A Word from your National Vice-PresidentA Word from your National Vice-President
Happy New Year Everyone, I recently attended my second board meeting and would like to share some of our work with you. Our 2008 Awareness Campaign in November was a huge success, with over 30 million impressions. Our Region was fully involved with things such as Obby Khan's interview on TSN, several local newspaper articles and an Education Symposium held in Winnipeg. We are pleased that the Regina Chapter will be one of 6 chapters launching the Get Gutsy program this spring. This will be linked to a second Education Symposium in our Region, being held in Saskatoon on March 21st.
For the first time in many, many years, CCFC will have a Strategic Plan. Our 5 yr plan is near completion and is based on nearly 1500 individuals' feedback coast-to-coast. The key areas of focus are: Optimizing the Fundraising Model, Strengthening our Research Portfolio, Recruiting and Retaining a Robust Volunteer Base and Embracing the full vision of the Foundation. Some very hard work has been done by the Strategic Planning Committer over the past year. We have a lot of work ahead of us, but I am confident we are up to the challenge. A version of the Strategic Plan, for public consumption, is in the works and some to be released. I'd also like to mention the GEM Project, once again. CCFC has invested millions of dollars into this project and we feel this is an important step on our way to finding the cure. I encourage everyone with Crohn's disease, that has a full sibling between the ages of 6-35 years of age to sign up. Information is on our web site. It's something we'd all rather not think about, but the recession is impacting everyone, including charitable organizations such as CCFC.
Although I know you're always aware of this I'd just like to ask that each chapter and volunteer explore ways to decrease costs and increase revenue at this time. Spring is just around the corner and the board and CCFC staff are working hard to improve upon our two largest fundraising activities - M&M Charity BBQ and Heel'n'Wheel-a-thon. The volunteer manual is being updated and there is the possibility of creating a micro web site for the BBQ. In the next few months we wil be launching a HnW online system and a new funds processing solution is in development. So as you can see, it has been a busy few months. I think the above changes and projects can only improve upon the fantastic organization that CCFC is. We have passionate and committed volunteers that contribute to the strength of our Foundation. All I can say is, "keep up the good work". Please feel free to contact me if you have any concerns or questions that are relevant to the board or if you think I can help with anything within your chapters.
Sue Abrametz sueabrametz@sasktel.net
National Vice-President – Manitoba / Saskatchewan
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A Word from your Regional Director |
As I write this, we find ourselves in the middle of a deep freeze on the prairies but that is normal for December. It is the hearts that keep the provinces of Manitoba & Saskatchewan warm during these months with their dedication to many charities and philanthropy as a whole.
This year was an extremely successful year for our Chapters with the Heel'n'Wheel-A-Thon's raising more $ this year than in the history for MB/SK. We had a phenomenal increase in participants in Saskatoon raising over $68,000 and top pledge earners increasing to 43 in the Region! Congratulations to Clay & Rayner Frey who participated in the Saskatoon Heel'n'Wheel; they were the Top Pledge earners for the MB/SK Region raising together over $12,000!
Way to go Bikini Boys!
We have had three Education Symposiums this past year and we have heard from many experts in the field of IBD sharing new research and information on how to live with Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. We will continue to offer more education from newly diagnosed nights to large symposiums!
A special thanks to Lesley Lewis, Chapter Development Coordinator MB/SK for taking on the role this summer of Acting Regional Director MB/SK. Her dedication to the CCFC and the support of the volunteers during my absence was greatly appreciated. Now we are off to a running start with many great fall fundraisers and we will continue on in 2010 to have another successful year.
The very best to you and your families for a Wonderful Holiday Season!
Shari Haydaman
Regional Director –Manitoba / Saskatchewan