Name a County charity that deserves $10,000
Administrator | Oct 01, 2019 | Comments 0
In less than 30 minutes, four times a year, a small membership group makes a large difference to a County charity – presenting a gift of more than $10,000.
Over the past two years, the 100 People Who Care Prince Edward County group has presented almost $100,000 to County charities.
Ahead of its second year anniversary meeting this week, the group is seeking the public’s help to learn about more County charities who deserve to be considered as candidates to receive the fistful of cheques – usually totalling more than $10,000.
People Who Care is now looking for charities that may be less widely-known and thus are not being nominated by a member.
“We are concerned that there are groups out there that people don’t know much about, and that aren’t getting the opportunity to be nominated,” said Mark Davis, one of the founders of 100 People Who Care PEC.
The group considers local organizations with a registered charitable number (or those under the umbrella of another organization able to provide tax receipts).
Since all monies must remain and be utilized within Prince Edward County, Davis said this tends to exclude charities such as the Cancer Society, or the Heart and Stroke Foundation as they cannot guarantee the money will be used in any one specific place, or location.
The group meets quarterly to choose a recipient. With no operating costs and no paid staff, the group handles no cash.
“Each member has pledged to give a $100 cheque four times a year, in order to support our community,” said Davis. “The donations are tax-deductible and each member of 100 People collects four $100 tax receipts at the end of the year.”
Prior to their quarterly meetings, members receive an email encouraging them to nominate a local charity for consideration.
All submissions are put into the ring and three proposals are blindly selected as finalists.
“The nominator agrees to do a two-to-three minute talk on why they put forth the charity, what contributions the organization makes locally, and how monies would be spent should they win,” said Davis. “A secret vote between the three finalists is then taken and counted, and the winner receives all the members’ cheques for that quarter. With the exception of the very first meeting, every meeting has resulted in a total gift of over $10,000 to the winning charity.”
So far, there have been eight winning charities:
Prince Edward Learning Center, Oct. 2017
Picton United Church Food Bank, Jan. 2018
Alternatives For Women, April 2018
Glenwood Cemetery damage repair fund, July 2018
Reaching for Rainbows, Oct. 2018
Wellington Auxiliary Rescue Association, Jan 2019
Healing with Horses, April 2019
County Kids Read (under PECAC), July 2019
Qualifying organizations are invited to submit an overview (200-300) words max, including their mandate and mission statement, of the work they do to benefit people living here in the County.
“We are aware of many such groups but suspect there may be many more deserving but yet-to-be-nominated charities within our community that we would like to hear from. We would send this information out to our members in the hopes of getting new quarterly nominees.”
As well, the group continues to welcome new members. Meetings are usually held the first Monday of each quarter at the Waring Hall, courtesy of fellow members Norah and Chris Rodgers. A social gathering is held from 6:45 p.m. to the meeting time of 7:30 p.m.
All interested charities should submit their information to 100peoplewhocarepec@gmail.com or, call committee member Mark Davis directly at 613-922-7722 with questions.
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