AFP Vancouver Island - A Year in Review

As another year comes to a close, it's the perfect time to reflect on all that we've accomplished. This year, we have a lot to be proud of at AFP and I would like to start by thanking the many volunteers who have helped along the way. It is incredible how many people are contributing time and energy above and beyond their already busy non-profit work days - thank you all!

• This year our membership grew by more than 20 new faces. This reflects the increasing need for qualified, professional fundraisers in this community, and the quality of programming and services that our chapter provides.

• We have received glowing feedback all year about the various education sessions we have offered, from Vivian Smith on Major Gifts to Brent Barootes on Sponsorship. We reached out to our Central and North Island members with a session by Karen Morgan on Major Gifts in Small Shops. Next year we will also explore topics for the more seasoned fundraisers and we welcome any suggestions for topics and presenters to consider.

• The CFRE Review course that was recently offered far exceeded our enrolment expectations, with 28 participants. Stay tuned throughout 2015 for updates from our members as they pass their certification. Good luck to all 28 of you on the exam!

• We have worked hard this year at providing member engagement and networking opportunities. Both social events that we held at the Bard and Banker were well attended, and the new Coffee Click that meets every 2nd month has been a great forum for members to network and share fundraising questions.

• Our mentorship program matched up 11 pairs this year. We are looking to improve and expand the program in 2015, based on participant feedback. Stay tuned in January for more info!

• National Philanthropy Day was a sold out affair that celebrated the spirit of giving on Vancouver Island. The lieutenant governor added to the draw of the event and the anticipation of the winners being announced at the event was a great new touch. As fundraisers, we work hard all year to raise funds for causes that are near to our hearts. It is always inspiring to hear the stories of the people behind the dollars raised.

• Members of our chapter contributed generously to our "Every Member Campaign" and we have exceeded our goal, raising $4,405 from 27% of our members. A portion of these funds come back directly to our chapter and fund our bursary and scholarship program. If you haven't had a chance to contribute yet, there is still time! Donate online at: www.afpvancouverisland.afpnet.org

• Our chapter achieved 10 Star Gold status for the first time this year. This means that we are offering a certain calibre and diversity of programs and services to our members. This also entitles us to one free membership bursary and this year it was awarded to Susan Stevenson with the Belfry Theatre.

It has been a pleasure serving as Chapter President this year, and I look forward to continuing my term in the new year. Wishing you a successful fundraising year end and all the best to you and your families!

Carly Milloy

President

[email protected]

NPD Award Winners 

Ed Chwyl and Family

Ed and his family have been quietly giving their time, resources and expertise to make a difference in their communities for many years.  Their charitable giving and endless hours of personal time touches many lives, a multitude of organizations and inspires countless others to do the same.  They recognize  that communities have great diversity and great need, and, as such, extend their philanthropy and personal efforts across numerous causes:  The Victoria Conservatory of Music (VCM), the YMCA, Covenant House, War Amps, Red Cross, Horticultural Center of the Pacific, Victoria Symphony, Pacific Opera Victoria, the Ukrainian Canadian Archives and Museum, Our Place, World Vision to name a few.  Ed's recent role as VCM's  Board Chair was instrumental in saving the VCM from collapse, steering its total transformation and most recently, establishing  the new Chwyl Family School of Contemporary Music - the first school of its kind in Canada.

Stephen Clark

An experienced entrepreneur, Steve Clark has become a valuable fundraising resource for several organizations in Victoria. Not only volunteering of his time, Steve encourages others to follow in his philanthropic footprints. Steve has served as a director on numerous boards and committees and continues to act in a fundraising advisory role for several organizations.

The Chemainus Health Care Auxiliary

The Chemainus Health Care Auxiliary is an incredible force of philanthropy.  Managed by a small group of Executive Members, the CHCA has approximately 170 active volunteer members that organize and run many services within the Chamainus Health Care Centre. The significant money the group raises supports a wide range of charities on Vancouver Island. While all of this makes the Auxiliary incredibly impressive, what really stands out is the way that they do their charitable work with an energy and enthusiasm that inspires and celebrates philanthropy.

Tru Value Foods

Tru Value Foods is a community-based chain of full-service grocery stores located on and around Vancouver Island, BC. Each of the Tru Value Foods stores contributes to its home community through the Spirit Board, a program which works with more than 50 local charities. The program directs 1% of sales to each customer's charitable organization of choice. Tru Value Foods staff continually lead by example, whether it be volunteering their time at fundraising events or encouraging their suppliers, community members and local businesses to give back and participate.

Owen Krigolson

Owen is your typical 6-year-old boy who has always had an incredibly giving heart. When his poppa was diagnosed with cancer, instead of asking for birthday presents or Christmas presents Owen began a fundraising campaign to raise money to help the doctors cure Poppa's cancer. This amazing little boy serves as an example that you are never too small to make a big difference. His dedication and selflessness, even at such a young age, has become an inspiration for many.

Jarod Waters

At thirteen years old, Jarod is already a committed and inspiring philanthropist. His passion for helping others was ignited at the age of eight when he noticed his grandmother writing a cheque in memory of her friend. This prompted him to set a goal to raise $100 to help and he hired himself out to do chores, collecting cans and bottles to turn in for refunds. He more than met his goal and continues fundraising in this way. Jarod has provided a wonderful example that many small, committed efforts contribute in a very big way!

AFP Mentorship Program

The AFP Mentorship Program matches newer fundraisers with experienced mentors.  Now in its second year, the current session will end in January. Individual pairs have met throughout the year in a one-on-one format to share knowledge and discuss professional goals.  

Application forms for both Mentors and Mentees for the 2015 Program year will be available in January and the application process will be outlined in the January issue of this newsletter.    

Please consider giving your time as a Mentor this coming year.  With the time commitment of a minimum of 2hours per month, this is a meaningful way to support and encourage newcomers in our field.  

Here's what one of our current Mentors has to say:

"Mentors have played a large role in my development as a fundraising professional.  It was very rewarding for me to be able to give back in my field of expertise and share my experience with a fundraiser early in their career."

Immediate Questions?  Contact [email protected] or [email protected]

AFP Educational Programs