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Our Need Is Greater Than Ever Before!As the effects of Canada’s current economic downturn push our senior population into deeper levels of isolation and financial hardship, the 411 Seniors Centre is facing additional challenges attempting to maintain service and program levels in the midst of funding reductions and government cut backs. To assist 411 in maintaining its resilient voice in support of Vancouver’s seniors, we are expanding our fundraising campaign initiative. This new initiative will assist us to better foster and enhance our capacity to provide services and programming. To those ends, you will find a one page overview on the reverse side of this letter introducing new opportunities for our community to support our most valuable work. In closing, the Board of Directors, staff, volunteers, and I respectfully ask that you please contribute to this essential fundraising appeal, as our need is greater than ever before. Please note too, that a personal fundraising letter of appeal from our Board President, Stuart Lyster, can be read below. In friendship and caring, DIRECT MAIL FUNDRAISING APPEAL PDF DOCUMENT INCLUDING DONATION FORM CLICK HERE
Our Need Is Greater Than Ever Before!I am a newcomer to the 411 Seniors Centre and have been awed by the sheer number of services offered. The building receives over 21,000 visits every year from people in need of our services. This number does not include individuals who phone in to access our services, nor does it include visitors and clients that do not sign the visitor-sign in book on the 1st floor. Some seniors come for a hot meal, or for regular blood pressure monitoring, to join a class, participate in a fitness program, trip or tour, to have their income tax form completed, speak with an information and referral counsellor, or perhaps simply to have some time out of the house and to spend time with friends at 411. Whatever seniors’ reasons are for attending the 411, your financial contributions make the services we provide them possible. On behalf of the seniors here at 411, I’d like to thank you in advance for considering our organization for your contribution. The sheer numbers of seniors accessing 411 services are awe-inspiring. However, these numbers do not make the little things stand out nor do they highlight the impact that 411 has on the day to day lives of seniors. I first felt genuine love for 411 seniors while eating in the cafeteria. I observed a man with a glum look on his face walking westbound crossing Homer on Dunsmuir; when he came in the cafeteria door, his whole face brightened into a beaming smile! After that, no one needed to sell me on the value of what is done here. Every once in a while I use the 2nd floor public access terminal to check e-mail. Once I was there waiting patiently for the gentleman in front of me to finish his session. When he was done he made a remark to no one in particular at how grateful he was that a loved-one had come through surgery successfully. It turns out that this internet connection was the main means of accessing his e-mail. Every day I see the significant impact that 411 has on individual lives and I also see the challenges that lay ahead for this organization. These challenges include: a changing population demographic, increased diversity amongst seniors and a changing economy which is reflected in recent cuts to Government Sponsored Programs. Some of us are not as mobile as we once were and age catches up with us. This is all the more reason to support a centre such as ours and help us to support seniors through these changing times. It is a challenging time for everyone. I hope to be able to count on your support for this year as 411 seniors continues to make a difference in the lives of individuals. For more information, please contact Bonnie O’Sullivan, Manager of Programs & Fund Development, bosullivan@411seniors.bc.ca or 604.684.8171. Sincerely, Stuart Lyster, President 411 Seniors Centre Society.
Fundraiser Donation Opportunities General Donation: Monthly Giving: Tribute Contributions: Honorary gifts can celebrate: Memorial Gifts: Tax Receipts: Tax receipts are issued for all donations, and if you wish, we will send a note to the next of kin telling them of your gracious contribution. Categories of Giving: |
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