New foundation for fund-raising in Bruce County

A new fund-raising foundation is in the works for Bruce County.

"100 People Who Share" is a forum for people to meet three times a year for an hour each time, hear presentations on three local initiatives, and vote on a $10,000 immediate impact for our region ($100 tax-deductible donation from each member at each meeting).

The basic concept is to make an immediate, direct and positive effect on the lives of our neighbours by bringing together 100 (or more) people in Bruce County who care about local community causes and who are committed to community service.

The group meets for an hour and jointly selects a local charity or not-for-profit organization after listening to three presentations of five minutes each. Every person writes a $100 cheque to the selected organization and watches how the group’s commitment turns into a $10,000-plus donation. These meetings are done three times a year and the total commitment from each person is three hours and $300 per year.

Bill Pike of Kincardine, who is spearheading the campaign, got the idea from his sons, Jeremy and Nathan, who started such a program in Hamilton.

This group is perfect for you if:
 

• You are committed to helping others in our community but are stretched for time
• You want to be part of a powerful group of local individuals making an immediate, direct and positive effect on the lives of our community
• You want 100 per cent of your donations to go directly to local charity
• You want to learn more about the many worthy community service programs and organizations in Bruce County

In order to be considered at a meeting, the organization must be based in Bruce County and surrounding area and it must be a registered not-for-profit or charitable organization eligible to provide tax receipts for donations. It must be previously established (no start-ups). No national or international charities, programs or organizations will be considered at this time as the current focus is on contributing to our local community.

An organization that is selected for the group donation may not be considered again for three years. The exception is a specific program within a large organization (for example a specific department or program within a hospital), which may be considered again after one year for a different program or department. Any registered member wishing to submit a charitable organization for consideration must complete the on-line Organization Submission Form at least one week prior to the scheduled meeting.

All donations are tax deductible. Cheques are written directly to the charitable organization and NOT to 100 People Who Share. Tax receipts will be issued directly by the charitable organization.

A local organization is selected after a member, who has signed the Commitment Form, puts the name into a hat for a random drawing at the meeting. The organizers of the meeting will collect the names of the organizations from the members as they arrive. At random, three organizations will be selected from the hat. The nominating members will be asked to come up and give a short five-minute presentation as to why the organization they are nominating should receive the donation and then spend five minutes for questions. We encourage members to participate by submitting the names of local, needy, charitable organizations!

Meetings are intended to be very short and no longer than 60 minutes. That having been said, there is the opportunity to socialize after the meeting.

 If you are interested, please RSVP to 100peoplewhoshare@gmail.com. Further news and information will be forwarded to those who show an interest. 

The web page, www.100peoplewhoshare.ca has been secured and will be developed during the next month.

The inaugural meeting is scheduled for Monday, April 24, from 7:30-8:30 p.m., at a location to be determined (check the website).

Business cards showing the information are available to hand out. You may request them in your response, if desired.