WICS raking in the money for community groups

Despite a sluggish economy, West Island Community Shares (WICS) has managed to raise more money than ever to help some 30 community groups.

WICS set a goal of $700,000 for its 2009-2010 campaign, which ends in March, after recording a record $685,000 the previous fiscal year.

“We set a modest increase because we knew it would be a difficult year,” said WICS director Caroline Tison, who first starting working with the fundraising umbrella group about six years ago. “We are very fortunate to have established relations and accountability with our donors, which during these (tough economic) times, it’s even more important than ever.”

Upcoming fundraisers in the New Year should help WICS reach its goal.

“So far, we are on target but where not there yet,” Tison said of the $700,000 figure.

On Jan. 25, the Red and White gala at 40 Westt Steakhouse should raise about $80,000, Tison said, adding a new event, the Laurentian Bank breakfast, is being held at Chez Cora in Dollard des Ormeaux on Jan. 22. There is also the Feb. 16 RBC Valentine’s Day breakfast at the St. Hubert restaurant in Kirkland.

One of the key events the past 11 years has been the WICS annual golf tournament, which was held last June at the Beaconsfield Golf Club, raising about $85,000 - a 15 per cent increase from the previous year.

Among the groups WICS supports include: AMCAL Family Services which was given $60,000 this year; Pierrefonds Community Project which was given $57,000; West Island Community Resource Centre which was given $25,000 and Venturing Out Beyond Our Cancer (VOBOC) which received $15,000.

VOBOC, created in 2001, offers free diversions and outings to adult cancer patients from the West Island and it grants special requests to terminally ill patients.

“Without WICS’ help we wouldn’t have the confidence to answer the phone,” said VOBOC founder Doreen Edward, adding WICS has funded VOBOC for three years now. “We couldn’t survive without WICS funding.”

WICS, which has been raising funds since 1998, has corporate partners who cover its administrative costs so that 100 per cent of donations received go given to the charities. The West Island community groups WICS supports help approximately 27,000 people each year, including underprivileged families, seniors, those suffering from mental illness, arthritis or cancer and troubled youths.

About 10,000 public and corporate supporters contribute to the success of WICS’s annual campaign through donations, fundraising events, partnerships and sponsorships.

For more information, check www.communityshares.ca or call 514-695-8694.