Let’s Chat: Community support needed

By Linda Tooth on September 18, 2024.

Have you ever wondered what the difference is between non-profit and profit organizations?

According to Queen’s Law Clinics in Canada, a non-profit is defined as “an association or corporation committed to operating exclusively for social welfare, civic improvement, pleasure, recreation, or any other purpose except profit.”

What about the difference between a non-profit and a charity? According to Indeed, “A non-profit uses its income to support the organization’s main goal or mission. A charity is a type of non-profit that engages in activities to improve people’s lives.”

Non-profits began in Canada during the 1800s and have evolved over the years to help those in need from coast to coast. According to the website Know History, the first non-profit or charitable organization in Canada was the Massey Foundation.

This foundation was established in 1896 and is responsible for many programs supporting those in arts and education. Fun fact for history lovers like myself who grew up in Medicine Hat, I attended Vincent Massey Elementary School, and it was named after the first Canadian-born Governor General Vincent Massey. He was the grandson of Hart Massey of the Massey Foundation.

I digress readers, and need to get back to what this article is about.

It has been suggested that all levels of government, community and those with a social enterprise mindset help non-profits operate. While all are especially important the community must become involved.

How can we as community members do that? Taking part in fundraising and philanthropic activities are two notable examples we can follow.

Organizations like Sanare Centre depend on community financial support to offer programs supporting those who have experienced sexual, domestic, or personal trauma.

Those individuals include children, as well as young and older adults. Forty-three per cent of clients at Sanare Centre are under the age of 18. That is a staggering number of young people who need and benefit from the help given to them by the staff at Sanare Centre.

Let us not forget that women, men and those representing all genders are welcome and have sought therapy at Sanare. From the intake process to counselling, these community members are getting the help they need to function well in society.

On Oct. 26, Sanare Centre is hosting a Boo-Bash fundraising event. The evening will include dinner, entertainment, a silent and live auction, as well as a best costume competition in honour of survivors to celebrate Halloween.

What a fantastic opportunity it will be to come and support an organization so vital to our community. Tickets can be purchased at Eventbrite.ca.