Welcome to the second of our newsletters bringing you up to date with developments in our efforts to build the Calgary Lesbian and Gay Chinook Fund.
We would like to take the opportunity to thank Gael McLeod for her many years of hard work and vision associated with the Chinook Fund. Many of you may know Gael from her countless years of community involvement, as well as of course her current position as Councillor representing the constituents of Ward 4. Due to the daunting schedule that the latter involves, she has had to set aside her involvement as a member of the advisory committee.
Over the past few months, one of the issues we have made specific efforts has been to ensure our committee has a balance of participants that reflect the community we wish to represent. At present we wish to increase female representation on our advisory committee and so are looking for new potential members. Prior board experience is desirable, but those with other relevant experience or skills are also welcome. If interested, please contact Chris at info@calgarychinookfund.ca.
We are in the process of accepting applications for grants from the 2011-2012 year. The grant must be made from an organization registered as a Charitable Organization with the Canada Revenue Agency as well as fit the objects of our fund. Our website has more details regarding how to apply, as well as detail regarding funding criteria. Last year we were able to provide funding for the Fairy Tales Presentation Society for their Youth Anti- Homophobia Public Service Announcement contest in partnership with EMMEDIA. A second grant was given to the Calgary Sexual Health Centre for their work providing education to schools regarding sexuality, sexual health and diversity. For more information on how to apply, visit: http://www.calgarychinookfund.ca/ChinookFundGrantCriteria.pdf
As the Chinook Fund continues to grow, so will our ability to provide more funding to such worthy projects from the interest generated by the Fund. This coming year the amount we are able to grant will double due to your generous donations. Even with these grants the total assets of the fund will never be touched and your gift will continue to give for years to come. We are in the process of tying up the final details of this year’s fundraising event, where we will be announcing the names of the successful grant applicants.
Dan MacGregor and Harry Ulmer were our first ambassadors, hosting a dinner, wine tasting and live music event which raised over $1800 for the Chinook Fund. We are inviting people to generously act as Chinook Fund ambassadors, willing to host a private fundraising event in their own home, inviting their friends and introducing them to the Chinook Fund. Should anyone wish to consider also being an ambassador and holding a similar fund raising event for the Fund, then please contact Kelly at kellyernst@telus.net for more information about how to set up an ambassador event.
For those of you hearing about the Chinook Fund for the first time, or those inclined to provide ongoing support, we remind you donations can also be made to the Fund either through the Calgary Foundation (https://payment.csfm.com/donations/calgaryfoundation/) or directed to the Fund through the United Way Annual Campaign (direct your donation to the Calgary Foundation’s Chinook Lesbian and Gay Fund). We are in the process of finalizing details of our next fund raising event at Pulcinella on October 25th, 2012, with the aim of growing the fund to $100,000. Please save the date and we will keep you informed.
Thank you for giving us the opportunity to introduce the Chinook Fund to a growing circle of supporters and donors.
More information is available at: www.calgarychinookfund.ca .
Although most people receiving this newsletter will be aware of our existence and probably attended our October fundraiser, please feel free to forward this notice to friends and loved ones that you think might be interested in learning more about our efforts.
Yours sincerely,
Martin Harvey, M.D.
Volunteer, Chinook Fund Advisory Committee