Help Us Keep Our Community Strong Remember The Food Bank

My friend Ed Yee, who is Chairperson of SHARE Family Services recently sent out an email, which I want to share with you. All communities have Food  Banks  or  equivalent systems where those who do not have enough food can go for help. I urge you to support your local organization(s) that run the Food Banks. Our neighbours need our help at this time of the year. Those of you who have been reading this blog, know that I was a Director of SHARE Family Services for 6 years and I support their work.

I want to recognize and thank you for the donations you have consistently given to SHARE over the years. We consider you a part of the SHARE family.  Your ongoing investment in SHARE helps to make sure that individuals and families in the Tri-Cities receive the services they want and need to participate actively as friends, neighbours and parents in our community.

You may know that the SHARE Food Bank operates entirely because of people like you who want to help those in our community who are hungry.  There is no government funding for Food Banks and the stores of food that were donated at Christmas are now nearly gone. We are asking for a gift that will help us ensure there is food in the food bank through to the Fall when summer holidays are over and the normal patterns of giving to the food bank return. I am writing with urgency and hope that you will make another donation today to help provide food to families through the summer months.
 
The SHARE Food Bank is the registered Food Bank for the Tri-cities communities. In the last fiscal year (2014/15) we served 5284 people. Of those, almost 2000 were children aged 18 and under. That represents 35% of those lining up for food each week. Families arrive at the Food Bank with many different stories.  Some have had to swallow their pride after they lose their employment and are just finding a way to feed their family.  Others are fighting illness and cannot work.  Their meager income can barely cover their medical expenses.  Still others are new comers, struggling to find work and overcome the significant barriers of language and a new culture.  The stories are as unique as the person who lines up.

I’d like to tell you one of these stories.  Melissa is a young woman with 2 children and was pregnant with her third when she fled her abusive relationship.  She and her children spent several months in hiding at a women’s shelter until she managed to get into BC Housing.  Due to the abuse she suffered during her pregnancy, she was considered a high risk pregnancy and was under constant doctor’s care to monitor the health of her unborn child. She came to the SHARE Food Bank for help. Because she was pregnant, she was able to receive a weekly food hamper as well as the Tiny Bundles items. This fresh produce, milk, eggs and other dairy products helps to ensure that she delivers a healthy baby and that her other children are fed every day too. Melissa’s story is just one of hundreds of compelling and often tragic situations that bring our friends, neighbours and family members to SHARE. With your help, we will be there when we are needed. 

Please Remember the Food Bank today and give a gift to help Tri-Cities families who are struggling. There are many ways to give. You can complete the form below or give online at sharesociety.ca.  You could make your donation affordable by signing up as a monthly donor and giving a smaller donation each month. We purchase dairy, produce and eggs for these special hampers to make sure babies get the nutrition they need. However you decide to make a donation, it will help provide food to families in the Tri-Cities.

Thank you for your support. Thank you for considering another gift and for supporting individuals and families in the Tri-Cities community.
Sincerely,


Ed Yee, Chair
SHARE Board of Directors

PS: This past year, 196 families with children under one year of age or with a mother who was expecting relied on our Tiny Bundles program to provide a weekly hamper filled with milk or baby formula, fresh produce, cheese or eggs. This important program ensures that the pregnant or nursing moms and their children under one are provided with the nutrition that is critical for a good, healthy start. The Tiny Bundles program is possible because of donations like yours that keep infants healthy in their critical first year.

The Catalyst Center

I have posted on this before, as a Board member I would encourage anyone who has any ideas on how to help us to get in touch with us at SHARE. The following editorial was in our local Newspaper and shows we have support for this idea, we just need innovative people to come forward.

Nearly 3,000 Tri-Cities households received food last year from the food bank run by Share Family and Community Services and those numbers don’t show any signs of dropping.

Week in and week out, hundreds of people line up outside one of three food banks in the Tri-Cities. They get a bag of groceries, a kind greeting and leave a little lighter, except for the bag of pasta, canned food and other ingredients in their arms.

The community is happy to support the food bank and no doubt there is a lot of need.

But could there be a better way to deal with poverty and hunger?

Share seems to think so and is looking at creating a new model of food bank, the Catalyst Centre, which would do more than simply collect and distribute food. If the model gets the go-ahead after six months of development and funding is identified, people who now get food from the food bank would also have a case worker to help them figure out how they can become more independent and improve their quality of life, and what they need to achieve this transition.

Job skills, language skills, whatever it takes, Share would find a way to match food bank clients with resources to help them improve their lot in life. Some food bank clients might even give back as volunteers in the community (though it wouldn’t be a requirement for food), thereby enriching their own relationships in the community with all the social and economic benefits that would entail.

Locating community resources in one area with case management and referral is not a new idea. But transforming the food bank from a simple collect-and-distribute model to one that is more responsive is novel and worth considering. For it to work, however, Share must leverage existing resources and government services rather than relying on community generosity, which is already stretched.

A hand up instead of just a hand out is a smart idea, and we wish Share all the best in this transformation.

The Tri-Cities Catalyst Centre

Many of you are aware that I am on the Board of Directors of SHARE Family and Community Services which serves the Tri-Cities (Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam and Port Moody, BC). The Board recently approved the investigation of a new model of delivery for some of our services.

  As part of the new model,  SHARE has issued a Request for Proposals and we hope to have selected an individual or firm to help us complete the development of the model. The information below may help and the RFP information is included here. If you are interested check out our website for more information.

Backgrounder

Every year, SHARE is the “starting point” for thousands of people who need assistance. Although we have been active in the Tri-Cities for 42 years, we sometimes struggle to keep up with the different programs and services that are available to vulnerable people in our community. If this is happening within our agency, it is safe to say it is happening on a larger scale in the Tri-Cities.

If we struggle to stay abreast of the services available in our community, imagine the challenge that clients face in navigating the system and getting the help that they need, especially when we consider that they are often dealing with significant income, health, mental health, language, housing, abuse and/or other issues.

In response to this challenge, SHARE will be developing a new approach to providing services for people who are struggling to meet their basic needs: a “Catalyst Centre” model, that will help clients develop the skills and get the support they need to move forward. Potential services might include:

The focus of the proposed Catalyst Centre will be to quickly and clearly understand the needs of clients and to bring together, in one location where possible, the services and supports required to help them develop and implement a plan to move forward.  Putting this information and support under one roof, or in a campus or networked setting, would:

ü  Lessen the travel, time and cost burdens for people with limited incomes and limited transportation options;

ü  Help us consolidate our information-gathering systems, to create a clearer and more reliable picture of service needs, outcomes and other useful information;

ü  Create more opportunities to leverage skills, knowledge, relationships and resources from multiple individuals and agencies, towards common goals;

ü  Simplifying referral procedures between services and agencies;

ü  Identifying and addressing unnecessary duplications of systems and processes that create delays in service.

Clients will complete an intake process where key information is gathered and initial priorities related to basic needs are established. Clients will be assigned a Coach who will be their primary contact and who will act as a case manager, advocate and referral agent. The Coach will help clients develop a realistic plan and will regularly check in with clients to monitor their progress and provide feedback and other support where appropriate.

The goals that will be pursued, in all circumstances, are increased independence and improved quality of life for all clients, which could mean:

- improved ability to secure and prepare appropriate food;

- improved employment-related skills that are appropriate for the labour market;

-   participating in recreation programs;

- achieving a high school diploma;

- getting government identification cards;

- staring a small business;

- finding affordable child care;

- improving literacy skills;

- learning a new language;

- dealing with a chronic health or mental health concern;

- finding stable housing;

- escaping abuse;

- building supportive and constructive relationships;

- dealing with an addiction.

Our interactions with clients will focus on finding their strengths, helping them build their skills and knowledge, asking them to be part of their own solution and asking them to give back.

It may seem counter intuitive to ask people with significant economic and other challenges to give back, but the very act of asking clients to give back communicates that they have something important to give to others, which is a value that SHARE supports. Giving back could mean many things, including:

- helping to raise, sort, cook or distribute food;

- child minding;

- repairing broken items;

- tutoring;

- teaching others how to use a computer, or a mobile device;

- leading a cooking class;

- planting a community garden;

- providing translation services;

- helping with an afterschool program;

- translating;

- preparing tax returns.

The Catalyst Centre model will not require clients to give back in order to receive the support, but, where and when it is appropriate,  we will invite clients to participate, which moves us further towards an approach that is based on an exchange of value.

We believe that there are many potential benefits attached to this new direction, including:

ü  Developing and implementing a more substantial data gathering and reporting function, built on stronger intake and client engagement  processes, that will help us identify:

- gaps in service;

- approaches that work;

- approaches that don’t work;

- service trends in the Tri-Cities.

ü  Creating opportunities for clients to experience more success and to gain critical new skills and self-confidence.

ü  Developing more meaningful opportunities for volunteers to provide service and support.

ü  Decreasing the amount of time it takes for clients to get the services they need.

ü  Decreasing transportation, child care and other costs for clients, by offering more access to services in one location.

At this stage, the Catalyst Centre model needs to be more fully developed. SHARE has issued a Request for Proposals and we hope to have selected an individual or firm to help us complete the development of the model, including:

ü  A complete funding proposal, including rationale, that can be submitted to multiple potential funding sources for support

ü  Roster of permanent and itinerant services to be provided

ü  Complete intake and referral procedures

ü  Data gathering and reporting systems and procedures

ü  Staff organization chart and job descriptions

ü  Start-up and annual operating budgets

ü  Potential sources of funding

ü  Potential service partners (permanent and itinerant)

ü  Service delivery space requirements and flow

ü  Completed logic model

We are excited about the development of the new model and believe that this evolution of service delivery will increase our ability to bring efficient and effective services and support to vulnerable people in our Tri-Cities community. We will be looking for input from people and groups throughout our community as the Catalyst Centre model is developed.

Dear Friends of SHARE Bear

Thank you so much for coming to SHARE Bear’s rescue! To date, we've received over $2,700 in donations towards our $10,000 goal! 

Please pass along this message to your friends and family and encourage them to help “Feed and Free SHARE Bear” by making their gift online here. You can also support our cause by joining us at Coquitlam Centre tomorrow!

To learn more about SHARE Bear’s capture watch this fun clip on YouTube! As always, all funds raised will go towards the SHARE Food Bank. If you would like to learn more about the people we serve, please read this article about one mother who relied on the Food Bank during a difficult point in her life.

Feed & Free SHARE Bear! There will be Coquitlam Centre giveaways, face painting, CKPM live on location, a barbecue courtesy of Phoenix Truck & Crane, and more!

When: Thursday, June 20th 12:00 – 6:00 pm
Where: Coquitlam Centre, North Plaza (near H&M)

Thank you again for all of your support and we hope to see you tomorrow!

Subject: Free the SHARE Bear!

As some of you may know,  I am on the Board of Directors for SHARE.  (SHARE Family & Community Services Society,which is a non- profit, independent, community based organization providing leadership and programs in response to the social needs of the residents of the Tri-Cities (Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Port Moody, Anmore and Belcarra), New Westminster and adjacent communities. 

SHARE Family & Community Services exists so that vulnerable individuals and families in the Tri-cities, Anmore and Belcarra have the opportunity to pursue the life they choose.)

I am writing to ask for your help to Feed and Free SHARE Bear. SHARE Bear is hungry and has been looking for food in all of the wrong places and has been caught!

In reality, of course, I'm helping to get the word out that the Food Bank needs support over the summer. As you may recall, it's the time of year where our food supply reaches critical levels and we need your help to feed those who need it most. 

Please click here to make your gift to the food bank's summer campaign online and help free the Share Bear

Our goal is to raise $10,000 in bail money and 10,000 lbs. of food to get him (and the most vulnerable in the Tri-Cities) through the summer months.  Another great way to give is to bring the family come and free the bear yourself

You’re invited to Feed and Free SHARE Bear 
Where: Coquitlam Centre, H&M entrance.

When: Thursday, June 20^th Noon to 6:00 pm.

Goals: Raise $10,000 and 10,000 pounds of food or more.

If you are interested in following SHARE Bear’s exploits, you can also follow us on Facebook.

https://www.facebook.com/sharefcs?fref=ts

Thanks again for your help.

PS: Hunger doesn't take a summer vacation and throughout the year, 43% of our Food Bank recipients are children.  If you would like more information on this campaign or about the food bank please contact Kate Lawrence directly at 604.529.5119 or Katherine.Lawrence@sharesociety.ca

If you do not live in the Tri-Cities, I would encourage you to support your local food bank as this is a time of year that they need help. 

Support YOUR LOCAL FOOD BANK

As a Director of SHARE FAMILY SERVICES I am proud of the work the organization is -doing in the Tri-Cities and would like to share the following with you.

SHARE FAMILY SERVICES is starting its seasonal funding raising drive.  The following letter has been mailed out to residents of the Tri-cities tomorrow, November 7, 2011. Some people will open it and will be able to respond, some will open it and not be able to respond, and others may not open the mail.  So I want to get the word out that the people who use our Services, need your support.  If you live in another area of the lowermainland or the country, and you can contribute to your local Food Bank and your local charities, I would encourage you to do so.

I plan to continue to contribute this year through monthly payments.  You can also choose to make a one time donation to the food bank, to purchase a Christmas hamper or to fund other items for families in need.  Thank you in advance for supporting your neighbours who need your support.

============================================================== 

For many of us, December is a month of festive events, fond childhood memories, happy get-togethers and warm feelings. But for over 2,200 children and their families in the Tri-Cities area, December is a time of year that is filled with disappointment and sadness because they can’t put food on the table and don’t have the resources to enjoy the season.

Thanks to generous donors, SHARE has been able to help families in need enjoy the holiday season since 1972. Last year alone 1,773 families received Christmas hampers, 1,722 children received toys through the Toy Bank, and throughout the year 2,859 families were fed through the Food Bank. This is a reminder that we still need your help and hope you will consider being even more generous than in the past as we try to keep pace with increasing needs in the Tri-cities.
Share the festive spirit by supporting the food bank

With your gift, we can help families enjoy the festive spirit that we sometimes take for granted. Families like Jane and Dave, both on disability from work and struggling to make ends meet for their family of five; or single mom Deborah who is raising her 6-month old son Trevor on her own after escaping an abusive relationship. These families and many more, will rely on the Food Bank to get through the holiday season.

There are several ways to show your support and many programs for you to direct your gift towards. In addition to the Food Bank’s ongoing need, the Christmas Toy Bank provides presents for children of all ages. Your gift of just $50 can make a child’s Christmas dreams come true. The Christmas Hamper Program provides families with everything they need to celebrate the holidays. In fact, $150 can provide a Christmas hamper that will help a family of four for three weeks.

Your gift makes a difference between a happy Christmas and no Christmas at all
When you provide a gift to SHARE you can enjoy your festive season this year knowing that, thanks to you, another less fortunate family is also enjoying theirs.

From everyone at SHARE Family and Community Services, I wish you all the best of the season and good health and happiness in 2012.

Sincerely,

Martin Wyant,

Chief Executive Officer, SHARE

This year it’s easier than ever to provide your gift by visiting our secure website and making a donation online. Please visit www.sharesociety.ca and click on DONATE NOW in the top right hand corner. 

If you would like to send your donation directly to SHARE, please print out the information below, and send your donation to SHARE.
Yes, I’d like to:
___make sure a child under the age of one has a healthy start. A donation of $40 per month will purchase a weekly supply of fresh produce, milk, cheese and eggs: A regular monthly gift at a level that suits you will support to the FOOD BANK ($10, $20, $25 or $35/month)

___support the Food Bank with a one time gift of $50, $75, $100, $200 other ________

___make a one time gift of $150 to provide a family with a CHRISTMAS HAMPER

___make sure a family in our community enjoys Christmas like my family will with toys, Christmas dinner and food to last through the month of December. Please charge $220 to my credit card or debit my account (see reverse)

___support other SHARE programs with a gift of ($35, $50, $75, $100, $250 other)
========================================================================================
First Name: ________________________ Last Name: ________________________

Phone: __________________________ Address: _________________________

City ____________________________ PC: ______________ Email: ______________


Donation amount: $ _______________

_______Monthly donation
_______One time gift

Please charge my Visa / Mastercard: Card No. ______________________________ Expiry: __________

Cardholder’s Name (please print) __________________________ Phone __________

Signature ________________________ Email ____________________________                                                                                                                  (for future communications)

I understand that I may change, pause or cancel this arrangement at any time by notifying SHARE Family & Community Services. ____My cheque made payable to SHARE Society is enclosed.

Mail to: SHARE Administration 200 - 25 King Edward St. Coquitlam, BC V3K 4S8

Thank you!

SHARE Family and Community Services respects your privacy. The information you provide will be used to issue tax receipts and to keep you informed of other programs in support of SHARE. If at any time you wish to be removed from this list or another mailing, simply contact us.

Charitable Business Number R118875798 RR0001.

SHARE’s Alcohol and Drug Program recognized for Excellence

As a member of the Board of SHARE FAMILY SERVICES, I am proud of the work the organizaton does and I am happy to report that others recognize the great work done by the organization.

SHARE’s Alcohol and Drug Program recognized for Excellence

“This is the Academy Awards for our sector”, said Lynda Edmonds, SHARE’s Director of Programs and Services, as she received the Association of Addiction Specialists and Allied Professional of BC (ASAP BC) Award for Excellence.

Each year, ASAP BC, the voice for addictions in British Columbia acknowledges those who have demonstrated excellence in collaborative practice, client centered service, and commitment to best practices, innovation and leadership.

SHARE received ASAP’s Award for Excellence for both its Substance Use Services and Community and School Based Prevention Programs. Last year, SHARE’s Substance Use Services provide counselling for 800 people including children, youth and adults, who are experiencing problems related to substance use. Nearly 90% of program participants report three months after counselling that their relationship to substances is better and 100% of people who received counselling last year told us they were satisfied with the service.

SHARE’s Community & School Based Prevention Program engages youth, parents, professionals, and the community to increase the resilience of youth and reduce the prevalence of substance misuse among Tri-Cities youth. These research informed programs and groups connect youth with their school community and other resources that help youth develop the skills to make positive life choices for themselves. The Community & School Based Prevention program, a team of 2 outreach workers, together with the clinical counsellors touched the lives of 1600 youth and adult community members through prevention services.

“SHARE’s programs are strength based,” says Lynda Edmonds. “We believe deeply in peoples’ worth, even when they don’t. We are convinced of the restorative possibilities of dialogue and relationship. Talking helps!”

SHARE’s Substance Use Services and Community and School Based Prevention programs have been serving the Tri-cities since 1989 and have helped Tri-city residents address their substance use concerns and make better life choices for themselves and their families

Volunteers needed to help our Food Bank Drive

Hi everyone, I just received this email from Heather Stacey Communications and Events Office SHARE Famly Services and I thought I would get the word out about the help we need. So if you can help, please think about giving Heather a call.

SHARE‘s Fund Development Summer Event schedule is quickly heating up and we would really like your help to make the most out of these events.　 The first event is this Sunday July 10.　Vancity is celebrating their 65^th anniversary with a

Fresh Air Movie at Rocky Point Park. We would love to have two people join us – one to escort Philup, our Food Bank Mascot on his debut and one to help in our tent.　 We’ll be promoting the SHARE Food Bank Fillup on July 21.

We need 11 volunteers for the 5^th Annual Boulevard 500 Show n Shine on Sunday July 17^th, 2011.　 Last year, 6,000 people from the Tri-cities and Lower Mainland attended this fun-filled family day. 　This year’s activities will include over 300 vehicles on display, the opportunity to meet Gene Simmons, Silent Auction, 50/50 raffle, trade show, pancake breakfast and sizzling BBQ lunch, a Harley-Davidson Fashion Show, Kids Play Zone and prizes awarded throughout the day.

　

SHARE has been chosen to run and receive the proceeds from the Silent Auction, 50/50 Raffle, and Kids Play Zone. Will you help? I’m looking for 8 energetic volunteers who enjoy selling 50/50 Raffle tickets, as well as one outgoing volunteer to wear be

Philup, our mascot, and 2 volunteers for the Kids Play Zone.　 All volunteers will receive a free pancake breakfast or BBQ Lunch provide by the Boulevard Casino. Please come out and enjoy this wonderful event!

　

On July 21 the

SHARE Food Bank Fill Up will take place at Coquitlam Centre from 9-9 in the parking lot at the corner of Barnet &Johnson.　 Help us set a provincial record for the most food raised in 12 hours!　 Save on Foods will be onsite selling hotdogs and they’re bringing a massive semi truck that the Tri-city community is going to fill with food.　 Steve Darling, Global TV and Virgin Radio will be at this event throughout the day!　 Starbucks will be serving coffee in the morning and Mr. Mikes will be on the BBQ flipping burgers in the afternoon. Come on down to this fun filled family day and meet Philup SHARE’s new mascot!

　

Will you help SHARE Food Bank set a provincial record?　 I’m looking for enthusiastic volunteers to participate at the weigh in station, the semi truck station, the shopping cart station, and to information station.　 　Come on down, volunteer, help us meet our goal and enjoy a hotdog or burger. Please join me at this fun-filled event!　 　

　

If yoou can help, we’d love to have you or if you have any questions please contact me at 604.529.5107 or heather.stacey@sharesociety.ca.

　

　

SHARE FAMILY SERVICES XMAS EVENTS PLEASE SUPPORT

12/3 - 12/18 2nd Storey Theatre presents "Under the Christmas Tree" Dates: Fridays and Saturdays from December 3 - 18 Show at 7:30pm “Under the Christmas Tree” is an interactive comedy musical for the whole family. Spend an evening laughing and celebrating the season at Second Storey! Adult tickets (16yrs +) $5 with a $5 to donation to SHARE Family Services or 5 non perishable food donation Child Tickets (5 – 15 yrs) $4 with a $2 donation to SHARE or 2 non-perishable food donations Rated PG for families and people of all ages Group bookings are available. Call 778-285-0109. (An idea, instead of having a staff xmas party, use the money to support SHARE and enjoy a night out with the group) Tickets are available at the door or by calling 604-927-8400 2nd Storey Theatre is located at 201 - 2550 Shaughnessy Street, Port Coquitlam,(above the Dairy Queen) Tickets go on sale ½ hr prior to show  read more ...

12/3 - CBC Day Tune into CBC and pledge your donation to SHARE Food Bank.  Thank you for your support

Every thought of hosting an event to help at XMas

Hosting an event in your neighbourhood, school, workplace and place of worship is a great way to build connections and have fun.

Each year, hundreds of caring individuals and groups raise money and collect food for SHARE Family and Community Services in their own creative way by hosting Independent Special Events. These events include everything from bake sales and lemonade stands to golf tournaments and food drives. Are you ready to organize your own fundraising or food drive event for SHARE? All it takes is a little creativity, some careful planning, and the desire to make a difference in the lives of the people around us.
Get more information here.

So easy to do!

Hosting an event in your neighbourhood, school, workplace and place of worship is a great way to build connections and have fun.

Each year, hundreds of caring individuals and groups raise money and collect food for SHARE Family and Community Services in their own creative way by hosting Independent Special Events. These events include everything from bake sales and lemonade stands to golf tournaments and food drives. Are you ready to organize your own fundraising or food drive event for SHARE? All it takes is a little creativity, some careful planning, and the desire to make a difference in the lives of the people around us.

To host a food drive or fundraiser:

1. Come up with an idea – no matter how big or small, make sure it’s fun for you!
2. Develop your strategy – what has to be done by when and who is going to do it?
3. Contact Heather to tell her about your event. We’ll post it on our website.
4. Make it happen!
5. Throw in a competition, involve your workplace and neighbourhood, get your friends involved.
6. Have Fun!

If you’re hosting a food drive, it’s very helpful if you bring your food directly to the depot. It allows us to direct money to the costs of distributing food rather than to paying for gas. The Food Depot is located at 2615 Clarke Street, Port Moody and open from 9:00 – 4:30 Monday through Friday.

If you have collected so much food that you are unable to fit it in your vehicle … CONGRATULATIONS! Call us at 604-529-5107 and we will arrange our driver to pick it up.

Thank you for your support

Join Share at Unwrapped

Join us for this internationally recognized shopping event and help support SHARE!

Tuesday

November 23, 2010

Tickets $10.00 – No Minors Permitted

Purchase your ticket from SHARE by calling 604-540-9161

or at Coquitlam Centre Guest Services

One night only

Special discounts

 Over $16, 000 in Prizes

 Sneak Peak of Holiday Fashion

 Festive Tunes and Entertainment

 Enjoy Tasting from Local

 Restaurants & Wineries

 Santa Photos and Gift Wrapping (by donation)

For more information visit www.coquitlamcentre.com.

Congratulations Coquitlam Centre for winning the International Council of Shopping Centres Foundation’s Canadian Community Support Award for Unwrapped 2009! 

We’re looking forward to bigger and better this year

Share Family & Community Services

I received the following from our CEO and Board Chair and I am proud to share this with all of you. This nomination speaks highly of the hard work and dedication of the Senior Management Team, the volunteers and the workers who make up the SHARE Family. Check us out, and remember to contribute to the Food Bank in your Community, the need is great at this time of year.

SHARE Family & Community Services has been nominated as the Not-for-Profit of the Year as part of the Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce 10th annual "Business Excellence Awards". The recipient of the award will be announced in January 2011.


It is an honour to be nominated for this award and very gratifying to see that your collective efforts are respected and valued in our community. Thank you, all, for making a positive difference in the lives of the
We are very proud to be part of the SHARE Family and we appreciate your passion, dedication and ongoing commitment to help strengthen children and families.

Thank you for choosing to be part of our SHARE family and for representing us so well!

Think about the Food bank

"I believe that if you show people the problems and you show them the solutions they will be moved to act."

Bill Gates

Think about it and I know you’ll agree that Bill’s statement is true. Charities have used tv and film to make sure that we know the problems. They also show us how we can make the lives of the people who need help better. It may not be just money either. For example, charities donations can be tinned foods or warm clothes for bitterly cold nights, or spectacles to help people see. You can even make a charity car donation to be used or sold by the charity. Things we don’t have a use for any more but are still too good to throw away. This way we can make a difference easily and feel that we are helping in a way that doesn’t mean we have to give money.

If you like to give money, do you give charity donations regularly or just when you see a disaster has happened on the news? If you donate money to charity regularly, I expect you have already decided on the area that is most important to you, such as Cancer or Food Bank. I also expect you have discovered the tax benefits too. The tax that you have already paid on charities donations can be reclaimed by the charity
If, like me, you  have a ‘favourite’ charity, it is a good idea to plan your budget for the year and then decide how to help. Charities like the SHARE Family Services. are known in their communites and I think it that it is better to help with charity donations closer to home. Sometimes the best and most satisfying things to do is be involved with fund raising at a local level. When I had a young family we gave money to Foster Parents and as well we communicated with our Foster child the festival was over the food would go to a local charity for the homeless.

Now the children have grown up and we have moved to a different part of greater Vancouver.  That doesn’t mean I have stopped helping. It just means that I do it differently. In recent years I have chosen two areas to support. One is cancer research as it affects my family. The other is being on the Board of Directors of SHARE Family Services. In this way I get the satisfaction of believing my financial help to the charities donations makes a better future.

Getting in shape

I am on the Board of Directors of SHARE Family & Community Services and a part of a fund raising campaign I am trying to get into shape by participating in a provincial program called Fantasy Fitness Vancouver 2010, which is a great program. They provide daily emails for motivation, and a great web page where I can track my progress. As part of this program SHARE staff and the Board have formed teams that can gain points as an incentive  and we are also competing with Nurses, Firefighters and Police to see which team can raise the most money and win the contest by being in better shape by the end of the 90 days. So I went to one of the first events to gain points, which was an fitness circuit at the gym. I, like many of my age group had not participated in a regular fitness regime except to walk and play golf (0nce a week in the summer) for over 25 years. I thought I was in not bad shape but I evidently am not. I was able to finish about 36 minutes of the hour, and the owner of the gym said to me he thought that was pretty good as the workout was really for people who were in good shape. (I wish I had known that before I went :-). Before the next scheduled workout I received an email along with all of the other participants. The fourth line was " Circuit Classes can cater to a variety of fitness levels but to take part you need to be capable of 60 minutes of exercise". As I was the only one who had not completed 60 minutes I got the hint. As a boomer I can still take a hint, so I am working on other ways to get in shape and my goal is to get to a point where I could finish 60 minutes of vigorous exercise, now I can complete 60 minutes of light to moderate.

As a boomer I have slowed down, but I am not stopping.