.
But I can live with that.
I just find handing out envelopes really boring. Last year was exicting as we were 'squatting' in what is now the United Way Centre. We couldn't say it was ours, only that it was "in process" lots of mystery and intrigue.
This year it's just going to be fun and all perky and bright.
So when it came to think of a 'fun' way to give out our grants, I went all girly this year. I took our ficus tree and blew $20 at the dollar store and with 18 cheques to give away we now have 18 pretty butterflies in the tree, and pretty butterflies on the walls around. It's all so pretty and delicate, and corny.
But I can live with that.
I just find handing out envelopes really boring. Last year was exicting as we were 'squatting' in what is now the United Way Centre. We couldn't say it was ours, only that it was "in process" lots of mystery and intrigue.
This year it's just going to be fun and all perky and bright.
Monday, June 18, 2007
Busy spot
Dates of note:
One
The United Way of Bruce Grey will be holding a press conference on June 22nd at 10 am announcing the awarding of over $181 000 in grants to the community. The United Way will be funding 4 new funded programs. The United Way will funds 18 agencies in 2007.
•Allocations $135 000.00
•Funded 211 expansion $ 25 000.00
•Board Fund $ 2 800.00
•Children & Youth Fund $ 18 508.44
Total Community Investment Budget: $181 308.44
Recipients of these grants will be on hand for interviews and information sharing.
As the United Way of Bruce Grey begins its 10th campaign, it celebrates a community cash investment of over $800 000 over the past 9 years.
The press conference will be at the United Way Centre, 380 9th Street East, Owen Sound.
Two
Please accept this invitation to attend our opening of the Community Garden, Li Saydr and Trwaw Soeur, Tuesday, June 26 at 12:30 noon. We will be glad to show you what is growing and what we are ‘plotting’. Call if you have questions 370-0435. The Community Garden Committee.
One
The United Way of Bruce Grey will be holding a press conference on June 22nd at 10 am announcing the awarding of over $181 000 in grants to the community. The United Way will be funding 4 new funded programs. The United Way will funds 18 agencies in 2007.
•Allocations $135 000.00
•Funded 211 expansion $ 25 000.00
•Board Fund $ 2 800.00
•Children & Youth Fund $ 18 508.44
Total Community Investment Budget: $181 308.44
Recipients of these grants will be on hand for interviews and information sharing.
As the United Way of Bruce Grey begins its 10th campaign, it celebrates a community cash investment of over $800 000 over the past 9 years.
The press conference will be at the United Way Centre, 380 9th Street East, Owen Sound.
Two
Please accept this invitation to attend our opening of the Community Garden, Li Saydr and Trwaw Soeur, Tuesday, June 26 at 12:30 noon. We will be glad to show you what is growing and what we are ‘plotting’. Call if you have questions 370-0435. The Community Garden Committee.
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
It's Seniors Month
The Seniors Advocacy and Awarness Network (SAAN) is running a series of television and print ads to draw attention to the issue of Elder Abuse, and it seems to be working. I spoke to the Social Worker that is works with SAAN and she told me they are getting community referrals.
While it's hard to celebrate incidences of elder abuse, it is a celebration that people are becoming aware that there is help out there for them. It's a paradox of working with such an issue.
We are fortunate to have a dedicated Elder Abuse Social Worker, there are only 2 or 3 in the province. As the population ages the will be more and more cases of Elder Abuse, unless we can make the change here and now.
By educating people we can empower them to raise flags, get clarification and to simply connect with resources within the community to prevent this from happening.
While it's hard to celebrate incidences of elder abuse, it is a celebration that people are becoming aware that there is help out there for them. It's a paradox of working with such an issue.
We are fortunate to have a dedicated Elder Abuse Social Worker, there are only 2 or 3 in the province. As the population ages the will be more and more cases of Elder Abuse, unless we can make the change here and now.
By educating people we can empower them to raise flags, get clarification and to simply connect with resources within the community to prevent this from happening.
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
it's Bruce Power Day!
Today is Bruce Power Day. Our own intrepid golfer Chris, and Vice President of the board, is off to Whistle Bear in Cambridge for the Bruce Power Suppliers Conference and Golf event to benefit the United Way of Bruce Grey. In 2005 $75 000 was raised from this event, in 2006 it was $80 000. This is the single largest donation to the United Way, and the only person who is working on it, from our side, is Chris. A very efficient way to fundraise.
It will be a few weeks before we get a total on the event and that cheque will be invested and put to work over the next 11 months.
It's going to be a quiet day around here as our kids are off on their year-end trip to the Scenic Caves in Collingwood. I had really wanted to go with them, as an additional adult, but the state of my desk tells me I should stay here and get some work done. Besides I twisted my ankle at Bruce Peninsula National Park on Saturday, hiking, and if I stay off it it's fine, if I walk too much, it aches by evening.
The garden plots are being outlined so if anyone wants a small plot to get dirty and play in, just email the Metis and they'll get you set up. There's not a lot of space but enough to have some fresh produce this summer. It is an organic garden!
It will be a few weeks before we get a total on the event and that cheque will be invested and put to work over the next 11 months.
It's going to be a quiet day around here as our kids are off on their year-end trip to the Scenic Caves in Collingwood. I had really wanted to go with them, as an additional adult, but the state of my desk tells me I should stay here and get some work done. Besides I twisted my ankle at Bruce Peninsula National Park on Saturday, hiking, and if I stay off it it's fine, if I walk too much, it aches by evening.
The garden plots are being outlined so if anyone wants a small plot to get dirty and play in, just email the Metis and they'll get you set up. There's not a lot of space but enough to have some fresh produce this summer. It is an organic garden!
Monday, June 11, 2007
Playing God...or Goddess
Today is the day. Today the United Way's Allocation Committee reviews the grant applications and makes their recommendations to the board. Seventeen hopeful organizations wait in the wings for a decision. For some agencies we are the only funder of their program, for others, we just one small drop in the thousands of dollars they raise annually.
From the smallest food bank serving a huge clientele to the various violence prevention programs, deciding who gets what, is not only a challenge but a serious responsibility.
The United Way requires audited financial statements from most of it's agencies. We do allow financial reviews for the smallest agencies. With audits now reaching into the thousands of dollars, requiring an agency to spend 20% of their entire budget on an audit is counter productive. So a review is allowed.
Our committee is also charged with deciding who is doing what they said they were going to do, and who is not, whose priorities match our own, and who, if anyone is off on a tangent and needs some support in getting back on track.
It's never an easy job and we thank our volunteers for stepping up and making these decisions.
It will be a further 10 days before we announce the funding results so stay tuned.
From the smallest food bank serving a huge clientele to the various violence prevention programs, deciding who gets what, is not only a challenge but a serious responsibility.
The United Way requires audited financial statements from most of it's agencies. We do allow financial reviews for the smallest agencies. With audits now reaching into the thousands of dollars, requiring an agency to spend 20% of their entire budget on an audit is counter productive. So a review is allowed.
Our committee is also charged with deciding who is doing what they said they were going to do, and who is not, whose priorities match our own, and who, if anyone is off on a tangent and needs some support in getting back on track.
It's never an easy job and we thank our volunteers for stepping up and making these decisions.
It will be a further 10 days before we announce the funding results so stay tuned.
Friday, June 8, 2007
It's Friday
I should have posted something Thursday to tell everyone what a wonderful time we had on Wednesday at the Women's Gathering. Over 80 women gathered to discuss poverty and all the related issues.
I had the privilege of being the keynote speaker and told a bit of my story and my personal experience with poverty. Thank you to everyone who approached me one on one later in the day to express their thoughts on what I'd said.
Thank you to the Ball Seed Company for donating 90 bags so that each attendee went home with a grab bag of treats. Thank you also to Huron, Bruce and Grey counties, and the City of Stratford for supplying us with tourism information on their regions. Women who suffer from poverty still like to play and with all the natural wonders there are a lot of great 'free' places to play.
Crimestoppers gave us pens and bookmarks and the United Way chipped in for some candy (sssh don't tell the Health Unit).
We learned that there is no image that is associated with women in poverty. There are lots of images for urban poverty: homelessness, men's poverty: soup kitchen line ups, but there is no image of women's poverty.
So we've got a lot of work to do around this issue, but the good news is that there are no 80 women out there who feel better about their situation and themselves.
A great day, a great start.
I had the privilege of being the keynote speaker and told a bit of my story and my personal experience with poverty. Thank you to everyone who approached me one on one later in the day to express their thoughts on what I'd said.
Thank you to the Ball Seed Company for donating 90 bags so that each attendee went home with a grab bag of treats. Thank you also to Huron, Bruce and Grey counties, and the City of Stratford for supplying us with tourism information on their regions. Women who suffer from poverty still like to play and with all the natural wonders there are a lot of great 'free' places to play.
Crimestoppers gave us pens and bookmarks and the United Way chipped in for some candy (sssh don't tell the Health Unit).
We learned that there is no image that is associated with women in poverty. There are lots of images for urban poverty: homelessness, men's poverty: soup kitchen line ups, but there is no image of women's poverty.
So we've got a lot of work to do around this issue, but the good news is that there are no 80 women out there who feel better about their situation and themselves.
A great day, a great start.
Tuesday, June 5, 2007
Conference hangover
The only problem with being out of your office for 4 days, is you're out of your office for 4 days, the piles of paper are deeper when you get back. And it just makes you want to leave again.
There are so many things going on right now it's nuts. We're starting to layout the groundwork for our fundraising campaign. The backpack program that runs in August is kicking off mid July in Kincardine.
We're up to our necks in Allocaitons as our committee begins to review the requests for funding for 2007.
Tomorrow is the Women's Gathering and apparently I'm the keynote speaker!
That doesn't include the work on 211, the Volunteer Portal, the Linx comptuer project and the United Way Centre.
Phew I'm tired!
Well back to work! Big thank you today to our SALEP gang for preparing the bags for our Women's Gathering tomorrow. Much apprecaited guys.
There are so many things going on right now it's nuts. We're starting to layout the groundwork for our fundraising campaign. The backpack program that runs in August is kicking off mid July in Kincardine.
We're up to our necks in Allocaitons as our committee begins to review the requests for funding for 2007.
Tomorrow is the Women's Gathering and apparently I'm the keynote speaker!
That doesn't include the work on 211, the Volunteer Portal, the Linx comptuer project and the United Way Centre.
Phew I'm tired!
Well back to work! Big thank you today to our SALEP gang for preparing the bags for our Women's Gathering tomorrow. Much apprecaited guys.
Sunday, June 3, 2007
Catching up
I've been away. I didn't want to announce to the world, OK the 3 people who are regular readers (hi mom!), that I was going to be leaving town for 4 days. It's a safety thing. But there I was down in the Big Smoke for 4 days, living near the 400's.
Someone was offering feedback on the conference and suggested that the number 7, as in 7am should not be on an agenda - yes we had two days that started at 7 am - and another person pipped up that the number 9 should also not be on the agenda - yes we had two days that started at 7am and went through to 9pm (time in the hotel bar not included).
I wanted to jump up and ask that the directions not include the number "4" but the sheer exhaustion of a days that started at 7am and ended at 9pm kept me routed (ha ha) to my seat. I had taken the 410 to the 401 to the 404 to get to the hotel.
I can see the challenge for the United Ways of Ontario in arranging the location of the conference. Every year there is feedback that they haven't found the right spot.
The first year I was there I complained we were in Toronto and they said that the people from northern Ontario had to fly into the airport so it made the most sense to be at the airport. If that was true why were at a hotel on Queen's Quay?
Those along the tops of the southern great lakes, well essential the towns along the 401 corridor liked the Queen's Quay location as they took VIA rail in and were downtown already at Union Station. Those that flew in were annoyed they had to take cabs downtown adding $40 so to the already large travel bill.
Naturally this year we were closer to the 401 and those who took the train were complaining about the $40 cab fare from Union Station*.
Having no efficient public transportation to take (and no taking a bus is not an efficient use of my time as there is only one to Toronto daily at any given time) I'm driving no matter what.
So I didn't like Queens Quay because I'm driving downtown Toronto and that's just scary. This weekend's hotel wasn't so bad as it was on the 400 series so not too hard to find.
Personally I'd like to bring everyone out of the big smoke and have the conference up here and put some play time into the agenda.
But I'm a little fish, so perhaps in time.
*PS of sorts: In looking for appropriate links I found out that Union Station is so named because it is a union of two or more railroad companies that set up a third independent company to run a station that all involved companies can use. Things I never knew before, full explanation is here.
Someone was offering feedback on the conference and suggested that the number 7, as in 7am should not be on an agenda - yes we had two days that started at 7 am - and another person pipped up that the number 9 should also not be on the agenda - yes we had two days that started at 7am and went through to 9pm (time in the hotel bar not included).
I wanted to jump up and ask that the directions not include the number "4" but the sheer exhaustion of a days that started at 7am and ended at 9pm kept me routed (ha ha) to my seat. I had taken the 410 to the 401 to the 404 to get to the hotel.
I can see the challenge for the United Ways of Ontario in arranging the location of the conference. Every year there is feedback that they haven't found the right spot.
The first year I was there I complained we were in Toronto and they said that the people from northern Ontario had to fly into the airport so it made the most sense to be at the airport. If that was true why were at a hotel on Queen's Quay?
Those along the tops of the southern great lakes, well essential the towns along the 401 corridor liked the Queen's Quay location as they took VIA rail in and were downtown already at Union Station. Those that flew in were annoyed they had to take cabs downtown adding $40 so to the already large travel bill.
Naturally this year we were closer to the 401 and those who took the train were complaining about the $40 cab fare from Union Station*.
Having no efficient public transportation to take (and no taking a bus is not an efficient use of my time as there is only one to Toronto daily at any given time) I'm driving no matter what.
So I didn't like Queens Quay because I'm driving downtown Toronto and that's just scary. This weekend's hotel wasn't so bad as it was on the 400 series so not too hard to find.
Personally I'd like to bring everyone out of the big smoke and have the conference up here and put some play time into the agenda.
But I'm a little fish, so perhaps in time.
*PS of sorts: In looking for appropriate links I found out that Union Station is so named because it is a union of two or more railroad companies that set up a third independent company to run a station that all involved companies can use. Things I never knew before, full explanation is here.
Thursday, May 31, 2007
not the smallest footprint
I have size 8-9 feet, but they are a 'D' width. I spent a summer as a child in bare feet on doctor's orders and naturally they got wider. I like my feet, they do present a problem when I'm trying to find 'pretty' shoes, but that just makes shoe shopping a challenge, that should be accepted and faced with bravery and frequency.
Having said that I also don't leave the smallest environmental footprint.
Yesterday I met a young woman who was a slip of a girl and a non-car driving vegan. While I'm no vegetarian I do eat some vegan foods as I have a dairy allergy and if it's labeled vegan I'm pretty safe. So we discussed food and it was in that conversation she mentioned she doesn't have a car.
What a small impact on the environment this woman has.
I'm travelling right now and one of the things I do treat myself to, in a hotel, is fresh towels daily. I don't ask for clean sheets everyday, but I just love the fresh towels. Not the most environmentally friendly approach, but a small indulgence on my part.
That and the Globe and Mail!
I read 3 newspapers online daily, the Sun Times, The Toronto Star and the Globe and Mail. I tell myself I read online to reduce the use of paper, but actually if I had to pay for it, I wouldn't read them, well the office does have a subscription to the Sun Times so I read it in paper as well.
But when I'm away they always leave a paper on the door overnight. I wake up to a copy of the Globe and Mail and once I'm dressed and sipping my tea, before the day is public, indulge in a real newspaper.
Not the smallest footprint, and it doesn't happen often, and I may have to revisit it in the weeks and months to come, but for today, I have to shut off the laptop and go read the paper.
Having said that I also don't leave the smallest environmental footprint.
Yesterday I met a young woman who was a slip of a girl and a non-car driving vegan. While I'm no vegetarian I do eat some vegan foods as I have a dairy allergy and if it's labeled vegan I'm pretty safe. So we discussed food and it was in that conversation she mentioned she doesn't have a car.
What a small impact on the environment this woman has.
I'm travelling right now and one of the things I do treat myself to, in a hotel, is fresh towels daily. I don't ask for clean sheets everyday, but I just love the fresh towels. Not the most environmentally friendly approach, but a small indulgence on my part.
That and the Globe and Mail!
I read 3 newspapers online daily, the Sun Times, The Toronto Star and the Globe and Mail. I tell myself I read online to reduce the use of paper, but actually if I had to pay for it, I wouldn't read them, well the office does have a subscription to the Sun Times so I read it in paper as well.
But when I'm away they always leave a paper on the door overnight. I wake up to a copy of the Globe and Mail and once I'm dressed and sipping my tea, before the day is public, indulge in a real newspaper.
Not the smallest footprint, and it doesn't happen often, and I may have to revisit it in the weeks and months to come, but for today, I have to shut off the laptop and go read the paper.
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
90 of 'something'
I'm hotly pursuing '90 of somethings'. I am putting together 90 grab-gift bags for the Women's Gathering (details below). So if anybody has 90 of something that would be a real treat, has some information, or can educated then get it to the United Way building by Friday at close of the day.
It's going to be a really fun day!
The Rural Women Take Action on Poverty Committee is pleased to launch Phase 3 of the Rural Women and Poverty project, a multi year initiative to understand and address the unique issues facing poor women living in rural communities.
The work began in 2001 with a Phase One action research project with poor women and their advocates in Huron, Grey and Bruce Counties and the completion of a report called Rural Women Speak About the Face of Poverty.
Phase Two (2004-2005) was a direct follow up on recommendations from the research project. Women and their advocates came together to create a resource handbook for rural women and rural communities on poverty. The How We Count Handbook, updated in 2006, contains a wealth of resources on poverty, community services, and strategies for women and community members in Grey, Bruce, Huron and Perth. Copies are available at the Grey Bruce United Way in Owen Sound and at Women Today of Huron in Goderich.
Phase Three of the Rural Women and Poverty project starts with a Women's Gathering on June 6th at the Wescast Community Centre in Wingham.
The focus of Phase Three is to change community attitudes towards poor rural women. We are planning a number of projects and activities for 2007 and 2008 and want to consult with women and engage them in discussion about plans to address poverty and rural attitudes in Grey, Bruce, Huron and Perth.
An invitation and registration form is attached. The following is a brief overview of the Women's Gathering on June 6th
Counting Women In – The Voice of Rural Women in Poverty
A one-day gathering of women who live with poverty and women’s advocates from Grey, Bruce, Huron and Perth Counties to develop:
o Leadership for rural women taking action on poverty
o Strategies to change rural community attitudes about women and poverty
o Celebrating women’s expertise and contributions to community and family
o Building networks for action across Grey, Bruce, Huron and Perth
The Women’s Gathering will include:
o A great keynote speaker
o Small and large group workshops
o Discussion groups and plans for action
o Music, fun, information, resources
o Good food and good company!
The Women’s Gathering has space for 80 participants from Grey, Bruce, Huron and Perth. There is no cost for this event and lunch is provided. Honorariums are available for women needing assistance with childcare and/or transportation costs. Women who need transportation should contact the organizers for assistance.
It's going to be a really fun day!
The Rural Women Take Action on Poverty Committee is pleased to launch Phase 3 of the Rural Women and Poverty project, a multi year initiative to understand and address the unique issues facing poor women living in rural communities.
The work began in 2001 with a Phase One action research project with poor women and their advocates in Huron, Grey and Bruce Counties and the completion of a report called Rural Women Speak About the Face of Poverty.
Phase Two (2004-2005) was a direct follow up on recommendations from the research project. Women and their advocates came together to create a resource handbook for rural women and rural communities on poverty. The How We Count Handbook, updated in 2006, contains a wealth of resources on poverty, community services, and strategies for women and community members in Grey, Bruce, Huron and Perth. Copies are available at the Grey Bruce United Way in Owen Sound and at Women Today of Huron in Goderich.
Phase Three of the Rural Women and Poverty project starts with a Women's Gathering on June 6th at the Wescast Community Centre in Wingham.
The focus of Phase Three is to change community attitudes towards poor rural women. We are planning a number of projects and activities for 2007 and 2008 and want to consult with women and engage them in discussion about plans to address poverty and rural attitudes in Grey, Bruce, Huron and Perth.
An invitation and registration form is attached. The following is a brief overview of the Women's Gathering on June 6th
Counting Women In – The Voice of Rural Women in Poverty
A one-day gathering of women who live with poverty and women’s advocates from Grey, Bruce, Huron and Perth Counties to develop:
o Leadership for rural women taking action on poverty
o Strategies to change rural community attitudes about women and poverty
o Celebrating women’s expertise and contributions to community and family
o Building networks for action across Grey, Bruce, Huron and Perth
The Women’s Gathering will include:
o A great keynote speaker
o Small and large group workshops
o Discussion groups and plans for action
o Music, fun, information, resources
o Good food and good company!
The Women’s Gathering has space for 80 participants from Grey, Bruce, Huron and Perth. There is no cost for this event and lunch is provided. Honorariums are available for women needing assistance with childcare and/or transportation costs. Women who need transportation should contact the organizers for assistance.
Monday, May 28, 2007
Yard sale pay dirt
Saturday we hit the Owen Sound Animal Shelter's Yard Sale...hard. Three trips! The first was a great 'haul' for domestic purposes. The second was a return to pick up something we should have gotten the first time around but didn't. When we arrived the second time it was $5.00 per bag and they gave us a garbage bag! So we filled it with small appliances and extra plates for the United Way Centre as well as more stuff for home.
The third trip I sent my volunteer over (we were working on drywall stuff around the building), I was busy and I asked him to drop by and pick up a crock pot that I hadn't been able to fit into the bag.
I should clarify by the second trip we were down in cash hence the need to leave and come back for the third trip.
The irony of the shelter isn't lost on me. Here we have wonderful people, fully qualified, and yes you can get a college diploma in 'animal shelter management', looking after the abandoned, the abused and the homeless critters of our community. They also take in surrenders for people who can no longer keep their pet.
Yet what does our community have for the human homeless? What qualifications did we demand when we had a homeless shelter?
The contrast is ironic.
But hope is on the horizon, at least I hope it's hope. This was on this mornings news and I copied it from the Bayshore Broadcasting News website
Emergency shelters review
Written by Jody Johnson
Grey County is looking at the need for emergency shelters.
West Grey Mayor Kevin Eccles says the county has contracted Ken Thomson to research and prepare a recommendation on the emergency shelters issue in Grey County.
Eccles says Thomson has been involved in the non-profit sector and has a number of contacts that he can draw from.
Eccles says the county is hoping to be able to access some funding for the initative.
He says there is some funding available through the federal government rural infrastructure to address homelessness.
Eccles says there is pressure for emergency shelters since the closure of the Salvation Army hostel in Owen Sound.
He says there is an obligation for the county to provide options for replacing the hostel beds.
Eccles says the shelters will be predominately in urban areas, where there is the greatest need for them.
The third trip I sent my volunteer over (we were working on drywall stuff around the building), I was busy and I asked him to drop by and pick up a crock pot that I hadn't been able to fit into the bag.
I should clarify by the second trip we were down in cash hence the need to leave and come back for the third trip.
The irony of the shelter isn't lost on me. Here we have wonderful people, fully qualified, and yes you can get a college diploma in 'animal shelter management', looking after the abandoned, the abused and the homeless critters of our community. They also take in surrenders for people who can no longer keep their pet.
Yet what does our community have for the human homeless? What qualifications did we demand when we had a homeless shelter?
The contrast is ironic.
But hope is on the horizon, at least I hope it's hope. This was on this mornings news and I copied it from the Bayshore Broadcasting News website
Emergency shelters review
Written by Jody Johnson
Grey County is looking at the need for emergency shelters.
West Grey Mayor Kevin Eccles says the county has contracted Ken Thomson to research and prepare a recommendation on the emergency shelters issue in Grey County.
Eccles says Thomson has been involved in the non-profit sector and has a number of contacts that he can draw from.
Eccles says the county is hoping to be able to access some funding for the initative.
He says there is some funding available through the federal government rural infrastructure to address homelessness.
Eccles says there is pressure for emergency shelters since the closure of the Salvation Army hostel in Owen Sound.
He says there is an obligation for the county to provide options for replacing the hostel beds.
Eccles says the shelters will be predominately in urban areas, where there is the greatest need for them.
Friday, May 25, 2007
Granny
Yesterday afternoon we were treated to the first public production of "Ya Canna Throw Yur Granny Off a Bus".
I've asked for a detailed explanation from Sheater on how to explain this play. The play was commissioned by the Seniors Advocacy and Awarness Network (SAAN) to bring the issue of Elder Abuse into the mainstream. To raise awareness, to inform the public and to assit victims.
It's a great play with music, laughter and some pretty serious issues, all presented by two seniors who make it all work together.
I am hoping we'll be putting on the play here in the building in the next two weeks or so. June is Seniors Month and we're putting on a big push for this month.
I've asked for a detailed explanation from Sheater on how to explain this play. The play was commissioned by the Seniors Advocacy and Awarness Network (SAAN) to bring the issue of Elder Abuse into the mainstream. To raise awareness, to inform the public and to assit victims.
It's a great play with music, laughter and some pretty serious issues, all presented by two seniors who make it all work together.
I am hoping we'll be putting on the play here in the building in the next two weeks or so. June is Seniors Month and we're putting on a big push for this month.
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
Meeting night
Tonight is our board meeting night and I'm furiously printing of paper after paper of what's been going on since the last board meeting.
We had our Starlight Film Festival Galaxy event, 200 teens, we've started a fund through the Community Foundation, we presented at the HICK Tech conference, dropped in at Bruce Power, had the Labour Council event....no wonder I'm tired!
I'm so excited about our newest event - The Amazing Race!
August 2nd here in Owen Sound. 15 teams of 3 to 4 teens, aged 13 to 18, on the Owen Sound Transit system, following clues and just having fun.
Stops and clues are needed so if you have ideas let me know. EVERYONE is talking about this event!
We had our Starlight Film Festival Galaxy event, 200 teens, we've started a fund through the Community Foundation, we presented at the HICK Tech conference, dropped in at Bruce Power, had the Labour Council event....no wonder I'm tired!
I'm so excited about our newest event - The Amazing Race!
August 2nd here in Owen Sound. 15 teams of 3 to 4 teens, aged 13 to 18, on the Owen Sound Transit system, following clues and just having fun.
Stops and clues are needed so if you have ideas let me know. EVERYONE is talking about this event!
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
Fortune favours fools...
...and a fool he might yet still be!
I speak fondly of John Divinski who hosts Sounding Board on The Beach. One fateful day a month or so ago he called to invite me to be on his show, speaking about our poverty workshop we were hosting with NAPO. In that first conversation I dazzled him with my wit and charm and I joked I really wanted to host the show. He then mentions he was looking for guests hosts so he could go on vacation.
I quickly took him up on his offer and we set the date.
Then when I journeyed to Port Elgin for my first stint on air he tried to introduce me around the station. Didn't take long for him to catch on that I already knew everyone and that there was a lot of ribbing going on. Suddenly he seemed a bit concerned.
I was no longer the community activist that he was offering some air time to, I was an experienced media manipulator with an agenda.
Credit John as he shook off the doubts and stuck firm to his offer.
So tune in to 98 The Beach at 10 am Wednesday morning for a show I'm calling "Resource Poor - Community Rich"
I speak fondly of John Divinski who hosts Sounding Board on The Beach. One fateful day a month or so ago he called to invite me to be on his show, speaking about our poverty workshop we were hosting with NAPO. In that first conversation I dazzled him with my wit and charm and I joked I really wanted to host the show. He then mentions he was looking for guests hosts so he could go on vacation.
I quickly took him up on his offer and we set the date.
Then when I journeyed to Port Elgin for my first stint on air he tried to introduce me around the station. Didn't take long for him to catch on that I already knew everyone and that there was a lot of ribbing going on. Suddenly he seemed a bit concerned.
I was no longer the community activist that he was offering some air time to, I was an experienced media manipulator with an agenda.
Credit John as he shook off the doubts and stuck firm to his offer.
So tune in to 98 The Beach at 10 am Wednesday morning for a show I'm calling "Resource Poor - Community Rich"
Sunday, May 20, 2007
Energizing...it keeps going and going
Sometimes I just have sit back in awe of what goes on around the United Way Centre. Connections are made, what is surplus to one fullfills the needs of another.
Take the sand from the community garden for example. Most of the sand went to M'Wikwedong the Native cultural resouce centre, for thier day care. The rest went up to OSCVI for the track and field pits.
My initial thought was the sand would end up in a dump somewhere being cover for the garbage we throw away daily. Instead it's helped out two other organizations, with one more asking for sand.
I love that kind of energy.
Bruce Power was looking to renew thier sleeping bags so they gave us the 300 sleeping bags, blankets and some pillows they had. Hobart Food Equipment took delivery of them in Owen Sound (apparently a 'forklift' needs to be on my wish list of things the building needs) and from there the Metis, the Salvation Army and the United Way sorted them all out. About 70 went to southern Grey to Scouts, Beavers Cubs etc who needed them. Fifty went to Children's Aid and the rest went to the Salvation Army.
One donor, one supporter and boom - 4 organizations helped.
I find that kind of energy...well energizing! Makes my day
Take the sand from the community garden for example. Most of the sand went to M'Wikwedong the Native cultural resouce centre, for thier day care. The rest went up to OSCVI for the track and field pits.
My initial thought was the sand would end up in a dump somewhere being cover for the garbage we throw away daily. Instead it's helped out two other organizations, with one more asking for sand.
I love that kind of energy.
Bruce Power was looking to renew thier sleeping bags so they gave us the 300 sleeping bags, blankets and some pillows they had. Hobart Food Equipment took delivery of them in Owen Sound (apparently a 'forklift' needs to be on my wish list of things the building needs) and from there the Metis, the Salvation Army and the United Way sorted them all out. About 70 went to southern Grey to Scouts, Beavers Cubs etc who needed them. Fifty went to Children's Aid and the rest went to the Salvation Army.
One donor, one supporter and boom - 4 organizations helped.
I find that kind of energy...well energizing! Makes my day
Friday, May 18, 2007
the long week...ends
Thank you to everyone who has emailed, called and dropped by to express thier concerns and outrage over the closure of the SALEP Centre. It has sent a strong message to these kids that there is a community that cares about them and that they are valued.
I have been in discussion with the school board and they are pursing a new avenue of funding to re-open the school, under a different program, but for the same 'at risk' students. I have given them my full support and we will be in constant contact with the school board as this process moves forward.
There was no blog on Thursday as I was at a seminar south of London. While I feel that you learn something new anytime you interact with others, I was frustrated with this seminar. I was told the seminar was on building community partnerships, it turned out to be on leaderships styles.
I know my leadership style, it adapts to the situation and my role in the community, I didn't need this seminar. I did give feedback to the organizers and one of them did agree with me it wasn't what she told me, or what she thought it was going to be.
But as with all things, I'm sure I got something out of it, and if nothing else it was a great road trip with one of my board members.
Today is deadline day! This is the day that agencies apply for funding from the United Way. Registered charities that service social service needs withing Bruce and Grey counties are eligible to apply for funding.
That makes it a busy day around here!
I have been in discussion with the school board and they are pursing a new avenue of funding to re-open the school, under a different program, but for the same 'at risk' students. I have given them my full support and we will be in constant contact with the school board as this process moves forward.
There was no blog on Thursday as I was at a seminar south of London. While I feel that you learn something new anytime you interact with others, I was frustrated with this seminar. I was told the seminar was on building community partnerships, it turned out to be on leaderships styles.
I know my leadership style, it adapts to the situation and my role in the community, I didn't need this seminar. I did give feedback to the organizers and one of them did agree with me it wasn't what she told me, or what she thought it was going to be.
But as with all things, I'm sure I got something out of it, and if nothing else it was a great road trip with one of my board members.
Today is deadline day! This is the day that agencies apply for funding from the United Way. Registered charities that service social service needs withing Bruce and Grey counties are eligible to apply for funding.
That makes it a busy day around here!
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
The bomb dropped
I was driving to Port Elgin to train to host a radio show next week (more on that later) when I caught the 9 am news.
I'm going to paste the news directly here as posted on Bayshore Broadcasting's website
Job losses at Bluewater Board
Written by Jody Johnson
The Bluewater District School Board has approved its 2007-08 budget.
In order to find savings, the school board has cut a number of staffing positions. Staff will be reduced by 4 in administration, 10 to 12 in plant operations, secondary school staffing will be reduced by 14.7 staff and French Immersion staffing will be reduced by 2.3. Special education has been hit really hard with the cuts in elementary resource teacher staffing by 4.3 as well as 5 elementary teachers for the learning disabled. The SALEP centre in Owen Sound will also close.
Trustee Carol Poucher-Urbshott says if the goal of the school board is to put students first, then this budget is not doing that. She questions how they will keep literacy and numeracy high if programs are cut.
Board Chair Jennifer Yenssen says the board is struggling to maintain service levels and programs at the same level as last year. She says they plan to meet with the Ministry of Education to discuss funding. Yenssen says the cut back in funding for special education and declining enrolment grants have pushed the board to cut back on programs.
Superintendent of Business Dean Currie says the board is working on paying down its accumulated deficit of 3.2 million dollars. He says provisions have been made to recover 835 thousand dollars for 2006-07 and 950 thousand dollars in 2007-08. Currie says this will leave 1.4 million dollars to be recovered in future years. The total budget for 2007-08 is 182 million dollars.
The United Way Centre is home to the SALEP center in Owen Sound. On any given day I can have upwards of 12 kids hanging out at the building, learning, becoming adults, growing, being kids. The loss of the program is huge and I'm truly stunned.
What really stuns me is to hear it on the radio. If the decision was made Tuesday night there is noway there was time to phone the parents etc and let them know, no time to let the staff know in a respectful manner. Everyone would have learned as I did, from the radio.
I'm so upset I really can't make full sentences of how I feel right now. These kids have no one to speak for them, they have been totally marginalized by a system that focuses on numbers.
The only positive thing that has come out of today was the media's reaction. We've always included the media in all we do so they know about the centre. They saw what we were doing and they knew how important the school is to the kids. So Bayshore Broadcasting was here and A Channel showed up to follow up on the loss of the school, reporters just as stunned as I was.
And what were the kids doing? Outside helping make the community garden!! What a great back drop to the story. Here were these kids who can't catch a break in life, out helping in the community.
What a sad commentary on our society.
I'm going to paste the news directly here as posted on Bayshore Broadcasting's website
Job losses at Bluewater Board
Written by Jody Johnson
The Bluewater District School Board has approved its 2007-08 budget.
In order to find savings, the school board has cut a number of staffing positions. Staff will be reduced by 4 in administration, 10 to 12 in plant operations, secondary school staffing will be reduced by 14.7 staff and French Immersion staffing will be reduced by 2.3. Special education has been hit really hard with the cuts in elementary resource teacher staffing by 4.3 as well as 5 elementary teachers for the learning disabled. The SALEP centre in Owen Sound will also close.
Trustee Carol Poucher-Urbshott says if the goal of the school board is to put students first, then this budget is not doing that. She questions how they will keep literacy and numeracy high if programs are cut.
Board Chair Jennifer Yenssen says the board is struggling to maintain service levels and programs at the same level as last year. She says they plan to meet with the Ministry of Education to discuss funding. Yenssen says the cut back in funding for special education and declining enrolment grants have pushed the board to cut back on programs.
Superintendent of Business Dean Currie says the board is working on paying down its accumulated deficit of 3.2 million dollars. He says provisions have been made to recover 835 thousand dollars for 2006-07 and 950 thousand dollars in 2007-08. Currie says this will leave 1.4 million dollars to be recovered in future years. The total budget for 2007-08 is 182 million dollars.
The United Way Centre is home to the SALEP center in Owen Sound. On any given day I can have upwards of 12 kids hanging out at the building, learning, becoming adults, growing, being kids. The loss of the program is huge and I'm truly stunned.
What really stuns me is to hear it on the radio. If the decision was made Tuesday night there is noway there was time to phone the parents etc and let them know, no time to let the staff know in a respectful manner. Everyone would have learned as I did, from the radio.
I'm so upset I really can't make full sentences of how I feel right now. These kids have no one to speak for them, they have been totally marginalized by a system that focuses on numbers.
The only positive thing that has come out of today was the media's reaction. We've always included the media in all we do so they know about the centre. They saw what we were doing and they knew how important the school is to the kids. So Bayshore Broadcasting was here and A Channel showed up to follow up on the loss of the school, reporters just as stunned as I was.
And what were the kids doing? Outside helping make the community garden!! What a great back drop to the story. Here were these kids who can't catch a break in life, out helping in the community.
What a sad commentary on our society.
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
Your wish is my....
...next project!
Yesterday the Salvation Army sent me the results of a survey of their food bank clients (want a copy - email me), so I passed it along to those who want to know such things. Today I got a rather frantic call from an agency that was totally frustrated that things they do, were being requested of the Salvation Army. He took the requests to mean they didn't know about his program and that they could send people to him.
So we got into a grand discussion on who does what and who knows who does what and why people don't know who does what.
And with these types of things, I found out the new commander of the Salvation Army is due in soon. Hearing that I suggested we host a round table so he could meet all the players and perhaps address some of the concerns and negativity (lets be honest it was negative) around changes to the services provided by the Salvation Army.
So with two diverse thoughts, came a single 'event'. I'm pleased to announce:
Accessing Resources:
Who, for What, When is good and How
June 14th
Grey Owen Sound Union Public Library
One of the greatest challenges to working with and assisting people experiencing challenges, such as poverty, disability etc, is working within the system. Accessing Resources is a morning roundtable of networking with various agencies and community groups that address a variety of issues, and concerns within our community
Service providers are invited to attend to bring resources, information and opportunities to the roundtable.
Attendees will leave the day with a better grasp of the resources available and a greater ability to assist their clients.
This event is free, the library space is being sponsored by the Adult Learning Centre and the United Way will pick up the coffee and munchies tab (unless someone wants to sponsor coffee and munchies???)
If you have any questions please ask them, please pass this email around. While this event is for providers and not so much the general public, input from the public is welcome.
Email me for a registration form.
Yesterday the Salvation Army sent me the results of a survey of their food bank clients (want a copy - email me), so I passed it along to those who want to know such things. Today I got a rather frantic call from an agency that was totally frustrated that things they do, were being requested of the Salvation Army. He took the requests to mean they didn't know about his program and that they could send people to him.
So we got into a grand discussion on who does what and who knows who does what and why people don't know who does what.
And with these types of things, I found out the new commander of the Salvation Army is due in soon. Hearing that I suggested we host a round table so he could meet all the players and perhaps address some of the concerns and negativity (lets be honest it was negative) around changes to the services provided by the Salvation Army.
So with two diverse thoughts, came a single 'event'. I'm pleased to announce:
Accessing Resources:
Who, for What, When is good and How
June 14th
Grey Owen Sound Union Public Library
One of the greatest challenges to working with and assisting people experiencing challenges, such as poverty, disability etc, is working within the system. Accessing Resources is a morning roundtable of networking with various agencies and community groups that address a variety of issues, and concerns within our community
Service providers are invited to attend to bring resources, information and opportunities to the roundtable.
Attendees will leave the day with a better grasp of the resources available and a greater ability to assist their clients.
This event is free, the library space is being sponsored by the Adult Learning Centre and the United Way will pick up the coffee and munchies tab (unless someone wants to sponsor coffee and munchies???)
If you have any questions please ask them, please pass this email around. While this event is for providers and not so much the general public, input from the public is welcome.
Email me for a registration form.
Monday, May 14, 2007
Monday after
I promised more details on the Labour Council dinner and here they are!
It was a great night with lots of people, tables dressed to the nines, wonderful speakers and over 70 items in the silent auction.
The food was amazing and CAW head chef Paul Jonhston and his crew put on an incredible, prime rib and seafood dinner.
Speakers covered lots of topics, expressing concern with the loss of manufacturing jobs in the region, as well as provinically and nationally. Jackie Ralph made us laugh with her puppets as "Simon" took on the role of 'Sir Talks-a-lot' in a humours reminder that speakers will be kept to a 20 minute limit.
We're still counting the pennies and with a few bills left to come in we don't have the full total for the night yet, but we did good!
It was a great night with lots of people, tables dressed to the nines, wonderful speakers and over 70 items in the silent auction.
The food was amazing and CAW head chef Paul Jonhston and his crew put on an incredible, prime rib and seafood dinner.
Speakers covered lots of topics, expressing concern with the loss of manufacturing jobs in the region, as well as provinically and nationally. Jackie Ralph made us laugh with her puppets as "Simon" took on the role of 'Sir Talks-a-lot' in a humours reminder that speakers will be kept to a 20 minute limit.
We're still counting the pennies and with a few bills left to come in we don't have the full total for the night yet, but we did good!
Friday, May 11, 2007
Labour Council Dinner
Tonight was the night! The Grey Bruce Labour Council celebrated thier 50th Anniversary and the United Way was the recipient of the event.
We raised approximately $15 600!
More later
We raised approximately $15 600!
More later
Thursday, May 10, 2007
The little BIG dig
Before!
Despite the threat of rain, the ridding of the sand took place today. The United Way Centre use to be a day care and there were two large sandboxes on the east wall. The idea was to take one sandbox and turn it into a community garden, the other the Metis Nation are planting with traditional herbs and native mediciences.
But for the community garden plot to get underway they had to get rid of the sand. So the digging began with the incredible support of our SALEP Centre. Nothing is more helpful than 6 or so teen boys when you need heavy work done.
I did laugh as a back-hoe drove by and everyone stopped digging and watched it go slowly by, wishing it would stop and help. But the fence would have prevented any major mechanical assistance, this was going to be sweat and sweat alone.
They did it, they dug and sweated and a huge thank you to Peter McIllwraith who showed up with a dump truck! That really helped, big time!
I saw the shovels all standing waiting for helpers and thought it would make an interesting picture. Turns out the Educational Assistant did too! The kids thought we were nuts taking pictures of shovel handles.
I think they are three-quarters done, at least the rain held off.
The sand is heading up to M'wikwedong Native Cultural Centre, nothing is going to the dump!!
Wednesday, May 9, 2007
...and the rains came
Tomorrow we're digging away the sand in one of the sandboxes at the United Way Centre. We're turning it into a community garden - teaching garden space. The Metis Nation is leading the charge on this project. I am really hoping for lots of volunteers because there is just no way I can take time to dig tomorrow.
We got our Seniors Month - June is Seniors Month - marketing campagin sorted out just need some eyes on our materials and that's off my desk.
Amazing Race planning invites got sent out as well as the inviations to the media event on May 24th.
One of our agencies was in today, spending the day doing some strategic planning, always nice to have people in thinking.
Quiet with the school gone - off on a field trip to the Toyota plant in Cambridge.
40 of the 100+ sleeping bags headed to thier destination today, that took some slogging up the stairs, but they are gone now. One or two more loads left to go.
All and all a busy and productive day around the Centre. Tomorrow - we're getting dirty!
We got our Seniors Month - June is Seniors Month - marketing campagin sorted out just need some eyes on our materials and that's off my desk.
Amazing Race planning invites got sent out as well as the inviations to the media event on May 24th.
One of our agencies was in today, spending the day doing some strategic planning, always nice to have people in thinking.
Quiet with the school gone - off on a field trip to the Toyota plant in Cambridge.
40 of the 100+ sleeping bags headed to thier destination today, that took some slogging up the stairs, but they are gone now. One or two more loads left to go.
All and all a busy and productive day around the Centre. Tomorrow - we're getting dirty!
Tuesday, May 8, 2007
Lights camera action
The day started with a Homecoming meeting. Owen Sound is celebrating it's 150th with tons of events planned. The United Way is going to conduct an Amazing Race for teens on August 2nd. Today we added a teen dance that will take place the same day. More on that as the plans come together.
Today we had a film crew in the office. They were working on a documentary on poverty, schools and the links and challenges for students from low income families. They featured local activist and researcher Colleen Purdon who asked me to contribute as a woman who has experienced, and written about, the despair of being poor.
The filming went really well, the documentary will be finished in December. It came about because they had focused on urban poverty not really thinking there was a difference. Then they heard about Colleen's rural women's poverty project and started asking questions about the difference between rural and urban poverty.
What was truly freaky was that they asked me what my son was up to and I said he was tree planting, they asked where and I said "Elk Lake" well they were from Elk Lake!! Totally derailed the filming for 10 minutes as we discussed Elk Lake. By the way Elk Lake is 7 or so hours north of here, 3 hours north west of North Bay. Beautiful little community.
All and all an eventful day, getting support for youth in our community and breaking down stereotypes on poverty.
Today we had a film crew in the office. They were working on a documentary on poverty, schools and the links and challenges for students from low income families. They featured local activist and researcher Colleen Purdon who asked me to contribute as a woman who has experienced, and written about, the despair of being poor.
The filming went really well, the documentary will be finished in December. It came about because they had focused on urban poverty not really thinking there was a difference. Then they heard about Colleen's rural women's poverty project and started asking questions about the difference between rural and urban poverty.
What was truly freaky was that they asked me what my son was up to and I said he was tree planting, they asked where and I said "Elk Lake" well they were from Elk Lake!! Totally derailed the filming for 10 minutes as we discussed Elk Lake. By the way Elk Lake is 7 or so hours north of here, 3 hours north west of North Bay. Beautiful little community.
All and all an eventful day, getting support for youth in our community and breaking down stereotypes on poverty.
Monday, May 7, 2007
It's a Monday
Sometimes you just have to laugh, and laugh we did. We finally got around to unpacking a office supply order that had come in mid week last week. Well somebody goofed good. As my Office Manager unpacked and checked the inventory list she asked me "what did you order?"
Well considering it was a larger order I was a bit puzzled by her question. So I left my office and joined her. She asked if I'd ordered the toilet paper, and I had. But there was none to be found. But there was a box of copy paper, which I hadn't ordered. Well sure enough, slapped to the top of the copy paper box was the shipping label, and that label declared the contents to be: White Swan one ply!
So we laughed. The world's scratchiest toilet paper!
The store was more than happy to fix the situation and enjoyed a good chuckle too.
We also got the last of our sleeping bags into the office. The 300 sleeping bags and blankets had been donated to us by Bruce Power and we had 100 or so spoken for by Beavers and Cubs etc in Southern Grey County and the rest are going to the Salvation Army. BIG thank you to Hobart for receiving the delivery for us, and the Metis Nation for helping pack things and sort them all out.
Well considering it was a larger order I was a bit puzzled by her question. So I left my office and joined her. She asked if I'd ordered the toilet paper, and I had. But there was none to be found. But there was a box of copy paper, which I hadn't ordered. Well sure enough, slapped to the top of the copy paper box was the shipping label, and that label declared the contents to be: White Swan one ply!
So we laughed. The world's scratchiest toilet paper!
The store was more than happy to fix the situation and enjoyed a good chuckle too.
We also got the last of our sleeping bags into the office. The 300 sleeping bags and blankets had been donated to us by Bruce Power and we had 100 or so spoken for by Beavers and Cubs etc in Southern Grey County and the rest are going to the Salvation Army. BIG thank you to Hobart for receiving the delivery for us, and the Metis Nation for helping pack things and sort them all out.
Sunday, May 6, 2007
Galaxy 2007
Fright Nite is done for another year
I love this event. It takes some organizing and tons of volunteers - thank you thank you thank you to all of them - but it's really not a hard event to run.
Well that is if you think that having upwards of 200 teenagers in your custody from midnight until 7 am is no big deal. But with 20-30 volunteers on hand, 2 paid duty OPP and St John's Ambulance, the bases are all covered safety wise.
I have found that teens are very well behaved when the expecations are clear, the boundaries are clear, and you are operating on thier level. No adult in thier right mind wants to spend the whole night watching movies. Even the dusk to dawn shows at the drive inn are attended by the young and young at heart.
So for thier $20 they get to watch 3 out of 4 movies and a ton of junk food. The video games are all switched over to free and we have some kids who just come to play video games all night long. That's cool too.
We make a few thousand dollars on this event and if we had sponsors our safety and promotional costs could be covered devoting more of the dollars raised to our Rotary Children's Fund, but that will come in time.
So while I'm bleary eyed today with exhaustion, my heart is content, we did a good thing.
I love this event. It takes some organizing and tons of volunteers - thank you thank you thank you to all of them - but it's really not a hard event to run.
Well that is if you think that having upwards of 200 teenagers in your custody from midnight until 7 am is no big deal. But with 20-30 volunteers on hand, 2 paid duty OPP and St John's Ambulance, the bases are all covered safety wise.
I have found that teens are very well behaved when the expecations are clear, the boundaries are clear, and you are operating on thier level. No adult in thier right mind wants to spend the whole night watching movies. Even the dusk to dawn shows at the drive inn are attended by the young and young at heart.
So for thier $20 they get to watch 3 out of 4 movies and a ton of junk food. The video games are all switched over to free and we have some kids who just come to play video games all night long. That's cool too.
We make a few thousand dollars on this event and if we had sponsors our safety and promotional costs could be covered devoting more of the dollars raised to our Rotary Children's Fund, but that will come in time.
So while I'm bleary eyed today with exhaustion, my heart is content, we did a good thing.
In the begining...
While I have my "Running With Scissors" as a soap box, sometimes I find there simply isn't enough white space for me to write all I want to write. A recent visit to the HICK Tech conference showed how a blog can really be a place to vent, laugh and let people know what's going on, utilizing this online format. So I thought I'd give it a try.
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