Philanthropy Nov 15

PHILANTHROPY DAYTHE GLOBE AND MAIL TUESDAY , NOVEMBER 15 , 2016 SECTION AFP

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Canadians’giving spiritGenerosity is at the heart of all

social change, and on Novem-ber 15, fundraisers are putting

the spotlight on the importance ofgiving – and asking.

The Association of FundraisingProfessionals’ (AFP) 30th annual Na-tional Philanthropy Day promises tobe an exciting one, with events heldacross the country. Speakers in theeast include Ottawa-based CBC TVhost Lucy vanOldenbarneveld, who iswaging a battle against breast cancer.Dr. Samantha Nutt, co-founder and ex-ecutive director of War Child Canada,will be one of the keynote speakersfor western audiences.

But if AFP wants a single mes-sage to be taken home from all theactivities, it’s that philanthropy goesfar beyond responding to emergen-cies and disasters. “Of course weencourage Canadians to help in timesof crisis, but we alsowant to foster the

NATIONAL

In Canada, AFP has 21 chapters fromcoast to coast and 3,800 members,all of them currently preparing forNational Philanthropy Day. One mea-sure of the organization’s success isthat the federal government officiallyrecognized the once-grassroots eventin 2012, setting a newmodel for othercountries to emulate. “The wholeidea of National Philanthropy Day isto celebrate regional volunteers andphilanthropists, both individuals andorganizations,” says Ms. Eustace.“Companies like Telus, Bell Canadaand The Calgary Herald have beenrecognized internationally for theirphilanthropy.”Spirit, Page AFP 5

Next generationof fundraisersAFP 7

AFP’s Philanthropistof the YearAFP 6

ROM accessibilityinitiativesAFP 4

New rink celebratesU of S alumnusAFP 9

INSIDE

Online? Visit globeandmail.com/adv/nationalphilanthropyday2016 for more information.

ABOUT

National Philanthropy Day (NPD) is being celebrated in many communitiesacross North America, including every major metropolitan area in Canada.As the main sponsor of NPD, the Association of Fundraising Professionals(AFP) takes this opportunity to acknowledge the generosity and dedicationof the many Canadians who have made a contribution.

Check out the NPD website – www.npdlove.com – or connect with yourlocal AFP chapter (www.afpnet.org) to learn how you can join in.

“The whole idea of NationalPhilanthropy Day is forour chapters to celebrateregional volunteersand philanthropists,both individuals andcorporations.”

Leah Eustaceis chair of the AFP Foundation forPhilanthropy – Canada

$12.8-billionThe total amount donated by Canadiansto charitable or non-profit organizationsbetween 2010 and 2013 (an increase of 14%)

66%of Canadiansaged 15 to 19 didvolunteer work

48%of Canadiansaged 35 to 44 didvolunteer work

$5.2-billion(41%) went toRELIGIOUSorganizations

82%of Canadians made financialdonations to a charitable ornon-profit organization

$1.7-billion(13%) went toHEALTH-RELATEDorganizations

$1.6-billion(12%) went toSOCIALSERVICES

A 2013 Statistics Canada survey provides a snapshot on Canadians’ volunteer activities and giving. The General Social Survey gathers data on six themes. SOURCE: STATCAN.GC.CA

philanthropic spirit that is in all of us, sothat the term ‘giving back’ is a constantimpulse,” says Leah Eustace, chair ofthe AFP Foundation for Philanthropy– Canada.

As the philanthropic arm of AFP,the AFP Foundation for Philanthropy –Canada supports many programs andservices designed to help fundraisersbetter reach out to donors and encour-age Canadians to give effectively and

wisely to charitable causes across thecountry.

All this is in keeping with AFP’smandate, established in 1960, to ad-vance ethical and effective philan-thropy. As theworld’s largest networkof fundraisers, AFP works with chari-ties, donors, volunteers and others tohelp change the world – its 33,000members raising more than $115-bil-lion annually.

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AFP is an international association of more than 32,000members working together to advance philanthropy and ethicalfundraising through education, advocacy and research.

www.afptoronto.org

PHILANTHROPYAWARDS2016Celebrating Our Champions

PETER &MELANIEMUNKOutstanding Philanthropists

Outstanding Youth in PhilanthropySUSAN HORVATH, CFREOutstanding Fundraising

Professional

VALERIE & ANDY PRINGLEOutstanding Volunteers

HSBC BANK CANADAOutstanding Corporation

NEWCIRCLESCOMMUNITY SERVICES

The Mo Davies Award for Excellence inFundraising by a Small Organization

MOVEMBER FOUNDATIONOutstanding Foundation

Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP)Greater Toronto Chapter will congratulate its2016 PHILANTHROPY AWARD RECIPIENTSonWednesday, November 23, 2016.

Sharon Avery (left), president and CEO of Toronto Foundation, in conversa-tion with philanthropist Claire Duboc and Toronto Life editor Sarah Fulford onToronto’s Vital Signs and the role for philanthropy in city-building. SUPPLIED

The Ripple Refugee Project’sRebecca Davies (right) welcomesthe Abdallah family to Canada.SUPPLIED

AFP 2 • SPONSOR CONTENT THE GLOBE AND MAIL • TUESDAY , NOVEMBER 15 , 2016

NATIONAL PHILANTHROPY DAY

BY THENUMBERS

5,148Publicfoundations inCanada in 2015

5,376Privatefoundations

75,727Charitableorganizations

$27-billionPublicfoundationassets in 2014

$34.5-billionPrivatefoundationassets

$3.9-billionPublicfoundationgrants in 2014

Source: PhilanthropicFoundations Canada

Foundation expands issue-focused philanthropy

Making a difference, one family at a time

Thenon-profit sector recognizes itneeds to keep pacewith the aspi-rations of its donors. For Toronto

Foundation, that means respondingto the desire of growing numbers ofphilanthropists to see their charitablegifts help address complex communitychallenges.

More donors want to be ‘city-build-ers’ who feel confident their gifts willdeliver real impact for their communi-ties, says Sharon Avery, president andCEO of Toronto Foundation, one of191 community foundations operatingacross Canada. The organization hastaken steps to expandopportunities fora relatively new type of strategic givingknown as issue-focused philanthropy.

“We’re finding that philanthropistsincreasingly want to go beyond a one-off donation to a single organization,”says Ms. Avery. “They want to be en-gaged in solving challenging problemsin our city – problems that are beingtackled bymultiple stakeholders acrossthe community.”

Community foundations pool phil-anthropic dollars and facilitate chari-table donations to benefit their cities.Toronto Foundation manages morethan 500 individual, family and orga-nizational funds, with assets valued atmore than $400-million. In 2015-16, itdistributed $14.4-million to more than800 charitable organizations.

“Our foundation is a great option fordonors who want to support changearound community issues,” she says.“Throughus, you canpool yourmoney

Rebecca Davies says the jour-ney of sponsoring and settlinga family of Syrian refugees is

logistically daunting, extremely time-consuming, downright exhausting– and profoundly uplifting.

A fundraiser by profession and apassionate advocate for giving back,Toronto-basedMs. Davies and 16 otherconcerned private citizens form TheRipple Refugee Project. With a fund-raising drive that initially netted over$40,000, they welcomed the eight-member Abdallah family to Canada inDecember 2015.

To date, Ripple has raisedmore than$120,000, and the group has appliedto sponsor at least three other familiesfrom the war-torn region.

In her former capacity as fundrais-ing director for MSF/Doctors WithoutBorders Canada, Ms. Davies has wit-nessed first-hand the turmoil in Syria.“At the Syrian border, I saw a womanwhose leg was being amputatedjust 90 minutes after her house wasshelled,” she recalls. “I felt outrage,and a strong sense that she could

with that of other donors and seeyour gift dispersed among a numberof organizations that are addressingthose issues.”

Patrons can set up various typesof funds to support a wide range ofcauses. For example, on October 13,2016, Gord Downie of the Tragical-ly Hip and his partners set up TheGord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fundthrough the Toronto Foundation. Thisfund is to support efforts to enhancerelationships between indigenous andnon-indigenous peoples in Canada.

The Vital Toronto Fund is the orga-nization’s community endowment,which is focused on tackling the city’smost pressing issues.Muchof the infor-mation to guide community solutionscomes from the annual Toronto’s VitalSigns Report, containing data on keyeconomic, social and other metrics ofquality of life.

“Take the issue of child poverty inToronto, which has hovered around 25to 30per cent for the last 20 years. Howdo we move the needle on this issuewhen it is related tomany different fac-tors and no single institution can solveit?” she asks.

“Research shows that housing is thenumber one catalyst out of poverty. Atthe same time, we see that the waitlist for affordable housing in the cityis increasing. This kind of knowledgeis one example that helps us to cometogether to develop solutions withimpact – and to raise the bar for civicengagement and city-building.”

easily be any one of us.”Ms. Davies (who credits her first job

in fundraising at Toronto’s Women’sCollege Hospital for triggering heraltruistic streak) and her friends lostno time going through the process toqualify under Canada’s Private Spon-sorship of Refugees Program. “Weformed Ripple because you need tobe a five-member group at minimumwith a fiduciary duty to help a family

for an entire year,” she says. “On top ofthat, there’s also arranging their healthcare, finding them a home, furnishingit, helping them become employableand proficient in English, and ensuringthey have a budget they can live on.”

Raising funds was crucial to theirsuccess, and while an email campaignyielded impressive results, Ms. Daviessingles out University Health Networkemergency doctors for kickstartingthe cause with more than $40,000 inpersonal donations.

By the time Lifeline Syria phonedthe group in September 2015 sayingit had a family in desperate need ofa home, Ms. Davies and her friendshad spent months preparing. Andwhen the Abdallahs finally appearedat the arrivals gate at Toronto Pear-son International Airport, “I blew thegrandmother a kiss, and she blew oneback,” Ms. Davies recalls. “It was anextraordinarymoment of connection.”

Ms. Davies is equally humbled bythe fact that her story is hardly unique:“There are hundreds of groups like us,and thousands of Canadians eager

to help.” To that end, the veteranfundraiser and the Ripple group arechronicling through their blog themyriad steps necessary to qualify as arefugee sponsor, to guide thosewillingand able to make the commitment.

As for the Abdallahs, they are antici-pating a special arrival this Christmas.“In December, they’ll welcome their

first Canadian baby into the world,”says Ms. Davies. “This is what it’s allabout: new beginnings.”

Ms. Davies, meanwhile, will contin-ue settling families in grave humanitar-ian need: “Canada is the only countryin the world to have this wonderfulprivate sponsorship model. How canI not respond?”

TORONTO FOUNDATION

THE RIPPLE REFUGEE PROJECT

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OPINION

Collaboration builds capacity for change in our communities

Dr. Jacline Nyman,President & CEO ofUnited Way Centraide Canada

As president & CEO of UnitedWay Centraide Canada, I havethe tremendous privilege of

speakingwith non-profit leaders acrossour country every day. I hear aboutthe issues facing our communities –poverty, youth unemployment, a lackof affordable housing. And I know thatthese big issues affect us all, from coastto coast to coast, in each local city, townand neighbourhood.

Through these conversations, Ihave come to realize the power ofUnited Way. Of what it means to be amovement for social change. And I amreminded of the great value of collabo-ration – between government, labour,non-profits, philanthropists, businessand all Canadians – in creating the bestliving conditions possible for all of us.I have learned how we can multiplyour efforts by working together, andhow we can innovate to build our col-lective capacity to change lives in ourcommunities.

Asour federal governmentmoves to-ward growing themiddle class throughambitious social change, such as a Na-tional Poverty Reduction Strategy, thiscommitment to collaboration betweenCanadians, their government, and thecorporate and non-profit organiza-tions that serve them is critical to ournation’s success. With close to 15 per

cent of Canadians living in poverty, wemust maximize our efforts by workingtogether to address these key issues.

A key example of this collective strat-egy in action can be found in the Na-tional Housing Collaborative, in whichUnited Way has been a key participant.United in the belief that all Canadiansshould have access to affordable andadequate housing, this group of stake-holders fromacross the housing system– public, private and non-profit – havecome together to develop transforma-tive and innovative policy solutions toCanada’s housing problem.

The group pooled resources towardthe achievement of one common goal– changing the landscape for the 3.3mil-lion Canadianswho cannot access hous-ing they need at a cost they can afford.Speakingwith one voice has allowed formore coherent and comprehensive re-search andpolicy development, andwill

facilitate continued dialogue betweenthe non-profit sector and government,business and community leaders aswework together toward this goal.

Collaboration also manifests itselfevery day at the local level. When we,as Canadians, come together to investin creating the conditions for socialchange, everyone benefits. Creatinga great country starts with each of us,and our work towards a common goal

of improving lives and building bettercommunities for everyone. Whenwe work together, we leave no onebehind.

Indeed, the value of thiswork is evi-denced in very human ways. We seeit in the renewed energy of a widowwho accesses a seniors’ program thatconnects to her community. In thestrength of a young woman who islifted out of homelessness and into ameaningful job. In the growing confi-dence of a child who gains new skillsthanks to a local music program. Andin the restored hope of a man wholeaves addiction in the past to plan fora bright future.

And so, no matter what issue facesus, what sector of the economy werepresent, or what community acrossCanada we live in, one thing is forcertain. Together, we can ignite socialchange. Together, we are possibility.

ABOUT

Priority populations supportedby United Way Centraide:

• Homeless people• Single parents• People with disabilities• Aboriginal people• New immigrants

905-470-6861www.operationsmile.ca/globe

DONATE TODAY

THISHOLIDAYSEASON,help give asurgery andchange a life.

VISIONARY LEADERSSEE POSSIBILITYPETER AND MELANIE MUNK ARE AFP’SOUTSTANDING PHILANTHROPISTS FOR 2016

Where some perceive only obstacles, visionary philanthropists recognizepossibility. Peter and Melanie Munk’s vision, commitment and generosityhave made the Peter Munk Cardiac Centre and the Munk School of GlobalAffairs a reality. These world-renowned centres promote the excellence andinnovation in health care, higher education and public policy that are criticalto well-being, prosperity and quality of life in Canada and across the globe.

Since 1992, Peter and Melanie have contributed more than $180 millionto charities and public institutions in Canada and abroad, establishing themamong the country’s most generous philanthropists.

Toronto General & Western Hospital Foundation and the University of Torontoare delighted to congratulate Peter and Melanie Munk as 2016 recipientsof the Outstanding Philanthropist Award from the Greater Toronto Chapter ofthe Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP).



ADAPTATION

Technology is a growth sector in the giving community

It takes a lot of generous souls tosupport philanthropic organiza-tions and the good work they do.

These days, in the age of ubiquitousInternet, social media and mobilecommunications, it also takes the righttechnology.

“A lot of people think that charitiestoday are still roll-up-your-sleeves,not very sophisticated operations,”says Mark Banbury, chief informationand constituent services officer atthe Heart and Stroke Foundation ofCanada. “But given the highly com-petitive landscape for charities, it’svery important for organizations to dif-ferentiate themselves and to findwaysto work more efficiently. Technologyhelps us do that.”

Technology has certainly becomean integral part of life for most Ca-nadians. According to data analyticsfirm comScore Inc., Canadians are themost prolific and engaged Internetusers in the world, on average visit-ing 80 sites and spending more than36 hours online each month. A largepercentage of that time is spent onsocial networking platforms such asFacebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Canadians are also increasinglyusing technology on the go. Recentnumbers from the Canadian Radio-television and TelecommunicationsCommission point to Canadians’growing reliance on mobile commu-nications, with close to 70 per centequipped with a smartphone andalmost half owning a tablet computer.

For charities and fundraisers, thisall translates to greater opportunitiesto reach and move their target audi-ences to action.

“Technology really is the growthsector within giving,” says KevinMcDearis, executive vice president,product management, research, de-livery and operations at BlackbaudInc., a Charleston, S.C., provider ofsoftware and services for the globalphilanthropic community. “In fact, it isgrowing much faster than the offline,more traditional methods of giving.”

Most philanthropic organizationshave, for years, used customer rela-

tionship management software to ag-gregate information about donors andvolunteers. Today, however, advancesin data analytics make it possible toparse this information to uncoverdetails that can help finetune fundrais-ing efforts.

At Blackbaud, for instance, propri-etary social science algorithms allowcharities to understand thewealth andgiving capacity of donors, and whattype of causes they care about.

“So you can use that intelligenceto identify which donors to contact atspecific times,” saysMr. McDearis. “It’sreally about trying to build in a levelof predictive monitoring and helpingcharities understand in the moment

that an individual has a capacity to dosomething, whether that’s giving orvolunteering.”

As an example of how predictivedata analytics can advance fundraising,Mr. McDearis points to a non-profitorganization that upgraded recentlyto Blackbaud’s Raiser’s Edge NXT soft-ware, which has predictive capabilities.

“Within 10 minutes of logging intothe system, the non-profit identifiedabout 1,000 people who had a higherlikelihood of giving $1,000 more thanthey ask, so they contacted all of themand collected donations that added upto $1-million,” says Mr. McDearis.

With highly targeted fundraising,charities can even run smaller and

Website and mobile technology are key to help manage over 20,000 walkers, runners and riders in the annualBecel Heart&Stroke Ride for Heart event. SUPPLIED

potentially more cost-effective buthigh-yielding campaigns, says Mr.McDearis.

Mr. Banbury says integrating tech-nology into virtually every critical func-tion at the Heart and Stroke Founda-tion – from fundraising and paymentprocessing to health promotion andcommunity engagement – has helpedthe organization manage its opera-tions and campaigns more efficientlyand, ultimately, advance its mission.

“Charities today have to be savvyin connectingwith their constituents,”he says. “As more people choose toengage online and on their mobiledevices, charities need to adapt ac-cordingly.”

Donors boost ROM accessibility initiatives

Howdowe includemore sensoryexperiences in amuseum?Howcan we bring programs and ex-

hibitions alive for everyone? These arequestions Cheryl Blackman loves ask-ing in her audience-development role

at the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM).With operating budgets covering onlythe basics, answers to these fun ques-tions usually start with a generous giftfroma donorwho’s equally passionateabout accessibility initiatives.

“Donor support is vital to ourwork attheROM– it helps us deliver things thatare a bit out there, or take a step that’sa little risky,” she explains. “Without it,we are limited.”

‘Out there’ might include taking

pieces of the planet Mars to Boys andGirls Clubs across the city, 3-D printingparts of awhale to showwhat one feelslike, and including a bustling market-place in the Pompeii exhibit.

“Suddenly an exhibition like Pom-peii comes alive in a way that peopledon’t anticipate. This wouldn’t havehappened had we not already beenthinking about making the experienceas inclusive as possible. Having a donorfor the accessibility part means we canactually create a range of elements,which in fact become a family space,an accessible space, a try-on space,”says Ms. Blackman.

Inclusive designs take accessibilitybeyond the goal of meeting standardrequirements, and instead bring newkinds of energy to the relationshipbetween artists and all audiences.

“It’s new ground, even for artistsand people who are developing ex-hibitions – how not to compromisetheir work, but still make it acces-sible,” says Ms. Blackman. “In fact,we’re aiming to get a broader range

of people excited about the work.”Clearly the motivation is there for

artists and other creators, but thenyou’d expect these visionary types tobe on board with any challenge to thenorm. However, are these passionsrippling out to the wider communityand to potential donors? Or is therestill a lingering idea that governmentgrants should widen the doorways?It’s a concern that Ms. Blackman takesvery seriously.

“Attitudes are changing, but we stillneed the conversation to continue.We – the ROM, artists, donors andcorporate partners – have to be agentsof change.

“It’s our job to show how this con-versation is in fact tied to all the aspira-tions that someone might have forfunding a project,” she adds. “It’s suchan important role and something aprospective donor should really feelproud about, theway that their supportallows us to engage with the diversecommunities and execute projects thatare going to have the greatest impact.”

With highly targetedfundraising, charities caneven run smaller andpotentially more cost-effective but high-yieldingcampaigns

Kevin McDearisis executive vice president,product management, research,delivery and operations atBlackbaud Inc.

“As more people chooseto engage online andon their mobile devices,charities need to adaptaccordingly.”

Mark Banburyis chief information andconstituent services officer at theHeart and Stroke Foundation ofCanada

ROYAL ONTARIO MUSEUM

Top, many Syrian newcomers toured ROM as part of an initiative betweenROM and Ahlan Canada. Bottom, up close and personal with with adinosaur, futalognkosaurus, near the Michael-Lee Chin visitor entrance.SUPPLIED

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POLICY

Donors drive innovation in health-care systems

She adds, “What is especially fulfill-ing to me is the celebration of youngvolunteers: they really are the back-bone of the philanthropy community,and they tend to inspire adults, whoare already inclined to give back, to doeven more for their community.”

Derek Fraser, Calgary-based presi-dent of iDophilanthropy and co-found-er of Purpose Philanthropy, agrees. “Aswe work toward the November 15 cel-ebrations, I’m impressed yet again bythe countless children and youth whoexhibit the philanthropic spirit,whetherit’s volunteer work or fundraisingfor charity,” he says. “Young peoplelove to see something and try to fix it,and that’s infectious.” That’s why Mr.Fraser is especially interested in thisyear’s We Are the Future Conference.“The event is organized by a pastrecipient of the Youth PhilanthropistAward, and it’s ourwayof reachingoutto those at the senior high school anduniversity level,” he explains. “It’s theperfect accompaniment to events suchas Generosity of Spirit, which will hon-our seven individuals and businessesthat have demonstrated outstandingphilanthropy in our community.”

However, even though AFP seeksto encourage the low-key, constantflow of altruism that is the lifebloodof any healthy community, Mr. Fraserdoesn’t want to ignore the spectacularexamples of giving back that inevitablyoccur during times of crisis. “Albertahas had its fair share of disasters oflate, as anyone in Fort McMurray canattest,” he says.

Indeed, the wildfire that destroyed590,000 hectares of land, razed 2,400buildings and caused the evacuationof 90,000 residents in May of thisyear also brought out the best inpeople, from those who sheltered thedisplaced in their own homes to busi-nesses that provided free prescriptions,food and furniture (reportedly, over$67-million was donated to the RedCross alone).

Mr. Fraser cites another crisis thatcontinues to involve Canada. “As ev-eryone knows, the events in Syria havedisplaced thousands of families, andsince Ottawa has increased the num-ber of privately sponsored refugeesinto our country, it’s well within ourcapabilities to step up to the plate andhelp them start new lives,” he says.

Even though she’s focused on thebuildup to National Philanthropy Day,Ms. Eustace touches on another topicthat AFPwants the public to know: fun-draisers are committed to connectingdonors to causes. She explains “Fun-draisers are agents of social change– the engine that drives philanthropy.We are committed to helping donorsmake a difference and see theirmoneyused ethically and effectively.

“This elaborate network of donors,volunteers, causes and fundraisersis the core of Canadian philanthropy.It’s what we celebrate on NationalPhilanthropy Day, November 15 and Iencourage everyone to get involved.”

FROM AFP 1

Barbara Grantham, CEO of VGH&UBC Hospital Foundation, hasworked in the philanthropic sec-

tor for over 20 years. In that time, she’snoticed a major shift in the expecta-tions and roles of major-gift donors.

“It used to be people cut a chequeand got on with their day,” saysMs. Grantham. That money mighthave purchased useful diagnosticequipment, built surgical theatres orstocked a neonatal unit to the hilt. Allgood stuff, of course, but low on timecommitment.

“Now, donors are keenly aware ofthe broader public policy challengesfacing the health-care system in thiscountry. They want to take part inhelping the system become morenimble, more adaptable and moreinnovative,” she says.

Here’s an example: Traditionally,decisions in Canadian hospitals happenhierarchically, with suggestions slowlypassing up and down the chain of com-mand before making it into action ontheward. A British program, ReleasingTime to Care, tried empowering nursesat the unit level to improve efficiency.Changeswereminor – stocking certainsupplies closer to beds – but greatlyincreased the time nurses could spendwith each patient.

Canadian administrators and nursestried the concept, but provincial fund-ing covers the system as-is. It doesn’tstretch far enough to cover trial and er-ror. Here’swhere amajor-gift giverwithpatience and foresight was essential.

The VGH & UBC Hospital Founda-tion,which raisesmoney forVancouverCoastal Health, had many conversa-tions with a potential donor who alsobelieved strongly in giving nursesmore one-on-one time with patients.

Spirit:Agents forsocial change

involved throughout discussions, even-tually paying for the project to pilot in15 B.C. sites. Twoyears later, thismodel,which showed fewer patient falls, faster

and safer discharge, and higher levelsof patient and employee satisfaction,has become the new standard.

“It’s not bright and shiny,” says Ms.

Grantham. “It’s just a change in howhealth authorities deliver care. Butwithout those funds, it would take avery long time for the taxpayer-fundedsystem to enable that kind of change.”

Great ideas are born all the time,from the direct experiences of nursesand doctors or from the experiencesof patients and their families. Butwith governments challenged to findmoney for unproven methods, thoseideas and experiences tend to stayanecdotal. Philanthropists can providethat breathing room to try, withoutputting the current model at risk.

And despite everyone’s belief that abetter style of care is possible, exactlywhat thatmight be is tough to specify.It often boils down to a feeling thatsomething could have gone better.

“Major-gift donors are looking forcharitable organizations willing tohave those very thoughtful, interestingconversations with them,” says Ms.Grantham. “And VGH & UBC HospitalFoundation is certainly willing to walkthat road with them, to find those so-lutions that meet their goals and givebetter options to everyone.”

Designing, executing and assessing anew process to provincial satisfactiontook nearly two years. This donorfamily, explains Ms. Grantham, stayed

Working through the VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation, a donor enabled the development of a new nursingmodel. SUPPLIED

in theworld, focusing on excellence inclinical care, research, innovation andteaching. The state-of-the-art facilityhas eight dedicated operating rooms,six imaging units (CT and MRI) andsix cardiac catheterization labs. ThePMCC’s 2015 statistics – more than2,000 cardiovascular and vascularsurgeries, over 7,800 interventionalprocedures, 25 heart transplants and34 left ventricular assist devices, ormechanical heart supports – makeit a high-volume centre that cares forpatients with the most complex car-diovascular disease in North America.

“Peter’s tenacity and focus andhis drive to innovate are reflected inthe way the PMCC operates,” saysDr. Rubin. “Philanthropic leadershipfrom Peter and Melanie has propelledthe centre onto the world stage,and has enabled our clinicians andresearchers to have a meaningfulimpact on cardiovascular care aroundthe globe.”

That leadership is also evident inthe Munks’ support for U of T andtheir passionate belief that youngCanadians need to be global citizensand the country needs to play a moresignificant role internationally.

The Munks’ generosity to U of Texceeds $51-million, including a land-mark donation in 2010 of $35-mil-lion – the largest single gift from anindividual in the university’s history atthe time – to create the Munk Schoolof Global Affairs. Made in the wakeof the economic crisis of 2008, thedonation was a decisive gesture thatsignalled the return of visionary phi-lanthropy in Canada.

“At the Munk School of GlobalAffairs, students learn from the bestscholars and policy experts how toshape and enlarge Canada’s uniquerole in the world,” says ProfessorStephen Toope, director of the MunkSchool of Global Affairs. “Our leading-edge research helps Canadians navi-gate worldwide issues that affect ourlives – from innovation policy to therole of global cities.”

But the school was not the Munks’first contribution to nurturing Cana-da’s broader worldview. In 1997, theMunk Foundation donated $6.4-mil-lion to the U of T to start the MunkCentre for International Studies, whichestablished the university as Canada’sleading hub for the interdisciplinaryexamination of global issues.

TheMunk Centre became theMunkSchool of Global Affairs, which offersan integrated academic and profes-sional graduate degree, the Master ofGlobal Affairs.

The Munks are also the drivingforce behind the Munk Debates, oneof the world’s most prestigious publicdebating forums. The debates, whichtake place in Toronto, have elevatedpublic discourse on critical issuessuch as the global refugee crisis, statesurveillance, the future of Europe,religion in the public sphere and cli-mate change.

U of T chancellor Michael Wilsonsays the couple has set the bar for phi-lanthropy in Canada. “Generations ofMunk School of Global Affairs expertswill speak for Canada on the worldstage, and I can think of no greatertribute to a couple who care so deeplyabout the future of this country.”



PETER AND MELANIE MUNK

Visionary philanthropists boost Canada’srole on the world stage

Peter Munk and his wife Melanieshare a bold vision for Canada’sevolving role in the world – one

of the nation playing a more promi-nent role in global affairs, influencing issues like innovation and cyber secu-rity while also pushing new frontiers in health care.

True to form, the Munks don’t just dream big. As two of the country’s foremost philanthropists, they are well known for backing important causes.

Their support for the University of Toronto (U of T) and the University Health Network (UHN) helped create world-renowned Canadian centres of excellence in global affairs and car-diovascular care. These are just two examples of how the Munks’ financial support and influence have not only enriched Toronto, but also the nation and the world.

Already the recipients of numer-ous awards for their philanthropic work, the couple recently won the Outstanding Philanthropist Award from the Greater Toronto Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Profes-sionals (AFP).

Since 1992, Peter and Melanie have contributed more than $180-million to charities and public institutions in Canada and abroad, establishing them among the country’s most generous philanthropists.

Keenly interested in international affairs and health care, Mr. Munk says, “Philanthropy is the perfect way to achieve all the things that I find are critical, paying back to a country that has given me all.”

He traces his philanthropic inspira-tion to 1947 when he arrived in Canada as a young man, having fled to Swit-zerland from Hungary when the Nazis invaded in 1944. At the time, he spoke neither English nor French and did not know anyone. But he soon discovered none of that mattered.

“This is a country that does not ask about your origins, it only concerns itself with your destiny,” he says.

A year later, in 1948, Mr. Munk began his long relationship with U of T when he enrolled to study electri-cal engineering at the university’s post-war campus in Ajax. He later transferred to the St. George campus and graduated in 1952.

While he may have built Barrick Gold, the world’s largest gold mining company, in many ways Mr. Munk’s heart has remained anchored to his time as a student in Toronto.

“‘U of T is what made me a Canadi-an.’ This is how Peter Munk describes his affinity to his alma mater. I could not imagine a more poetic accolade,” says Professor Meric Gertler, president of U of T. “Peter’s entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to excellence exemplify what we stand for as a uni-versity, and we are immensely proud of everything he has accomplished as one of our graduates.”

The Munks have also given back to Canada through their ongoing sup-port for UHN.

To date, the Peter and Melanie Munk Charitable Foundation has con-tributed more than $75-million to support the Peter Munk Cardiac Centre (PMCC) and its award-winning staff at UHN.

As a visionary, Mr. Munk has alwaysappreciated the value of innovativeforesight, so when PMCC medicaldirector Dr. Barry Rubin proposedthe idea of an Innovation Fund thatwould offer financial support to evalu-ate new ways of providing care, theMunks immediately supported theidea with a generous donation andencouraged other like-minded phi-lanthropists to do the same.

The Innovation Fund functions likea medical version of CBC’s popularDragons’ Den, a reality show whereideas are pitched to a panel of venturecapitalists. Similarly, Innovation Fundproposals are reviewed and fundsgranted quarterly by a committeecomprised of 14 clinicians and busi-ness leaders.

The PMCC houses one of the largestmultidisciplinary programs of its kind

Top, the Munks made a landmark donation of $35-million in 2010 to create the Munk School of Global Affairs.Below, a surgical procedure takes place in an operating room at the Peter Munk Cardiac Centre (PMCC). The Peterand Melanie Munk Charitable Foundation has contributed more than $75-million to support PMCC. SUPPLIED

Peter and Melanie Munk’s transformative giving demonstrates their passion for higherlearning and health-care excellence

“Philanthropy is the perfectway to achieve all thethings that I find are critical,paying back to a countrythat has given me all.”

Peter Munk

Charities have been servingour country for more thana century, and Canadianshave been helping oneanother (and peoplearound the world) for evenlonger. Generosity is thehallmark of our country,and it all starts with you.

By Leah Eustace,Chair of the AFP Foundation forPhilanthropy – Canada

Canada has an extraordinary tradi-tion of philanthropy, and is bymanymeasures one of themost

charitable countries in the world. TheWorldGiving Index,which looks at totalgiving, volunteering and how often acitizen helped a stranger, ranked Cana-da in 2015 as the fourthmost generouscountry, and we were ranked secondas recently as 2013. Canadians givenearly $13-billion in gifts and almosttwo billion hours in volunteer time an-nually, according to Statistics Canada’smost recent General Social Survey onGiving, Volunteering and Participat-ing. It should come as no surprise thatCanada was the first country in theworld to permanently recognize andcelebrateNational PhilanthropyDay onNovember 15 of every year.

As we near our country’s 150th an-

OPINION

The fundraising sector is committed to improving donors’ experienceniversary in 2017, it’s a good time tocelebrate everything that philanthropyhas helped to accomplish. It’s also amoment to look atwhere the charitablesector is now, the challenges our chari-ties and our society face, and what itwill take to continue tomake an impacton our world.

The success of Canada’s charities isbased on one thing: you. Your giving.Your volunteering. Your ideas. Yourinvolvement that makes our commu-nities and our country a better, fairer,more just and more humane place.Philanthropy simply can’t occur with-out you getting involved.

So it’s critical that charities knowwhat you want – what matters to you.It’s one of the reasons the Associationof Fundraising Professionals Founda-tion for Philanthropy – Canada workswith Ipsos Canada to publish a biannualsurvey called What Canadian DonorsWant. Its goal is to see what you likeabout charities and their fundraising,how you want to be communicatedwith, andwhat youwant to accomplishwith your generosity.

From the results of the survey, whatstands out is your confidence in thesector, with almost three-quarters (73per cent) of Canadians being very orsomewhat confident – higher than

the private and public sectors (63 and62 per cent, respectively). Public trustin Canadian charities has increased bysix percentage points since the 2011 sur-vey, and large majorities also believethat charities act responsibly with thedonations they receive and that theyare well managed.

These figures are incredibly impor-tant for Canada’s charities becausetrust is the foundation on which phi-lanthropy is built. Without your trustand confidence in the sector, charitiescannot perform their missions. Weare proud of this level of trust, butalso know that the sector has to keepworking at it, continually showing thatwe are worthy of your gifts and com-mitment.

One key way we demonstrate ourtrustworthiness is communicatingto you about what we do with yourmoney. Agrowingnumber of donors–nowmore than eight in 10 (83 per cent)– say it is important that they receiveinformation on how their donation hasmade a difference. And close to half ofyou (44 per cent) proactively seek outinformation about a cause or a charity,and will often contact organizationson your own to make a gift. Most ofyou access charity information online(72 per cent), while one-third look to

family, friends and coworkers for ideason which causes and organizations tosupport.

There are areas in which charitiesneed to improve, too. It’s clear that thesector needs to be clearer with donorswhen communicating about programand administrative costs. And half ofyou indicate that charities are still ask-ing for money too often (though thisfigure is down six percentage pointsfrom previous studies), especiallywhen it comes to telephone fundrais-ing and street canvassing.

We are listening to you, and thesector is committed to improving yourexperience whenever you decide tomake a gift to a charitable cause, be-cause it matters what you think. You– the donor and volunteer – are theheart of philanthropy.

Charities have been serving ourcountry for more than a century, andCanadians have been helping oneanother (and people around theworld)for even longer. Generosity is the hall-mark of our country, and it all startswith you. As we celebrate NationalPhilanthropy Day this year, and con-template our country’s sesquicenten-nial next year, I want to thank you andlook forward to even greater thingsover the next 150 years.



MENTORSHIP

Developing the next generation of fundraisers

The Association of FundraisingProfessionals (AFP) Greater To-ronto Chapter recently created

a new young professional position onits board of directors – a reflection ofits desire to support young fundraisersto prepare for leadership in an ever-changing and dynamic sector.

This new board member is SarahMidanik, a Métis professional who ispassionate about building capacitywithin the indigenous community. Ms.Midanik, the executive director of theNative Women’s Resource Centre ofToronto, is excited about her new roleat AFP.

“It is very important for charitiesto engage with the next generationof fundraisers and properly providethe supports, the mentorship and theresources to set up new fundraisers forsuccess,” she says. “Role models areparticularly important. We really wantto facilitate connections between peo-ple in the earlier stages of their careersand mentors who can guide them.”

Professional development for fun-draisers of all levels is a major focusof the organization’s Congress 2016,to be held in Toronto from November21 to 23, 2016. With the theme of“lead from where you stand,” theconference will include presentations

and workshops on fundraising bestpractices, as well as an overview ofthe state of the fundraising sector –today and tomorrow.

Preparing emerging andmid-careerfundraisers for leadership roles is animportant strategic focus for AFPGreater Toronto, according to thepresident of the chapter, KrishanMehta, who is a fundraiser at RyersonUniversity.

“We’re developing a vision forthe future of fundraising,” says Dr.Mehta. “Much of this work is basedon what we have been hearing fromsenior leaders in the sector, many ofwhom are thinking about succession

planning and nurturing the next cropof fundraisers.”

“We have to prepare fundraiserswith knowledge and experience inboth tried and true and emerging fun-draising practices because the sectoris transforming in significant ways,”he adds.

“Today’s fundraiser needs to knowalotmore than how to solicit donations.Charities are also looking for peoplewho knowhow tomanage volunteers,collaborate with other charities, usesocial media effectively and employnewer forms of giving, just to name afew,” according to Dr. Mehta. He addsthat the chapter is beginning to explore

“As emerging donorgroups begin investingin causes that mattermost to them, theyshould be able to seekguidance from fundraisersfrom within their owncommunity.”

Dr. Krishan Mehtais co-chair of the Inclusive GivingFellowship Program

hownewpartnerships betweenprofes-sional fundraising associations andpost-secondary programs can providethis knowledge and training.

Another imperative is to continueto recruit representatives of differentethnic and cultural groups to the fund-raising talent pool, in light of the grow-ing diversity of the donor community.

“As emerging donor groups begininvesting in causes that matter mostto them, they should be able to seekguidance from fundraisers fromwithintheir own community. Having a diversefundraising force is really critical to thesuccess of our sector.”

Dr. Mehta is co-chair of the InclusiveGiving Fellowship Program, run by theAFP Foundation for Philanthropy –Canada,with the support of theOntariogovernment. The 70 Fellowswhowentthrough the education andmentorshipprogram came from various underrep-resented backgrounds. Ms. Midanikwas among them.

“Going through the program hashelped us become ambassadors forinclusion,” she says. “We are now ableto share many innovative ideas abouthow to facilitate broader conversationswithin our organizations and commu-nities, and fulfill our roles as changemakers.”

The current group of AFP’s Diversity and Inclusion Fellows are receivingcustomized training and mentorship in fundraising leadership and inclusioneducation. MOE LAVERTY



SALVATION ARMY

Building hope and a chance for a better life

Since its earliest inception, TheSalvation Army has providedthe basic necessities of life –

food, clothing and shelter – to thosestruggling with hardship. Its foundingphilosophy in fact was “Soap, soup,salvation” – in that order, said found-erWilliam Booth, since hungry peoplecan’t pay attention to salvation.

The registered charity has beenoperating in Canada for 134 years,

A home-away-from-home when it’s needed mostsuites, a home-away-from-home forBritish Columbians who need to travelto Vancouver for emergency medicaltreatment due to burn and majortrauma injuries, patients in dischargetransition or returning for follow-uptreatment.

Since opening earlier this year, thecentre has maintained almost 100 percent capacity. Some guests have onlystayed a few days and others havestayed over a month. Another familysays, “Our family has been so fortu-nate to have had the opportunity tostay at the Burn [Fund] Centre. Thesebeautiful accommodations made ita comfortable and affordable stay togive our family the love and supportduring a time of need.”

The campaign to build the $13.1-mil-lion centre began 10 years ago andwas funded through the supportof Fire Fighter Locals from aroundB.C., municipal and provincial govern-ments, individual donors and corpo-rate sponsors.

One of the suites for families who need to travel to Vancouver for emergencymedical treatment. SUPPLIED

A Community and Family Services volunteer at a Salvation Army foodbank. SCOTT STREBLE

making it not only one of the longestrunning, but also the largest socialservice agency in Canada after thegovernment, serving more than 1.9million people last year.

From Christmas hampers to jobretraining and (increasingly) foodbanks, these services are dependenton donations from citizens. Someare spur of the moment – coinsdropped into red Christmas kettlesor purchases at the local Sally Annstore. More and more, planned gifts– money designated for a futuredonation, usually after death – aremaking a huge difference to strug-gling families.

“Planned gifts are vitally importantto the work we do,” says Lois Flem-ming, territorial director of majorgifts and planned giving. “Last year,for example, approximately 23 percent of our annual charitable dona-tion revenue came from legacy gifts.The majority of those were bequestsmade in donors’ wills.”

Leaving a bequest is easier thanmost people realize, says Ms. Flem-ming. Everyone should have awill andupdate it on a regular basis. Bequestscan easily be changed or removed ifcircumstances change during the do-

nor’s lifetime, andMs. Flemming sayseven people with modest incomescan make significant donations sinceplanned gifts are often made frompeople’s assets. For example, homespurchased many years ago may yieldgreatly appreciated value once theyare no longer needed. Supportersare increasingly bequesting securi-ties rather than cash proceeds fromtheir estates because securities gifteddirectly to a charity are exempt fromcapital gains tax.

“The key is that your future gift isreally going to create a brighter futurefor somebody,” says Ms. Flemming.

“And the Army will use the fundswisely as it strives to operate its ser-vices in the most cost-effective waypossible.”

While the Army has expanded itsoffering, the nature of its services islargely the same as it was a centuryago. Regardless of how complicatedor sophisticated our society becomes,basic needs remain the same: food,shelter, clothing. And hope, adds Ms.Flemming.

“When people have hope, theyhave a chance for a better life,” ex-plains Ms. Flemming.

“One of the comments made mostoften by donors that were clients orknew a client is that the SalvationArmy never really gave up on them.It stayed and provided the supportthey needed to build that hope untilthey were strong enough to helpthemselves.”

BURN FUND CENTREOperation Smile is an internation-al humanitarian medical charitythat provides free surgeries forchildren and young adults in de-veloping countries who are bornwith cleft lip, palate or other facialdeformities.

In 2015, Operation Smile:• Provided more than 15,000

surgeries;

• Conducted 161 medical missionsacross 112 sites in 29 countries;

• Had 73 per cent of its medicalvolunteers coming from low- tomiddle-income countries;

• Continued to train, educate andempower local communitiesto build sustainable health-caresystems; and

• Benefited from 364,932 hoursof medical volunteer time.

Operation Smile is focused on de-livering immediate results todayand creating a lasting impact fortomorrow.

Visit www.operationsmile.ca tolearn more.

OPERATION SMILE

“When people have hopethey have a chance for abetter life.”

Lois Flemmingis territorial director of majorgifts and planned giving at TheSalvation Army

“There are no words for theappreciationwe carry in ourhearts for the Burn [Fund]

Centre. Our son’s accident has beena life-changing event. We will neverforget your smiling faces.” This is justone entry in the visitor book at theBurn Fund Centre in Vancouver, BritishColumbia.

Each year, more than 1,600 BritishColumbian adults and children suffer-

ing from serious burns or trauma areadmitted to the BC Professional FireFighters’ Burn, Plastic and High AcuityUnit at Vancouver General Hospital(VGH) or BC Children’s Hospital.

In March 2016, the Professional FireFighters’ Burn Fund opened the BurnFund Centre, conveniently locateda short drive from VGH and BC Chil-dren’s Hospital. The centre provideseight short-term accommodation

What’s vital toour lives here inBritish Columbia?

Find out more at:vghfoundation.ca

Getting the best health carewhere and when we need it.Philanthropy is vital to the transformation of healthcare in BC. Contact us to learn how you can help.

Congratulations!On behalf of the Royal Ontario Museum, congratulationsto all the recipients of the 2016 Association of FundraisingProfessionals Philanthropy Awards!

Susan Horvath has been named Outstanding FundraisingProfessional for the remarkable difference she has madethrough her 26 years of fundraising leadership in healthcare,education, research and social services. Thank you for givingmore Canadians the opportunity to enjoy transformationalexperiences of discovery at theMuseumand formentoring thenext generation of passionate fundraisers.

SUSAN HORVATHPRESIDENT & CEO, ROMGOVERNORSAFP OUTSTANDING FUNDRAISING PROFESSIONAL

PHOTO

:SIA

NRIC

HARDS



MERLIS BELSHER

For the love of the game

History wasmade recently whenUniversity of Saskatchewan(U of S) commerce and law

graduate Merlis Belsher contributed$12.25-million to help fund a new twin-pad ice facility to replace 87-year-oldRutherford Rink.Mr. Belsher’s gift is thelargest donation from an alumnus andindividual in the university’s history.

Saskatoon community members,Huskie athletes, university represen-tatives and hockey aficionados gath-ered for the special occasion, whichalso marked the public launch of theHome Ice Campaign. Led by alumnusand hockey legend Dave King, theuniversity, minor league hockey andcommunity volunteers will ask thepublic to raise $7-million to fund thenew facility.

Mr. Belsher explained his intentionfor the gift. “I made this donation be-cause of my gratitude for the Univer-sity of Saskatchewan – it providedmewith confidence and education in twoprofessions. That was my doorway toa satisfying career in the manufactur-ing industry.”

The accomplished accountant, law-yer, entrepreneur and philanthropistsaid his success started when he firstcame to the U of S. He graduatedwith a bachelor of commerce in 1957and was admitted to the Saskatch-ewan Institute of Chartered Accoun-tants in 1960. He returned to pursuea law degree, graduating in 1963, andwas admitted to the Law Society ofSaskatchewan the following year. Abusinessman by nature, he then pur-chasedWeldon’s Concrete Products inSaskatoon. Through acquisitions andexpansion, he grew the business to bea leader in Western Canada, eventu-ally selling it in 2008 to Oldcastle, aninternational firm.

Finding success in not one but mul-tiple professions took dedication anda strong work ethic. For Mr. Belsher,it also required a community of sup-port. When he was just 15 years old,both his parents died tragically in ablizzard near their homestead. Asa result, Mr. Belsher found himselfalone at an early age.

It was thanks to a caring groupof community members and twoolder siblings that he was guided tohis new home at Luther College inRegina, Sask., to finish high school.His interest in pursuing a universityeducation deepened thanks to theencouragement of his teachers, butit was his mother – an elementaryschool teacher – to whom he givesthe most credit. She instilled the im-

portance of education and hard workin him from an early age; now he’sreaped the rewards of those values.

“I’ve been very fortunate in mylife,” he explained. “If I had onewish, it would be that my mothercould see how much education hashelped me.”

Education has since become amajor focus in Mr. Belsher’s philan-thropic and volunteer efforts; he’s

Left, Merlis Belsher contributed $12.25-million to help fund a new ice facility to replace 87-year-old Rutherford Rink. Right, the University of Saskatch-ewan’s men’s and women’s hockey teams, the Huskies, will have new home ice when Merlis Belsher Place is built.LEFT, UNIVERSITY OF SASKATCHEWAN; RIGHT, GETMYPHOTO.CA

served his alma mater in commerceand law advisory roles, and has beengiving back for decades to supportstudents.

An avid sports fan and a formerathlete and hockey coach, Mr. Belshercan also relate to the importance ofathletics in youth life. He’s most excit-ed that his donation will help increasethe amount of ice time availablefor minor league hockey players and

U of S recreation and varsity teams.Although the new ice facility will

be named after him – Merlis BelsherPlace – Mr. Belsher remains humbleand says he did not make the contri-bution for the recognition. He madeit to help university students.

“This is about the university, notme,” he says. “If you see a goodcause, you get fulfilled by gettinginvolved.”

“I made this donationbecause of my gratitudefor the University ofSaskatchewan.”

Merlis Belshercontributed $12.25-million to helpfund a new twin-pad ice facility atthe University of Saskatchewan

Canadians contribute to ending global poverty

Canadians are generous peopleand care for one another, saysSylvie Madely, CARE Canada’s

vice president of fundraising, market-ing and partnerships.

“Butmore andmore,we’re a peopleof the world. People travel a lot, see alot and are exposed to what goes onin the world. We’re part of a globalvillage,” she adds.

This awareness and willingness totackle international challenges sup-ports CARE Canada’s work to providehumanitarian aid in times of crises,and its mission to end poverty, saysMs. Madely.

More than 760 million people

around the world earn less than US$2a day and are categorized as living inextreme poverty, but there are solu-tions, says Douglas Stollery, amemberof CARE Canada’s board of directors.

“As citizens of the world, Canadianshave a role to play. We can make a dif-ference,” he adds.

Mr. Stollery says one the fundamen-tal ways to attack poverty is to worktowards changing attitudes to genderequality and to empower women andgirls in developing countries.

He saw the impact of this first-handduring a visit to Ethiopia in 2014 wherehemetwith CARE staff andwith peoplein the villages where the organization

was active.One of the CARE initiatives Mr. Stol-

lery observed in action was microfinancing in the form of village savingsand loan associations managed bywomen.

A CARE invention, these savingsgroups offer women, in particular, asafe way to save money and accessloans. No outside capital is needed.Only a lockbox, three keys held bydifferent members and some basicfinancial training.

“The women may save a dollara week and the funds are kept by awoman chosen by the group,” hesays. “The women then consider ap-

plications from the members of theassociation. For example, a womanmay use a loan to buy a second goatfor the family. The result is the familyhas a second goat, and the sale of itsmilk is a significant source of income.”

This improvement in the family’sfinances has a direct impact on thestatus of women in the family and inthe broader community.

“Their ability to contribute to familyfinances has an impact on their abilityto take part in family decisions, includ-ing decisions on family planning,” saysMr. Stollery.

Since CARE introduced village sav-ings and loan associations in 1991, the

organization has formed more than200,000 groups with an estimatedfivemillionmembers across Africa andother parts of the globe.

He recalls speaking with amanwhotold him through an interpreter thatprior to his wife’s involvement withthe savings and loans association, hewould not have agreed that moneycould be used for his wife’s health.However, once she began making afinancial contribution to the familyhe believed it was “right” that she beinvolved in decisions about the family’sfinances, the family’s health and herown health.

Mr. Stollery says this is a powerfulexample of how one small step canchange attitudes in a community andhave a long-term impact on the indi-vidual and the community.

Ms. Madely agrees. “It starts withone person at a time. The way CAREworks is all about empowering peopleto do for themselves,” she says. “Wedon’t just come to a region with band-aid solutions. We work very closelywith people locally to find solutionsand to empower them to do for them-selves.”

CARE gives them the tools, knowl-edge and learnings to improve theirown lives and to multiply the impacts,she says.

“For example, in Zimbabwe wevisited a region in Masvingo whereCARE worked with gardeners andfarmers and distributed seeds. Thosepeople are now helping villagers inother regions.”

Canada also continues to make animpact on global health issues likeHIV/AIDS, says Mr. Stollery, who recentlyattended the 21st International AIDSConference (AIDS 2016) in South Africa.

“Canadawas lauded for its contribu-tion to the issues related to HIV/AIDSat a time when many other countrieshave reduced their budgets,” he adds.

Ms. Madely praises those donorswhosupport international philanthropy.

“They’re giving to people they havenever seen in their lives. They wantto make the world a better place andbelieve it’s everybody’s right to live indignity, and that poverty is an injustice.We all have a responsibility to alleviatethat,” she says.

CARE was established in 1945 tosend CARE Packages to people inneed after the Second World War.It is now one of the world’s largestnon-governmental humanitarian anddevelopment organizations.

Top left, a woman in Niger proudly holds the lockbox for a savings group, which CARE started back in 1991; Right, a meeting of a CARE initiated villagesavings and loan association in Ethiopia; Bottom left, Douglas Stollery meeting with villagers in Ethiopia. MICHAEL TSEGAYE/CARE

CARE CANADA



STRATEGY

Incorporating philanthropy into financial planningand building a charitable legacy

Combining philanthropy with abroader investing and financialmanagement plan has proven

to be a popular option for clients ofMackenzie Investments. Since thecreation of the Mackenzie Chari-table Giving Program 10 years ago,the number of donor accounts hasrisen to more than 1,000 and thevalue of the charitable assets man-aged by the program has grown to$100-million.

Mackenzie launched the programto respond to the growing number ofclients who sought financial adviceon how to manage their charitabledonations and on how they couldimplement a long-term philanthropystrategy, says Carol Bezaire, theToronto-based firm’s vice-president,tax, estate and strategic philan-thropy.

“The demand for long-term chari-table giving was growing,” shesays. “It was clear that we neededa mechanism to allow advisers andtheir clients to work together on the

charitable giving component andincorporate all of that into clients’overall financial, tax and estate plan-ning.”

To put the program into effect,Mackenzie created the StrategicCharitable Giving Foundation, a non-profit charitable corporation. With aminimum donation of $25,000 incash, stocks, bonds, mutual fundsor insurance, clients are set up withan individual account that they canname as their individual or familyfoundation. This type of investmentis called a donor-advised fund be-cause the donor and the adviseradvise on both the investmentsused for the donated funds and thecharities that the donor’s foundationaccount will support.

Having this program provides theclient with the opportunity to havetheir own philanthropic foundationwithout the cost and complexitiesof running it.

Donors receive many benefitsfrom managing their charitable giv-

ing this way, says Ms. Bezaire.“It is flexible for donors,” she

adds. “They can direct us on wherethey want the money to be flowedevery year – and they can chooseone or multiple charities.”

Other client benefits includethe fact that Mackenzie handles alladministrative matters, includingrecord-keeping, tax reporting andissuing cheques. In addition, partici-pants can get immediate tax savingswith one donation receipt.

Having this support simplifies thecharitable giving process for thosewho find it onerous, Ms. Bezairesays. “It is very helpful for manyof our older clients who have beenphilanthropic all their life,” she ex-plains. “One client was writing 23cheques a year to various charitiesthat she and her late husband hadlong supported. After we opened afoundation account for her, we tookover that task and granted out themoney to those 23 charities, writingall the cheques for her.”

Investors can make regular giv-ing a part of their financial plan andwatch their philanthropic assetsgrow over time, as their donationsare invested in any of 15 Mackenziefunds. The program lets donors giveto a charity and enjoy tax savingsnow, while also setting up disburse-ment of funds to their favouredcharities over time. They may alsowant to continue the donationsthrough future generations as partof their estate planning – creating aphilanthropic legacy.

Mackenzie expects demand forthis type of investment to continueto grow, as the most senior Cana-dians transfer their wealth to babyboomers.

“Many Canadians want to sharetheir wealth with charitable orga-nizations and support causes theycare about,” Ms. Bezaire says. “OurCharitable Giving Program givesthem the chance to make a strongerand more lasting impact with theirgenerosity.”

“Lots of people come inwith their hearts on theirsleeves. We’re a group ofpeople that care a lot.”

Maria Squiresfundraising co-ordinator for theHelp-Portrait event in MapleRidge, B.C.

“Many Canadians wantto share their wealth withcharitable organizationsand support causes theycare about. Our CharitableGiving Program givesthem the chance to makea stronger and morelasting impact with theirgenerosity.”

Carol Bezaireis vice-president, tax, estate andstrategic philanthropy

Portraits that matter, for people who can’t afford them

It’s common practice for manypeople to get an annual familyportrait, or for graduating teens

and others celebrating milestones tosit for a professional photograph. Butwhen budgets are tight, photographsdon’t make the cut. Increasing num-bers of people in cities and smalltowns across Canada are strugglingwith basics such as food and shelter.Help-Portrait offers people of limitedmeans a professional photo session,complete with hair and make-up.Afterward, attendees leave with abeautiful printed photo.

“Being a small community, wedon’t have the level of corporatesponsorship that they may havein Vancouver,” says Maria Squires,fundraising co-ordinator for the event

in Maple Ridge, B.C. The small city(pop. 70,000), about an hour outsideVancouver, is one of 2,800 locationsin 67 countries that host Help-Portraitevents on the first Saturday of Decem-ber. (Vancouver’s takes place the lastSaturday in November.)

“Every year I drop off my letterswith people in the community thatI’ve given business to over 27 yearsof living here, and just ask for somesupport back,” says Ms. Squires.

The letters tell a tale increasinglycommon outside Canada’s big cities:70 per cent of Salvation Army usersin the community are not homelessor living in a shelter; 14 per cent ofMaple Ridge residents live below thepoverty line. And because it’s a com-munity issue, explains Ms. Squires,

other community-building fundraisers,such as an annual pub night that raised$3,000 last year, and this year’s inaugu-ral city-wide scavenger hunt that raised$800, are effective both at raising fundsand spreading awareness.

“These numbers aren’t big, butthey make a huge difference to thekind of welcoming, non-judgmentalexperience we can offer our morevulnerable neighbours,” says BrendaGarcia, event co-ordinator.

On picture day, volunteers strive tocreate a festive atmosphere, filling the

Golden Ears United Church Hall withlivemusic, a daycare for small childrenand delicious food. Photographers,editors, hair stylists, make-up artistsand other volunteers bustle about,helping attendees navigate to theservices they need. At the end of theday, 250 to 300 participants receivefirst-class treatment, leaving withincreased confidence and self-worth.

“Lots of people come in with theirhearts on their sleeves,” says Ms.Squires. “We’re a group of people thatcare a lot.”

Volunteers in Maple Ridge, B.C., prepare for a day photographing hundredsof people who can’t afford to pay for professional portraits. SUPPLIED


BY THENUMBERS

Help-Portrait

2008Year Help-Portrait wasfounded

2,800Number oflocations thathost Help-Portrait events

67Number ofcountries whereHelp-Portraitevents take place

HELP-PORTRAIT

Support the BC ProfessionalFire Fighter’s Burn Fund.

burnfund.org | 604-436-5617 TM

BE A HERO.LEAVE A LEGACY.

Thanks to someone like you, Rita’s story is brimming withenergy. Watch her full story, and help ignite the possibility ofa more vibrant life for people in your community.

Find out how: itlookslikeme.ca/meetrita

RitaRetreating from life?More like fully embracing it.

do you knowwhat your donation

looks like?

it looks like me.

#WeArePossibility

Documents

Philanthropy Nov 15