Corporate Challenge

Normally, I write posts about provincial and federal politics.  Today, I am going to talk about a local issue in my community, partially brought on by provincial cutbacks from the Ministry of Neglecting Children and Families and partially brought on by alleged Criminal Fraud by an employee.  This will be followed by a challenge to the Corporate “citizens” that do business in our community.  To provide some background for this story, I read today in the Goldstream Gazette that the Capital Families Association will be closing it’s doors in my community.

 

Capital Families Association, a beloved but beleaguered West Shore service provider for parents and children, will be closing its doors for good, likely at the end of April.

Kelly Greenwell, executive director for the Capital Families, confirmed the 34-year organization doesn’t have the funds to continue and is working to shift existing programs to other West Shore service agencies.

“We’ve lost considerable funding in the last few months,” Greenwell said. “It’s put us in a position where we have to consider winding up programs.”

Over the past fall and winter, Capital Families lost a major grant renewal from the Ministry of Children and Family Development, saw the pool of MCFD funds shrink, and had a three-year funding commitment end for a core gardening and food security program.

The grant renewal in particular was a tough loss. MCFD awarded the grant, which was rescinded after being challenged by other service agencies. Roberta Mason, president of the Capital Families board, called it a “perfect storm” of cuts, which was only exacerbated by the loss of $200,000 due to fraud last year.

“(After losing the grant) what was left was contracts for delivery of services, but no money to fund administration,” Mason said. “The fraud killed us. If we had a buffer of $200,000 we could have rode through this. Without it, we’ve got nothing left in the bank. If the fraud had not happened, we would not be having this problem.”

This spells bad news for families that struggle in my community, especially children in poverty and disability situations, single parents who rely on resources locally and seniors.

Over the years, Capital Families has been prolific in the community, running extensive programs for gardening and food security, seniors assistance, parent education and counselling, and parent and children drop-in sessions.

It was founding member of the West Shore Child, Youth and Family Centre on Wale Road, where it ran the Whale Spirit day care, one of the only non-profit day cares in Greater Victoria designed for children with disabilities. Capital Families had an annual operating budget of about $900,000.

But in recent years the agency struggled. In 2008, it shut down a 15-year program that had volunteers driving seniors to doctors appointments and errands.

On top of that, the (it’s before the courts) alleged embezzlement of $200,000.  For an organization already running on a hope and a prayer, this was the straw that broke the proverbial camel’s back.  I would dearly love to hear how Christie Clark is going to fix the Province’s role in this public relations nightmare.  Families First, Ms. Premier-without-a-seat?  Prove it!  Put your money where your perfectly drawn with toxic lipstick mouth is.

As for the fraud that crippled the organization that, for 34 years, enabled the disabled children of the fastest growing community on the south of Vancouver Island, well, I hope that person experiences Justice through our courts, but that doesn’t help the Capital Families Assn.  I think I have an idea how to create Justice for the org. and the people it helps.  Corporate citizenship.  That’s right folks.  I have a challenge to put out there today, to the corporate sector that flourishes in our little bedroom community in the shadow of the Capital City.  I challenge you, Corporations, to donate money to this Organization.  Then I challenge you to extend the challenge to your competition.

Here are a few suggestions.  They are NOT a comprehensive list, but rather a place to start, to challenge their competitors!

 Alpine Group, originally a Disposal Company, you will find that they have diversified nicely.  Well placed to continue to profit hugely on the West Shore.

Bear Mountain Resort Golf Club and Properties.

Belmont Collision(1975)Ltd.  Towing companies are making large money with the new drinking and driving laws.

CIBC, Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce. Note on their website that March is Fraud Prevention Month.  I’m guessing they could afford to contribute.

Coast Capital Savings Credit Union, put your money where your customers are.

DFH Real Estate.  Realtors have been making large money in this region in the last 20 years.  Pay it back a little already!

Enex Fuels, distributor of Imperial Oil on Vancover Island.  I’m thinking they could afford to contribute!

Future Shop, big box store in Langford, parent Co. Best Buy Canada, also in Langford

Glenoak Ford Ltd.  Need I say more?

HSBC Bank Canada

Island Savings Credit Union

J B Group auto parts

Kal Tire

London Drugs

Mainroad South Island Contracting LTD. [email protected]

National Money Mart Co. 

Orchid Dental Dental for the rich, how about supporting your community!

Pharmasave Big Pharma, pay up!

Quantum Hazmat A Division of Quantum Murray LP

RBC Royal Bank donations…

Shopper’s Drug Mart markets themselves as Canada’s biggest pharmacy. Ante up Shopper’s!

TimberWest doesn’t have a local listing, we just don’t matter!  How about it TimberWest, a little corporate citizenship?

U-Haul Canada

Vancity

Western Forest Products Ltd.  Benefitted from a huge TFL Land giveaway by the Campbell Regime under Rich Coleman, along with Timberwest and Island Timberlands.

Given the shrinking of the Yellow pages this year, I cannot find any companies to finish off the alphabet, but here’s a start.  It may be naive of me to expect any of them to help out with this organisation, but let’s give them the opportunity!