'Tis the Season of Giving

With so much change for the residents of Wood Buffalo, there is an increased need for support.  By giving your time or by donating items, you can help out in a big way.

The Wood Buffalo Food Bank always has a need for volunteers.  You could sort and stock food items, ensure food hasn’t expired, volunteer for events and so much more!  Volunteer hours are between 9 am and 8 pm Monday to Friday and the second Saturday of each month from 9 am to 4 pm.  You can find out more by calling Anna at 780-743-1125 ext. 228 or by visiting: http://www.woodbuffalofoodbank.com/.

Santas Anonymous is once again being organized by the students and staff at Father Mercredi High School. If you are looking for a way to help, please consider making a donation on their donation page, dropping off some needed toys (a list of which can be found on the wish list page) or by referring a family on the referral page (the deadline for referrals is by the end of day on November 21).  For more information, please visit: https://sites.google.com/a/fmcsd.ab.ca/fmsantas/. 

The Salvation Army is looking for volunteers for their Christmas Kettle Campaign.  Shifts are a commitment of 2 hours.  To find out more, contact Verna by calling 587-646-0981 or emailing verna_thomas@can.salvationarmy.org. 

The Centre of Hope has volunteer opportunities on a regular basis.  Volunteers do need to be over 18 years of age.  To find out more about volunteering, please call Danielle Stagg at 780-743-3912 ext. 227.  If you wanted to donate some items to the Centre of Hope, fresh fruit, hot chocolate and coffee are always appreciated!  The hours of operation are 8:30 am-4:30 pm, 7 days a week, the office is closed for lunch from 11:30 am-12:30 pm.  For more details about their services and programs, you can visit their website by following the link: http://fmcentreofhope.com/. 

The Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo believes in connecting citizens through volunteering. Wood Buffalo offers many events and programs that would not be possible without the support and dedication of volunteers.  You can register to volunteer for some of the following upcoming events including the Santa Claus Parade and Lights of Christmas or WinterPLAY.  To find out more or to register, please visit http://www.rmwb.ca/living/Events-and-Festivals/Volunteering-for-Municipal-Events.htm. 

These are just a few ways you can get involved and help brighten the lives of those in our communities. I think the following quote by Aesop sums things up nicely, “No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.” 

Artist in Residency-A Glimpse Into their BUSY Summer Schedule!

This summer, four fantastic artists are promoting and creating art throughout the region as part of Wood Buffalo'a Artist in Residency (AIR) program.

Liana Wheeldon, Penny Chun, Mandy Wills and Reinalie Jorolan are this year's Artists. 

The next time you are visiting Mac Island, why not take a moment to pop into their Snye Studio to see what they are up to? The studio is located in the MacDonald Island Community Art Gallery, just outside the fitness centre. 

In addition to their Artist Talks and weekly Open Houses ( click  here to see the schedule), the artists are also engaging with the community and participating in special events throughout the summer!

Last week, the Artists  partnered with a local organization to provide programming for children. On July 14th, the Artists spoke to the children about the importance of art and respecting other people's work. The activity consisted of making "Super Hero Foxes", with each child making a "superhero" fox that had the power of such qualities as kindness, politeness, and respect. This activity also provided awareness on recognizing and respecting public art.

The Artists also participated in the new Municipal beautification initiative called BAM (short for Business Ambush), where volunteers makeover local businesses using locally sourced materials, to show the impact and affordability of beautifying storefronts. The Artists showcased their talents by painting a dumpster at the Centre of Hope. You can check it out for yourself the next time you walk or drive along Franklin Ave, or visit their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/woodbuffaloair 

In the upcoming weeks, the Artists have a busy schedule.

During the August long weekend, the Artists will be participating in the YMM ArtFest (August 1- 3). 

On Friday, August 1, the Artists will be hosting "AIR Studio Conversations" from 7 pm to 9 pm at their Snye Studio. You are invited to attend, learn about the artists’ work, and enjoy delicious tapas with the new friends you meet!

On Sunday, August 3, the Artists will be part of "Art in the Park"  at the newly opened Marine Park from 12 pm to 4 pm. In addition to all the other exciting events planned for the day, the Artists will have a Children's Craft Corner where you can take home an illustrated colouring book created by one of our resident artists!

Make sure to tune in to Mix 103.7 fm on August 18th at noon, when the Artists will be talking with Shauna MacKinnon during McMurray Matters. 

On August 27, while you are attending the Urban Market at the Jubilee Centre, keep an eye out for the Artists, who will be holding a special event from 5 pm to 7 pm. 

Lastly, be sure to attend the opening of the Artists exhibition "FOURSIGHTS" on August 28, at the MacDonald Island Community Art Gallery at 7 pm. This is a collaborative exhibit that will showcase the work each of the Artists have accomplished over the summer. 

If you want to learn more about the artists or the AIR program, visit www.woodbuffalo.ab.ca/artist or follow the Wood Buffalo Artist in Residency on Facebook to get daily updates!

8th Annual KD Gala- Oct 26th 2013

For more information please visit www.fmcentreofhope.com

Fund Developer and Event Coordinator position

The Centre of Hope is hiring;

Are you a team player who is passionate about helping non-profit organizations grow and develop? This Fort McMurray charity requires the support of a confident donor-relations professional who excels in event planning and sponsorship development. The Fund Developer & Event Coordinator will assist the organization in cultivating and growing crucial relationships with major donors, sponsors and friends as they work toward a campaign goal. As well as execute the resource development strategy of the organization, appealing to individuals and businesses throughout the community for funds.

What you will do:
• Develop sponsorship opportunities, new donor prospects and fundraising initiatives
• Establish communication and relationships with potential sponsors and donors
• Maintain relationships with current donors and sponsors
• Plan and manage internal and external fundraising events (about 5 per year)
• Attend networking events, including lunches and conferences
• Maintain and expand donor database
• Serve as spokesperson for the organization, where appropriate

Must haves:
• 1-5 years of experience in the non-profit sector or with event planning and/or sales
• Passion for non-profit sector
• Excellent communication skills
• Confidence to ask for donations and sponsorships
• Strong computer skills
• Flexibility to work some evenings and weekends as required for events.

Please send Resumes to:
Amanda Holloway
Executive Director
Centre of Hope
amanda@fmcentreofhope.com