Fundraiser to keep programs alive

Miriam Ostermann
Times Associate Editor

 

An unwelcomed decision by the Primary Care Network (PCN) to eliminate thousands of dollars worth of funding to Strathmore’s Growing Families Society is forcing the hand of the organization to appeal for community support and became an active motivator in the creation of their first fundraising event – the Family Barn Dance.
A year ago, PCN informed the society that due to various circumstances funding would no longer be available, resulting in a $50,000 deficit. While funding and small increases from other sources such as the Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) have aided to keep the organization afloat, the shortfall could result in repercussions such as loss of positions and programs.
Having relied on a constant annual $74,000 budget from the federal government for 20 years, since its conception, without increases the Growing Family Society sought outside funding to maintain increases in demand and population. With the recent spending cut, the society fears keeping up with community needs may become onerous.
“We’ve just continuously received less and less funding,” said Margo Sevcik, president of Growing Families Society.
“With the funding loss we are at the point that we can’t keep everything going at a level that would serve the community well, so now we’re coming to the community and saying we need help. We need to raise some funds to keep our programs going. This is the first time that the Growing Families Society, in 20 years, has ever come to the business community and asked for support, and they’ve given us tremendous support.”
Numerous local businesses and organizations, including the Western Financial Group, the Strathmore Dental Center, Gold Key Registry, Cheadle Lions and Kim’s Café, have contributed to the fundraiser through sponsoring a DJ, pancake supper, the kids’ carnival, photo-booth and kids canteen. Other businesses also provided door and spin-it-to-win-it prizes, as well as items for the live and silent auctions, which include a scooter, tickets to Aspen Crossing, Heritage Park, and the Telus Sparks Science Centre. The society has also received nearly $2,000 in donations from other local businesses, $500 of which were presented to the organization on April 4.
“Chinook Financial is pleased to assist the Growing Families Society so that they continue to provide valuable programs and education to Strathmore and area families,” said Kimberley Sharkey-Thompson, regional branch manager at the Strathmore location. “Making Money Make a Difference by supporting local communities, it’s what we do.”
According to the society, money raised from the Family Barn Dance could secure the position for the life-skills worker, a position that’s costing $20,000 outside of government funding. Currently donations made to the organization are allocated to programs, yet administration is a vital necessity to keep programs and volunteers organized. Therefore, the fundraiser will provide monetary gain geared specifically towards administration and staff.
“We just need some stability to our programming, a way of knowing that we can keep these programs going rather than running our programs on a yearly budget and not knowing what the next year is going to bring,” Sevcik said.
“By doing our own fundraising and bringing money in, it helps to ensure that there is money. If you don’t have administrative help you just kind of die. Volunteers are great, and we are a volunteer-based organization, but volunteers need to be organized and that’s where the office staff can really help us.”
The Family Barn Dance takes place on April 8, at the Strathmore Civic Centre from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. $10 at the door to attend or $25 for families. The entry includes pancake supper, a picture at the photo booth and a free kids’ carnival. For more information contact Margo Sevcik at 403-934-8548.