Fundraising for programs

By Miriam Ostermann, Associate Editor

A loss in grant money, and increases in demand and population, gave rise to Growing Families Society for East Rural Counties first fundraising event two years ago.
Now in its third year, the organization is hosting a family carnival and fundraiser to assure the continued existence of programs for Bridging the Gap, 5 For Life, and the Growing Opportunities, as well as secure vital positions such as a part-time life skills worker.
While the organization is volunteer run, administration is crucial to keep programs and volunteers organized, and money raised through the fundraiser will aid in securing administration and staff positions.
“The amazing part is, because we’re volunteer driven, we can go a lot of miles on the money that we do have, and we have plenty of ideas, but we just can’t do them all because of the funding,” said Margo Sevcik, president of Growing Families Society.
“We still need staff to drive those volunteers, to keep them motivated and moving. To offer a competitive wage to staff is tough. People don’t work for us because we pay them awesome wages, they really do love what they do and it’s giving back to the community.”
In 2015, the Calgary Rural Primary Care Network (CRPCN) arrived at a decision to eliminate $50,000 worth of funding to the society due to various circumstances. The Growing Family Society’s also receives $74,219 from the Public Health Agency of Canada – Canada Prenatal Nutrition Program contract, which has been in existence for 22 years and covers Strathmore and Drumheller Growing Opportunities sites. Yet for the past 14 years the contract has remained unchanged and the last increase occurred 15 years ago for $994, despite the increase in program demand and population.
While the society received small increases from other sources in the past, including Family and Community Support Services (FCSS), the organization was unwilling to lose necessary staffing positions or terminate programs through the $50,000 deficit. Therefore, they organized their first fundraising event, the Family Barn Dance, in 2016.
The event is now returning for its third year but with a few changes, including a pancake supper by the Cheadle Lions, an online auction, a photo booth, carnival games, Kidz Kanteen, a family photo opportunity and raffles. Owing to many donations by community members and organizations, the society is aware of the support Strathmore and the surrounding area has provided in previous years to keep the programs alive in the community.
“I think it makes our community a better place to live and it adds to the whole vibrancy of our community,” said Sevcik. “We just need more funding and the community is amazing with their support.”
The third annual Family Carnival and Fundraiser will take place on April 20, at the Strathmore Civic Centre from 5 to 8 p.m. Tickets are $25 per family or $10 per person. Tickets are available for pre-purchase at Lil Hoots – cash only – or at the Strathmore FCSS office, as well as at the door. The online auction is now open for bidding at www.32auctions.com/growingfamilies2018.