Lives touched and legacies built
Strengthening Burlington with Gifts that Give Forever
Annual Report 2011-2012
Annual Report 2011 - 2012
Planting seeds can change lives. Twenty families from Applemead Co-operative Homes came together in 2011 to grow an ecofriendly community garden and distribute the harvest through Food for Life. From beans to cherry tomatoes to eggplants, grants from Forestview Community Church and the Foundation helped to cultivate a shared pride in growing healthy food. Crystal McNerney, Applemead resident and Volunteer Community Resources Coordinator explains, “We had unused land available with access to water and members believed a garden would provide us with greater access to healthy food, help bring members of the community together, and offer us an opportunity to learn gardening skills from each other. In the future, we hope to learn how to collect seeds and use them to start plants in the greenhouse we recently erected.”
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Lives touched. . . feeding Burlington’s hungry Going to bed hungry is not what you expect in a city that MoneySense magazine ranks #2 of the 25 Best Places to Live in Canada for 2012. Recognizing local families in need, resident George Bagaco started redistributing baked goods in 1995, an inspired idea that grew into Food for Life Canada, Halton Region’s largest food recovery program. Today, Food For Life delivers surplus food from restaurants, grocery stores and the corporate food sector to more than 40 social service agencies and 36 local outreach programs. According to Charlotte Redekop-Young, Executive Director, Food for Life, “In 2008, Burlington Community Foundation was instrumental in providing a grant for the first refrigerated vehicle. This grant allowed Food for Life to establish the ReFresh Foods program, the first food collection and distribution hub to run a hybrid diesel/electric truck to safely transport perishable and frozen foods.” ReFresh Foods delivers healthy and nutritious items – including fruits, vegetables and baked
goods – not typically found in traditional food banks. Most recently, a 2011 Foundation grant supported driver and fuel costs as well as upgraded a walk-in chiller at the charity’s 6,000-square-foot Burlington warehouse. Charlotte explains, “The new unit provides efficient refrigeration for food safety, performs better, uses less energy and costs less to operate.” According to a Food for Life feasibility study, an estimated 31,000 Halton residents need access to emergency food. People who are committed to ensuring that good food does not go to waste are at the heart of Food for Life. In 2010-11, more than 1,000,000 pounds of donated nutritious food – with a retail value of over $4 million – was redistributed to those in need. Touching hundreds of Burlingtonian lives each and every day, this local food recovery program is delivering on George’s vision that “No man, woman or child should have to go to bed hungry while stores, restaurants and other food suppliers are tossing food in our landfills.”
Strengthening Burlington
“No man, woman or child should have to go to bed hungry while stores, restaurants and other food suppliers are tossing food in our landfills.�
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Annual Report 2011 - 2012
A message from Foundation leadership
Almost 140 years after Burlington was incorporated as a village, our great city is making news across the country. From 2008 to 2011 Maclean’s named Halton Region the safest place to live in the GTA and, in 2012, MoneySense ranked Burlington as #2 of the top 25 best places to live in Canada. With more than 175,000 residents, we’re proud to be a public foundation created by and for the people of Burlington. Founded in 1999 by volunteers and philanthropists, we help people, corporations and agencies accomplish their charitable goals and address our city’s most pressing needs. Our donors and partners are helping us ensure that the quality of life in Burlington continues to be the very best in Canada.
Sharon Gilmour-Glover, Chair of the Board
During our 2011-2012 fiscal year, we welcomed new people, shared compelling stories and built stronger relationships with fundholders, charities and volunteers. We’re proud of the four new endowments our fundholders created as well as our many milestones including: • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Colleen Mulholland, Executive Director
In June we released The Nelson Allan Project Toolkit: Connecting Seniors from Isolation to Activation After six years as Executive Director, Cheryl Taylor moved on to pursue new opportunities in August Together with Halton’s Women’s Place, in October, we hosted a community information session Our second annual Masquerade Ball was supported by more than 50 partners and 650 attendees In November, Colleen Mulholland joined as our new Executive Director On November 15, we celebrated National Philanthropy Day Doug Leggat was named our 2011 Philanthropist of the Year In February, Mayor Rick Goldring announced our participation with innovateBurlington A refreshed burlingtonfoundation.org now features donor, volunteer and community impact stories A new Planned Giving and Professional Advisors Program was launched In February, a new monthly Vital Community column by Colleen Mulholland ran in the Burlington Post In March, Sandra Baker joined us as Manager, Development & Community Engagement We’re connecting with more than 1,000 people on twitter and facebook
Most importantly, in 2011-2012, the Foundation granted $289,000 to more than 35 charities and nonprofits. We now manage more than $6.4 million in assets and steward 60 endowed funds that are strengthening our great city. In this report, you will find stories about some of the lives we’ve touched and lasting legacies we’ve helped people to build. As a Foundation, we aspire to do more. Burlington is growing, as is its boomer population and through its diversity. We want to help more seniors, youth and low-income families. We want to support new opportunities for Burlingtonians to grow through education, arts and sports programming and scholarships. We want to build a greener and healthier city for us all to live, work and play in. Our vision is to enhance the quality of life in Burlington through philanthropic leadership. By 2015, we aspire to grow our managed assets to $10 million, and we look forward to working with you to find the resources and help that will get us there. Through growth, we are better able to address the most pressing local needs and assist those most vulnerable in our community.
Sharon Gilmour-Glover, Chair of the Board
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Colleen Mulholland, Executive Director
Strengthening Burlington
Our dedicated supporters
Volunteers are the heart and soul of our Foundation. We sincerely thank our many volunteers for giving generously of their passion, time and expertise to help us build a more vital Burlington. 2011-2012 Board of Directors
Sharon Gilmour-Glover, Chair Tim Dobbie, Vice-Chair Michael Banks, Treasurer Peter Andreana, Director Rick Burgess, Director Danny Chou, Director Lysa Fitzgerald, Director Trevor Hood, Director
Kristina Hyland, Director Darren McMullin, Director Rob Morrison, Director Philip Reddon, Director John Rockx, Director Greg Windle, Director Rob Wojtasik, Director
Our team
Volunteers are the heart and soul of our Foundation. Thank you for all that you do.
Our team members collaborate with donors to build charitable endowments, give grants and connect leadership to address the most pressing community needs. With more than five decades of combined experience in the not-for-profit and non-profit sectors, our team’s leadership, management, fundraising and marketing communications expertise helps Burlingtonians to change lives and build legacies. As local residents and passionate community experts, our team members are committed to advancing our mission and having a positive impact on the vitality of Burlington. Contact them today to get involved in strengthening Burlington. Colleen Mulholland, Executive Director 905 639 0744 x 222 or cmulholland@burlingtonfoundation.org Sandra Baker, Manager, Development & Community Engagement 905 639 0744 x 223 or sbaker@burlingtonfoundation.org Laura Pizzacalla, Coordinator, Volunteer & Community Engagement 905 639 0744 x 221 or lpizzacalla@burlingtonfoundation.org Roberta Linton, Accountant 905 639 0744 x 224 or rlinton@burlingtonfoundation.org
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Annual Report 2011 - 2012
A legacy of friendship. Susan Allison found herself inspired after reading about the launch of a new fund in honour of her late friend Mavis Pieczonka. Susan soon decided to mark her friend’s memory by making a planned gift of life insurance. As a legacy donor and now a Professional Advisors in Philanthropy member, Susan shares, “The Burlington Community Foundation serves as an example of thoughtful and determined stewards that strive to make our community a better place to work and play, now and for future generations. We can all find ways to be vital contributors to our city’s vision.”
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Legacies built . . . inspiring youth to reach for the stars Talented local youth now have greater hope for future success thanks to the Mavis Pieczonka Memorial Fund. Established with a $250,000 stock donation made by Dr. Wally Pieczonka, retired engineer, scientist and founder of Gennum Corporation, this new fund supports performing arts education and programs.
Wally advises, “Giving and the arts are passions my late wife Mavis and I shared. I am very pleased to be in a position to permanently increase access to performing arts programs for local youth, with an immediate focus on youth from lower-income backgrounds, in the city we’ve called home for almost 50 years. Everyone knows the saying that man can’t live on bread alone. Arts and culture are what feed the soul.” Daughter Adrianne Pieczonka is an internationallyrecognized soprano and knows her mother would be thrilled, “Growing up, our family was fortunate enough to have every opportunity to participate in many activities including performing arts. The cost
of these programs can be quite high and not every child has the same luxury we had. We are delighted that this fund will give deserving children the opportunity to partake in valuable performing arts programs.” Grants from the fund may help to purchase muchneeded new equipment, offset music or acting lesson costs, give youth the chance to attend live performances or support new performing arts programs for youth, especially those from lowerincome backgrounds.
Board members, government officials, fundholders and partners came together to celebrate the fund with Wally and his children. On behalf of the city, Mayor Rick Goldring personally thanked the Pieczonka family members for their generosity. As a lasting tribute to a supporter of many community causes, a passionate volunteer and mother, the Mavis Pieczonka Memorial Fund will nurture the creative aspirations of young Burlington citizens for many generations to come.
Strengthening Burlington
Mavis Pieczonka
Building artistic confidence. Susan Allison
“The Burlington Community Foundation serves as an example of thoughtful and determined stewards that strive to make our community a better place to work and play, now and for future generations. We can all find ways to be vital contributors to our city’s vision.” - Susan Allison
More than 100 people with developmental disabilities have a richer quality of life thanks to the Expressional Arts Program of Community Living Burlington. A 2011 Foundation grant supported the purchase of practice and rehearsal equipment for talented artists, singers and actors. Lisa Morikawa, Director of Finance, Community Living Burlington shares, “Our Expressional Arts Program provides an outlet for individuals to express themselves through the arts. The new equipment enhanced learning and overall enjoyment for participants. Our choir and theatre programs are social outlets which help individuals with a developmental disability become more confident in expressing their talents.”
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Annual Report 2011 - 2012
“In my view, when someone supports the Burlington Community Foundation, they are supporting Burlington. This organization reaches so many areas of our community, and helps us to balance community needs through its leadership and grant making.” Mayor Rick Goldring, Honourary Chair, Masquerade Ball
Partners in philanthropy…the Masquerade Ball
On Saturday, October 29, 2011, local partners, guests and supporters came together to celebrate community vitality at our second annual Masquerade Ball. The entertaining evening was created by a passionate group of Foundation volunteers. Our 2011 volunteer organizing committee included Mayor Rick Goldring (Honourary Chair), Stephanie Birtwistle, Rick Burgess, Kimberly Calderbank-Allington, Roxanne Field (CoChair), Chris Gee, Carolyn Kirkham, Daphne Jaques (Co-Chair), Lizanne Rowe and Glenda Shields. A special thank you to all the volunteers who supported the Masquerade Ball and Burlington Community Foundation. On behalf of people in our community whose lives are touched by our donor’s generous grants, we sincerely thank the following lead partners for their sponsorship support. Premier Paletta International Diamond Great-West Life, London Life, Canada Life Platinum Carriage Gate Homes Crosswinds Deloitte L3 Wescam Molinaro Group TD Waterhouse Private Client Services Gold Boehringer Ingelheim Burlington Community Foundation Board of Directors Burlington Taxi CIBC Cogeco Discovery Ford GridSmartCity Investors Group
King Paving KPMG Manulife Securities Mohawk College Molinaro Group Newalta Pioneer RBC Royal Bank SB Partners Smith’s Funeral Homes Taylor Leibow Union Gas Media Burlington Post Interkom Venue Burlington Convention Centre Geraldo’s at La Salle Production Simply Stages
By bringing together local philanthropists and community leaders, event proceeds from the Masquerade Ball directly support our operations and our vision of enhancing the quality of life in Burlington through philanthropic leadership.
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Strengthening Burlington
Giving in abundance.
Congratulating Doug Leggat . . .
our 2011 Philanthropist of the Year Celebrating 90 years in 2012, the Leggat Auto Group is a multidealership chain with 400 employees. Doug Leggat, son of founder Roy, has given to Burlington for more than 40 years. In 2011, Doug was named our Philanthropist of the Year.
Serving as our Foundation’s first chair, Doug is a driving force in the city of Burlington. From chairing the fundraising efforts of Joseph Brant Memorial Hospital’s Healthy Tomorrow program to his active role in the hospital’s major capital campaign, Doug generously gives his time to meaningful local causes. In 2004, Doug created the Leggat Family Fund and, in 2011, it granted to Nelson Youth Centres, an accredited mental health centre that provides group based treatment programs to Halton’s children, youth and their families.
Doug explains that while money is certainly an important part of philanthropy, for him, it goes far beyond a financial contribution. “I think it is important for people to give to help the community and to help people at large whether it be financially or whether it be in time or effort. There are so many things people can do.” We’re proud to celebrate Doug’s life-long commitment to giving. Visit burlingtonfoundation. org/meet-our-philanthropists to discover the stories of Doug and other Philanthropists of the Year.
Gábor and Lisa Vaski established the Vaski Family Performing Arts Fund with the Foundation in 2005. Gábor believes that Burlington has much to offer to budding philanthropists of every economic background, “There are certain cultures and faiths that believe when you give you create a sense of bounty. If, in your own mind, you have the wherewithal to donate something, it creates a mental sense of abundance. Many people who donate may not consciously express themselves in this way. But, at a subconscious level, they understand that putting into a fund creates a sense of abundance.”
Working with professional advisors to build legacies Giving is the heart of philanthropy. Each year, 84% of Canadians give to charity. People, at all ages and life stages, contribute in a variety of ways, through gifts of personal time or goods, money or bequests. While only 7% of people leave money to a charity in their will, if charitable giving is mentioned when a will or financial plan is created, this figure rises to 27%.
in Philanthropy, local advisors can access support tools, resources and services that introduce giving options and help to effectively communicate the benefits of charitable donations.
We recognize that professional advisors – lawyers, accountants, financial advisors and brokers – play an important role in helping people create and realize their personal philanthropic vision. Through charitable gift planning, people can solve tax and financial planning challenges and create a lasting legacy plan to support an area of community interest. Through our new Planned Giving, Professional Advisors Program, we recognize local advisors who are working with us to help Burlingtonians build endowments and give grants to local charities. People considering setting up a legacy fund can find an advisor at burlingtonfoundation.org/ professional-advisors. As our Professional Advisors
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Annual Report 2011 - 2012
A comforting home for the terminally ill. Serving our community since 2002, The Carpenter Hospice provides people with all types of terminal illness with high quality palliative care without user fees. A 2011 Foundation grant helped the Hospice to deliver services to those in need. On behalf of the Hospice, Lesley Hirst, Executive Director, Advanced Practice Nurse comments, “It is said that for every person who is dying, five people are affected. The grant was used to help people living with life limiting illnesses attend our Wellness Program. Designed to improve quality of life, provide peer support and symptom management, the program has more than 70 participants. We focus on quality of life by providing surroundings that are home-like, comforting and welcoming. We are often told our bungalow has a soul. We thank Burlington Community Foundation for the support, and assure you that your contribution is making a difference to peoples’ lives every single day.”
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Funds at the Foundation
We provide flexible and simple ways for individuals, corporations and organizations to create an endowment fund and start building a legacy. By connecting our donors to vital charitable initiatives in health and social services, arts and culture, education, recreation and the environment we help them touch Burlington lives. Agency Funds Burlington Public Library Family of Funds These include: Burlington Public Library Permanent Endowment Fund Millicent M. McEwen Fund Wendy Schick Endowment Fund Burlington Teen Tour Band Boosters Inc. Fund Carpenter Hospice Permanent Endowment Fund Community Living Burlington Fund Conservation Halton Foundation Green Values Fund Halton Women’s Place Permanent Endowment Fund Performing Arts Burlington Fund Plains Road Village Vision Fund United Way Family of Funds These include: United Way Tomorrow and Forever Fund United Way Campaign Fund Community Funds Burlington Community Fund This fund includes: Diana and Murray Hogarth Family Foundation Fund Dr. Wally and Mavis Pieczonka Fund Ethel and Roly Bird Fund Marjorie and Bill Nelson Fund Mayor’s Community Fund The Hogarth Family Foundation Fund Mayor’s Gala Fund Mayor’s Green Fund Ontario Endowment Fund - Children and Youth in Recreation This fund includes: Bank of Montreal Fund Burlington Wellness Fund for Youth Creative Results for Kidz Fund Erica and Pat Smith Fund for Youth The Foxcroft Family Fund Gary W. DeGroote Fund for Children and Youth Halton Regional Chairman Children’s Fund Hilda and Bill Line Fund for Youth Junior League Centennial Endowment Fund for Youth The Hamlin Family Fund The Leggat Family Fund for Youth Pioneer Petroleum Children’s Foundation Fund TD Canada Trust Endowment Fund for Children and Youth Teresa Reimer Fund for Youth
Donor Advised Funds Bette and Keith Munro Foundation Burlington Community Youth Advancement Fund Dalton Timmis Group Fund danceScape Endowment Fund Dewitte Family Fund Erica and Pat Smith Family Fund Friends of Burlington Fund Haggerty/Durocher Fund Lawrence Sinclair Scholarship Fund Leggat Family Fund Marsh Family Fund McDonald’s Restaurants of Burlington Fund Now I Can Children’s Fund Paul Hansell Foundation Performing Arts Youth Endowment Reddon Family Fund Robert D. Gould Foundation Fund Smith Family Fund Sydney Robis Memorial Fund The Valley Fund Vaski Family Performing Arts Fund Weatherdon Fund for Early and Lifelong Nutrition Donor Designated Funds Crawford Lake Fund Creative Results for Kidz Endowment Fund David Bruce Sergeant Fund The Ethel and Roly Bird Fund H. Fred Janson Fund for the Developmentally Handicapped Yolanda, Lloyd and Susan E. Wills Memorial Fund Field of Interest Fund Beverley and Walter Mulkewich Community Development Fund Brechin Huffman and Henderson Fund Mavis Pieczonka Memorial Fund Nicholas Hurlbut Memorial Fund Sarah and Donald Munro Memorial Fund Starr Bell Fund Funds Held on Behalf of Others* Burlington Art Centre Foundation Fund Conservation Halton Foundation – Douglas Cockburn Managed Fund
* Funds placed with the Foundation for long-term investment by other charitable organizations
Strengthening Burlington
Scholarship Funds Aldershot School Fund Burlington Chamber of Commerce Scholarship Fund Burlington Economic Development Corporation Mayor’s Apprenticeship Fund Burlington Medical Society Endowment Fund Mario Rende Memorial Scholarship Fund Matthew C. Daly Memorial Scholarship Fund SB Partners Scholarship Fund
Bequests The Boegers Family Fund Brian Ross Weatherdon The Hogarth Family Foundation Fund Marsh Family Fund William and Susan McGregor Fund
Camp memories last a lifetime.
Established in 1955 as a legacy from the Canadian Council of War Veterans, Camp Maple Leaf in the Kawarthas is a lasting tribute to the sacrifices of Veterans. The Camp is led by a vision that no child should be turned away from a summer camp experience for economic reasons. Creative Results for Kidz, an endowed fund with Burlington Community Foundation, sends kids to Camp Maple Leaf each year. These are kids who face the challenges of mental illness and the social stigma that so often goes along with it. As well, while attending camp, their family receives a respite from the demands of caring for their child. This happy camper wrote, “I had a great time at Camp Maple Leaf. I was scared to go so far away but I had an awesome time. I loved swimming and archery the best. I also loved singing around the campfire and learning new songs because I love to sing. I made new friends too. I made some new friends right away on the bus on the way to camp. I hope other kids get to go to camp too.”
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2011-2012 Grants Awarded
Thanks to ongoing collaboration with charitable partners and community leadership, we have a thorough and current understanding of the highest priority needs. As leaders in charitable giving, our experts provide a bridge between donors and the charitable needs of our community. Our assets are pooled together and permanently invested, generating a source of grants that
respond to the changing needs of our great city. Every year, our Foundation helps people, corporations and agencies create a positive and lasting impact in the lives of Burlingtonians. For the past fiscal year, funds held at the Foundation granted $289,903.55 to the following charities and non-profits.
*A grant from Burlington Community Foundation and/or Mayor’s Gala, both are community funds Note: The Hogarth Family Foundation is also a community fund
Charitable Organization
Grant
Community Use
Alzheimer Society of Canada $5,000
Funded research directed at both eradicating dementia and improving the lives of those affected by it supported by the Reddon Family Fund
Alzheimer Society of Hamilton $2,500 and Halton
Funded a community conversation about brain-health awareness and its importance in combating the onset of dementia*
Banyan Community Services $4,400 Foundation
Eight kids attended Camp Maple Leaf supported by grants from Creative Results for Kidz Endowment, Ontario Endowment Fund - Children and Youth in Recreation, GWD Kids Foundation and flow-through funds
Big Brothers Big Sisters of $2,000 Hamilton and Burlington
Funded a community campaign focused on mentoring and recruiting new volunteer Big Brothers* (see page 15 for more detail)
Breast Cancer Support Services $2,500
Funded a community conversation about the future direction of Breast Cancer Support Services*
Burlington Counseling and $2,500 Family Services
Funded a community conversation about woman abuse screening tools for addiction and mental health services*
Burlington Humane Society
Received a grant from the David Bruce Sargeant Fund for animal care
$3,337.50
Burlington Museums Board $3,500
Grants to Ireland House and Joseph Brant Museum funded two special preservation projects* (see page 18 for more detail)
Burlington Public Library $950.89
Disbursement of earned income from the Burlington Public Library Permanent Endowment Fund, an agency fund
Burlington Teen Tour Band Boosters $3,947.85
Disbursement of earned income from the Burlington Teen Tour Band Boosters Inc Fund, an agency fund
Canadian Cancer Society $5,000
Supported McMaster Pediatric Cancer Research funded by a flow-through grant from the Valley Fund
Canadian Diabetes Association Central South Ontario
Supported volunteer engagement at the Regional Annual Meeting*
$1,000
Carpenter Hospice $1,125
A gift from the Robert Gould Foundation Fund helped people attend the hospice’s Wellness Program (see page 10 for more detail)
Carpenter Hospice $47,670.15 Disbursement of earned income from the Carpenter Hospice Permanent Endowment Fund, an agency fund City of Burlington
$2,000
Funded a Tottering Biped Theatre community conversation about encouraging dialogue between individuals that face social stigmas*
Community Living Burlington
Equipment for the Expressional Arts Program was funded by a grant*
$2,360
Community Youth Programs Halton $1,200
Received a grant that went towards education and development from the Now I Can Children’s Fund
Conservation Halton
A flow-through environmental grant to the BlueCreeks Project
$3,000
Food for Life $10,000
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Supported the annual Doors Open Burlington event*
Community Development Halton $1,700
Two community grants were used to upgrade a walk-in chiller and support driver and fuel costs* (see page 2 for more detail)
Forestview Bible Church $1,041
Funding supported the first eco-friendly Applemead Co-operative Homes community garden* (see page 2 for more detail)
Good Shepherd Centre Hamilton $4,000
A flow-through grant from the Valley Fund was used to support Emmanuel House Palliative Care
Halton Food for Thought $2,000
Received a community fund grant that was used for a community conversation to investigate the feasibility of developing school and/or community gardens*
Halton Learning Foundation $15,000
Received support from two community funds for ‘Imprints’, Burlington’s Environment Youth Conference*
Halton Learning Foundation $4,000
A flow-through grant supported the Swim to Survive Program in recognition of Bette Munro
Halton Women’s Place $5,000
Received grants for two community conversations about women’s emotional health and wellness and the potential risk of new technology for abused women*
McMaster University $4,500
A scholarship to the Mario Rende Fund was awarded by the Hogarth Family Foundation and Sarah and Donald Munro Memorial Fund. SB Partners Fund awarded another scholarship
Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada
$3,337.50
General support funded by a grant from the David Bruce Sergeant Fund
Nelson Youth Centres
$3,800
The mental health program received a grant from the Leggat Family Fund
Notre Dame Catholic Secondary School $1,000
A flow-through grant was used for the school’s Life Skills Program
Ontario Medical Foundation $2,359.58
Funding for the Ontario Medical Student Bursary Fund was supported by Burlington Medical Society Endowment Fund
Ontario Society for Crippled Children
$1,000
A flow-through grant supported Easter Seals Camp Merrywood
Partnership West Family Food Bank
$925
A grant from the Friends of Burlington Fund supported the Food Bank
ROCK Foundation $17,450
The Reach Out Centre for Kids (ROCK) received a grant from the Hogarth Family Foundation that supported various operations of the Our Community Cares Program
Royal Botanical Gardens
$18,500
A grant supported the Healthy Families by Nature project*
Sing Canada Harmony Scholarship Fund
$750
A grant funded by the Vaski Family Performing Arts fund for general support
Student Theatre Active Rep Society
$1,000
Received a community grant that supported programs for Burlington youth*
UNICEF Canada $10,000
Two flow-through grants from the Reddon Family Fund supported the crisis in the Horn of Africa and sent a child to school
United Way of Burlington $2,400 and Hamilton
Board members from non-profit organizations were funded to attend the McMaster Non-Profit Governance workshops in October and November 2011*
United Way of Burlington $5,000 and Hamilton
Received a flow-through grant from the Reddon Family Fund for general support
United Way of Burlington $5,629.58 and Hamilton
Disbursement of earned income from the United Way Campaign Fund, an agency fund
University of Guelph $2,000
Together with support from the Hogarth Family Foundation, the Matthew Daly Memorial Scholarship was awarded
YMCA of Hamilton/Burlington/ $15,000 Brantford
The Education, Fitness and Community Growth Through Sport program received a grant from True Sport/Community Foundations of Canada
YMCA of Hamilton/Burlington/ $19,600 Brantford
The first-ever Sports 4 You program in Aldershot was funded by grants from the Reddon Family Fund, True Sport/Community Foundations of Canada and the Mayor’s Gala Fund (see page 14 for more detail)
YMCA of Hamilton/Burlington/ $734.50 Brantford
Received a grant from the Sarah and Donald Munro Memorial Fund for general support
YMCA of Hamilton/Burlington/ $37,500 Brantford
The Halton Social Enterprise Centre was supported by a flow-through grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation
YMCA Hamilton $685 Developmental Services
Therapeutic massages at Garth House were supported by the H. Fred Janson Endowment Fund
Total
$289,903.55
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Annual Report 2011 - 2012
“Children who would otherwise be sitting on the couch in front of a game system or TV are now running around the gym. They are developing their skills and their self-confidence is growing.” - Shawna MacLellan, Director, Community Outreach YMCA
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Lives touched . . . sporting self-confidence Together with True Sport, a Community Foundations of Canada grant has brought to life the first-ever ‘Sports 4 You’ program for Aldershot girls and boys from lower-income backgrounds. Every Saturday morning, 10-to-12-year-old kids are playing hockey, basketball, soccer and volleyball thanks to the support of community groups, teen and adult volunteer coaches, the YMCA and Burlington Parks and Recreation.
Getting kids out of their homes and interacting with their peers from other Aldershot schools is also helping to build new social networks. Sports 4 You Committee Member and Aldershot Hub Coordinator, Our Kids Network, Sheila Slattery-Ford notes that the “contacts kids are making in the program will make their transition to middle school that much easier. Children are joining together to learn and break down barriers at the same time. Because some neighbourhoods are stigmatized, the program
is helping to get rid of labels.”
Program participants enjoyed meeting local resident Melanie Booth, a member of the Canadian Women’s National Soccer Team who won gold at the 2011 Pan Am Games. Melanie showed local kids some of her winning moves, shared her story and inspired them to reach for their goals. Shawna MacLellan, Director of Community Outreach with the YMCA advises, “It has been amazing to see how our program has led to non-athletic students trying out for school sports teams, proving that by providing free instruction and access to sport you can alter lives.” Sports 4 You is one of two Aldershot programs – together with Education, Fitness and Growth Through Sport – established in 2011 with $30,000 in grants from True Sport and Community Foundations of Canada.
Strengthening Burlington
A community conversation about mentoring. In 2011, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Hamilton and Burlington surveyed local mentoring agencies and identified issues such as service gaps for youth engaging in physical activities, mental health issues and more families living in poverty. Marianne Noakes, Executive Director, Big Brothers Big Sisters shares, “Thanks to a Foundation grant, our campaign to help more Burlington youth used a series of newspaper ads featuring pictures and quotes from current Big Brothers and follow-up testimonials highlighting the impact of mentoring both for the youth and volunteers involved. The highlight of the launch conversation for our ’30 mentors…30 days’ recruitment campaign were two Big Brothers who shared their stories about their mentoring experiences and the impact volunteering has had in their lives.”
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Annual Report 2011 - 2012
Social networks for seniors. Through his volunteer activities and endowment fund, the late Nelson Allan created a lasting legacy by providing support services to isolated seniors. A pilot project with 10 local seniors yielded memorable results. Volunteer Beatrice McDonough says, “The seniors have experienced an improved quality of life, made new acquaintances and look forward to their weekly outings at the centre. Recreation programs help them to gain new skills and reward them with the evidence of their creativity in jewelry making, learning of card games and computer skills as well as participation in current affairs dialogue. Dining is an important part of the program. Healthy, nutritious lunches along with the opportunity to spend time with other seniors is eagerly anticipated and enjoyed.”
Legacies built . . . a compassionate family Starr Bell’s family thrives on helping others. From her father, Nelson, to her brother Gary, to her adult children, generations of the Allan family share an awareness of vital community needs, compassion and the capacity to solve problems. Thanks to her late father’s endowed fund, isolated seniors can access Burlington Seniors Centre activities and have lunch with volunteers. Starr’s father Nelson recognized many of his peers needed to venture out and connect with one another through activity, conversation and meals. Bringing small groups together, Nelson’s idea grew into a toolkit that can help raise community awareness as well as identify providers and partners for similar seniors programs. Sharing her late father’s compassion, alongside dedicated volunteers who are affectionately known as ‘Nelson’s Team’, Starr is helping seniors live more
enriched lives in the company of their peers. Starr carries on her late brother Gary and his family’s legacy as well as her own. As a well-known educator, Gary championed the idea of offering a wide range of high school programs for learners of all ages across Halton Region, an idea that evolved into Gary Allan High School’s eight local campuses. While Gary passed away in 2001, through Starr’s ongoing contributions to the school’s scholarship fund, Starr supports her brother’s passion for life-long learning. “I see my dad as a great visionary,” Starr shares, “and I’m proud to be doing my part to keep his work alive.” Putting a bequest Nelson left her to community use, Starr recently established her own fund with the Foundation. Starr looks forward to her children, and eventually grandchildren, making decisions for Nelson’s fund and her own, contributing to a family legacy that will last generations.
“I am so grateful that my father believed in planned giving. It touches me deeply to know that our family will live on through giving to others.” Starr Bell, Nelson’s Team
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Strengthening Burlington
Nelson Allan
Talking about aging and brain health.
Seniors at the Centre
Using a Foundation grant, the Alzheimer Society of Hamilton and Halton hosted an interactive community conversation that covered the spectrum of brain health knowledge including physical health, continued learning and spirit. Trevor Clark, Regional Director, Development, Alzheimer Society of Hamilton and Halton explains, “The audience for our Brain Health lecture was the ‘worried well’, individuals who are concerned or wondering about their memory, while not displaying any signs of memory loss. The topic of brain health is relevant to adults of all ages, and Burlington has a higher than average senior population. Providing a free lecture, in a comfortable venue, with multiple community partners and a dynamic presenter meant that this event was truly open to all.”
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Annual Report 2011 - 2012
Preserving our heritage. The Foundation provided Museums of Burlington with a grant to help launch two special projects in 2011. According to Paul Stone, Museums Curator of Collections, “With the grant, we’ve started an oral history program that will preserve the voices and memories of our community and allow future generations to hear about the past through the comments of local people. Program participants have expressed their gratitude to be telling their personal stories and passing them on to the community.” The Foundation grant will also help future generations see the clothing of their forbearers. Sylvia Hentz, Special Events Programmer, Museums of Burlington comments, “Possessing a highly visual and tactile quality, the costumes will help us animate the past for the Burlington community. The preserved clothing will help bring to life the stories, places and people that are part our collective history and also assist in developing teaching, perception and interest in local history.”
Our Foundation . . . looking ahead By building endowment funds, providing charitable grants and supporting philanthropic partnerships, every day, we work to accomplish our mission and have a positive impact on the vitality of Burlington.
We currently manage more than $6.4 million in assets and steward 60 endowed funds in Burlington and the surrounding area. Since inception, we have distributed more than $1.5 million in grants according to the wishes and recommendations of donors. Working with individuals and corporations to improve the quality of life in Burlington, we serve as a catalyst for dialogue and action on critical issues. With strong board leadership, management, stewardship and operating systems in place, we are excited to look towards an even brighter future.
Our aspiration to grow and help even more people in our great city will come to life through innovative Foundation initiatives such as: • A volunteer strategy designed to engage and retain more life-long ambassadors. • A strengthened stewardship program to thank, educate and celebrate the philanthropic gifts of our donors. • Updated research to support ongoing transparency and impact in our grant making program. • Increased corporate involvement in endowed funds, donations, sponsorships and in-kind support. • A new Leadership Advisory Council of committed philanthropists – our family of leaders who will help guide and support us. • Continued engagement of professional advisors to present local charitable giving ideas to their clients. • The development and launch of our first Vital Signs – a research-based report that factually identifies the most pressing needs of our community.
We provide a bridge between donors and local charitable needs. We advocate giving and encourage generosity. We create giving opportunities for donors. We invest and manage donations and grant the available earned income. We connect donors to vital charitable initiatives in health and social services, arts and culture, education, recreation and the environment.
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Strengthening Burlington
A sanctuary for animals in need. Formed by community members in 1974, the non-profit Burlington Humane Society helps stray and abandoned animals find new homes. Dedicated volunteers take cats and dogs to visit people at Joseph Brant Memorial Hospital, local retirement and nursing homes as well as teach responsible pet ownership through school and community programs. Adrienne Gosse, Shelter Manager, Burlington Humane Society comments, “The wonderful grant that we received from the Foundation in 2011 will go a long way in helping us care for the stray and abandoned animals within our community. We can now help so many more cats and dogs in need of medical care.� By 2015, we aspire to grow our managed assets to $10 million. Through growth, we will strengthen the Foundation and better position our resources to address the most pressing local needs and assist those most vulnerable in our community.
In the months and years to come, the Foundation looks forward to helping local families give to personally meaningful causes, touch lives and build lasting legacies in our great city.
To achieve our aspiration, we need the support of many to get there. Canadians are poised to experience the largest single intergenerational transfer of wealth in generations, and this means that family giving is taking on new meaning for many people. Through our Planned Giving, Professional Advisors Program and outreach activities, we aspire for all Burlingtonians to recognize our capacity to help them build a legacy through charitable giving. As a community foundation, supported by strong relationships with fundholders, charities and volunteers, we look forward to building new partnerships to address Burlington’s most pressing needs. Looking ahead, our capacity and momentum are positioning us to enhance the quality of life in Burlington through philanthropic leadership.
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Strengthening Burlington with Gifts that Give Forever We invite Burlingtonians to join us in giving, creating or volunteering.
When people give, our community experts will help ensure their gift responds to Burlington’s most pressing needs by supporting health and social services, arts and culture, education, recreation and the environment. Donors can have ongoing involvement with their gift or direct it to be distributed to specific charities. Funds can address needs in an area of personal interest or provide a local scholarship. An unrestricted donation can be used to support the Foundation’s operations or a broad range of other charitable needs. We create permanent community improvements through the expressed legacies of our city’s generous donors. We do all this to advance the quality of life in Burlington to be the very best in Canada. We are proud to be part of the Canadian movement for community vitality and a member of:
Follow @BurlingtonFDN on Twitter Keep connected on Facebook Our Charitable Number is 857812739 RR0001
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3380 South Service Road Burlington, ON L7N 3J5 905 639 0744 info@burlingtonfoundation.org burlingtonfoundation.org