DEC
2016

Since 1984
In This Issue
This is the time of year when many of us look back on our busy lives and pause to think about the countless who are not as fortunate. It's the time of year when charitable donations are on the rise. According to Canada Helps, 35% of donations are made in December - and 11% of those annual donations are made in the last three days of December with 6% on December 31st alone.  So there is still time to help! If you have not yet made a personal contribution toward an organization, there are so many out there from which to choose. Some people select a cause that, for personal reasons, is close to their heart and some choose an organization they have just come across with a mission that strikes a cord within.
 
It is this time of year when want and need seem to be heightened. A token donation that represents the spirit of giving helps greatly; small amounts combined make mighty amounts - and mighty amounts can make a significant impact.
 
ASSOCIUM GAIN's membership is made up of non-profits and charitable organizations that fight every day to make a difference in the lives of their clients. These organizations struggle month after month to find the funds for resources, programming, and the talent to implement. Their clients need them and they need us. If you are in search of a cause and don't know how to choose or where to donate, we would be happy to help get you in touch with an organization that matches your interests.
 
We wish you and yours a Happy Hanukkah, Merry Christmas and a Happy and Healthy New Year!
Specialty Drug Management / Preferred Pharmacy Networktwo
 
Specialty and biologic drugs can send claims through the roof.

ASSOCIUM supports employees throughout the process of obtaining the appropriate drug therapy. We negotiate or even eliminate the cost of that drug by dealing with drug manufacturers through our partnering Pharmacy Benefit Manager. Your clients are afforded a potential opportunity to decrease/eliminate the price of selected biologic/specialty drugs in tandem with having the claim seamlessly managed on their employees' behalf ... even when Trillium is involved.

Both specialty and regular claims are handled through our Preferred Pharmacy Network which offers a reduced mark-up fee with a cap per prescription unlike any other arrangement out there. 
Incentive Pay is Coming to the Non-profit Sectorthree
The Rise of Social Enterprises

Change is a constant in the world of work. Very few jobs remain constant overtime; just ask job evaluation experts. System changes are also constant; just ask IT consultants. Employment related legislation also tends to be in continual flux. Collectively these changes impact operational efficiencies and shape workplace behaviours.

At a macro level, the non-profit (NP) sector is also evolving.  

Find out what factors are fueling this change >  
pillarsPillars of the Community
 
ASSOCIUM took to the streets again this year with 28 Giving Bags in hand, in support of Giving Tuesday and our community. The men and women on the streets of Toronto who received these bags and turkey sandwiches were lovely. They were all so grateful to receive warm clothing, blankets, personal items and toiletries - and they were kind enough to make time to talk with us. In remembrance of the people we met:

Tiffany is nearly 7 months pregnant and was thrilled to get, among other items, a new backpack, a coat and a warm sweater. As we walked by I could hear her friend said she'd be "stylin".

Barry was hysterical and kept those around him smiling. He gave the scarf he received in his bag to his friend because he had one on already.

Karen was concerned that her boyfriend might not receive a bag and sandwich and was so happy to learn that we'd stick around and wait for him.

We ran out of men's bags by the time we met Dave and Ed but they made sure to let us know that they thought our efforts were great - and that they felt women needed the bags more than men.

We'll remember these people and others we met, and our thoughts will be with them this winter season. We hope that the items that were donated and the new items that were purchased will help them in the coming months, in some small way. While most of them blessed us for our service and kindness, we hope the same for them.
If you would like to be recognized in this section of our newsletter or website, please forward a short article to [email protected]. Your content can include an introduction to your organization to help generate awareness; it can give a history; highlight your mandate; or even give details of an event. It's your space. We would love to help promote your organization and its initiatives!
pharmacyAsk the Pharmacist: What does a pharmacist do?
The Pharmacist's role has expanded

Pharmacists are taking on expanded roles and responsibilities in our health care system. The pharmacist's role has expanded from behind the counter at the community to many other roles such as at hospitals, medical clinics, government, and at drug plan administrators and consultants.
  • Treating Minor Ailments/Conditions
  • Renewing and Extending Prescriptions
  • Adapting Prescriptions
  • Injection Authority
Learn more about the services your pharmacist offers.
eventsUpcoming Events
ASSOCIUM has a Calendar of Events, and we offer exclusive use to our ASSOCIUM GAIN members!

We welcome and encourage you to send us your event information so that we can post it for you - complimentary for ASSOCIUM GAIN members. Let us help you get the word out to the public about the initiatives you'd like them to know about! We can add a link to your website for more information about your event and your organization. This is ideal for upcoming galas, festivals, performances - any event you want to invite the public to.
ASSOCIUM Divisionsdivisions
ASSOCIUM Consultants
Since 1984, ASSOCIUM Consultants continues to lead the industry in specialized human resource services, organizational development and provides HR expertise
across a broad range of services.
ASSOCIUM Advisor Services 
We're unique in the marketplace providing innovative and customized Advisor services: Managing General Agent , Third Party Administrator, Claims Adjudication, Specialty Drug Management / Preferred Pharmacy Network and Human Resources Consulting.

ASSOCIUM Benefits 

Our employee group benefits division, being in business since 1997, gives us the experience to provide customized alternative plans and reduce administrative costs for our clients, while quoting sustainable rates at start up - and at renewal.  
ASSOCIUM GAIN/Advantage
Our procurement services division launched in 1996 as an added source of assistance to the not-for-profit sector ( GAIN). Recently this service has been expanded to include private small business under the Advantage banner. Our goal is to help your organization access preferred pricing for products and services as well as resolve any purchasing issues you may encounter.
Join Our Mailing List

ASSOCIUM
416-867-9350
[email protected]
www.associum.com
Supporting the success of Canadian organizations since 1984.