We simply could not do it without you.
The work of the Canadian Red Cross is only possible because of the generous contributions from several sectors including corporate gifts, grants, major gifts from individuals or foundations, third-party fundraisers, and those who give smaller amounts on a one-time or monthly basis.
National Philanthropy Day falls on November 15
th each year. It’s an opportunity to celebrate our supporters and the multitude of ways they give back to our community through the Red Cross in Saskatchewan.
“Every dollar makes a difference and can change a person’s life. Your donation makes sure no one faces tragedy alone,” says Tammy Doerksen, manager of Corporate and Community Engagement in Saskatchewan.
Our work hinges on emergency preparedness – you never know when disaster will strike. Whether small or large, donations help the Red Cross maintain supplies and trained staff and volunteers, so we are always ready to respond.
“Donations are given in many ways. Through a disaster appeal, event gala, or taking a chance on the Red Cross Lottery and Campaign for Kids Raffle. Last year alone lottery ticket buyers donated over $35,000 with 92 per cent of those donations less than $100,” says Monika Zmetana, manager of Provincial Gaming Operations in Saskatchewan.
“In the last 10 years, our buyers have donated over $415,000. Small donations add up fast!”.
Community fundraisers are another important way people contribute to the Red Cross. Organizations and individuals have held birthday collections, street haircuts,
concerts and a seven-year-old boy even donated profits from the sales of his
comic book.
In the villages of Dilke and Bethune, one group has been
supporting the Red Cross for more than as century. It started with knitting socks for the soldiers during the war years but for more than 50 years now, they have held an annual tea to raise funds.
“My grandma was always involved and then my mom, and then my sister and I and my sister in law, so it was kind of like a family thing,” explains organizer Fran Sigmeth. “I just thought it was a worthy charity.”
From $5 to $1 million; it all makes a difference. In Saskatchewan, the Red Cross is fortunate to have incredible support from major corporations for provincial, national and international operations.
“Without these big donations, our operations would be significantly affected in terms of the number of volunteers we would be able to train, our ability to be prepared for large or small-scale emergencies,” says Rachel Solberg, manager of Corporate Partnerships in Saskatchewan.
From supporting the annual Red Gala – the largest Red Cross fundraising event in the province – to supporting programming in local communities, Saskatchewan corporations play an essential role.
“National Philanthropy Day is important because it allows us to celebrate our donors,” Red Cross Vice President Luc Mullinder adds.
“Without community support, the vulnerable people we serve would not get the help they need. Our donors make it all possible.”
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