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Message from our Executive Director
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It's my pleasure to introduce the spring
2018 issue of the BCHF newsletter.
I was very happy to be named Executive Director of the BCHF. I've enjoyed volunteering for the Foundation in many different capacities over the past 8 years, and I look forward to helping the organization excel and grow well into the future.
The BCHF has gotten off to a great start this year, in terms of both fundraising and strategic planning. We managed the launch of the Dine Out Vancouver Festival Grand Tasting on January 19th, which was attended by over 450 guests. The event included 30+ drinks tables and culinary bites from 12 restaurants, raising over $10,000 for the Foundation.
The Farm Friends fundraiser at Edible Canada on February 22nd raised another $6000. I'm happy to announce that we've also negotiated a contract with the
BCWI
, making us their charity of choice for the next 3 years.
Finally, Medina Cafe chose the BCHF as the charity for their Front of the Line Fundraiser program in the month of February, which not only raised over $3,000, but also got us lots of great media coverage thanks to their PR team, SMC Communications.
Finally, on February 8th we held a "town hall"-style meeting
attended by our Board members and approximately 45 stakeholders. The goal of the meeting was to solicit feedback regarding how the BCHF is currently perceived, as well as to determine our future direction. The event started with a presentation that included a short history of the Foundation; a review of BCHF beneficiaries in 2017; a breakdown of beneficiaries by location and industry sector since our inception; and a glimpse into our future goals. We then broke into facilitated discussion groups to hear guests' ideas about what our priorities should be and how we can best help people in the hospitality industry. In the months to come we will develop a strategic plan that's responsive to their ideas and concerns. Thank you to all our guests for your valuable input!
Executive Director
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BCHF Meeting with Stakeholders
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On February 8 we met with 45 industry stakeholders from all sectors: associations, restaurants, hotels, education, public relations, wine, beer, and liquor, including BCHF Founders Dennis Chrismas and Leeann Froese plus some beneficiaries.
Thanks to the participation of stakeholders, we are working on our short, mid and long-term goals based on their suggestions. This summer the Board will have an in-depth strategic planning session.
One clear direction we received was that we need to increase our membership. If you would like to be considered to become a BCHF Member, click here. Membership includes voting rights at our AGM in May and our membership committee is currently working on other perks and benefits that we hope to announce at the upcoming AGM.
We have also started a new Industry Advisory Group to help us focus our efforts and keep us in tune with the industry's needs. If you are interested in applying to join this group please contact Dana at
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In 2017, we were able to help 35 people, which is the largest annual number of beneficiaries since the Foundation's inception.
We're proud to be known and recognized as the ONE Foundation that supports hospitality industry workers.
We are here to provide last-resort financial support for hospitality workers in critial need due to a health crisis or injury, and you can help us reach those who need us most. Print and post the
attached poster
where your fellow workers can read it.
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BCHF Scholarship applications for 2018
closed on February 28
We received many Culinary, Sommelier, Industry and Hospitality applications. Selecting recipients was difficult, as we had limited funds and all candidates are deserving of our support.
We granted 4 Sommelier scholarships and 5 Culinary scholarships. We are currently reviewing 2 Industry scholarship applications and we will be granting 10 Ho
spitality scholarships to students. Finally, the Greg King Scholarship Fund with PICA has granted the scholarship to Emily Tribe.
On February 22, the Farm Friends fundraiser at
Edible Canada
raised $6000 for our Scholarship Fund. If you would like to host an event or become a scholarship sponsor, please contact Dana.
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Looking Forward to Great Upcoming Events
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It is our pleasure to share the following list of upcoming events, which includes BC Hospitality Foundation events as well as events put on by our supporters.
The events will not only create awareness of our work, but will also raise funds for the Foundation.
Top Drop - a unique two-day consumer and trade event -
May 17 and 18
Hotels to Help raffle -
October 9 to 22
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We've got big plans for 2018, and they include you
Calling all hospitality owners! We have been working with the team over at
Junction Creative
to build a social media strategy that includes a volunteer program and we need your help:
We want to give
gift cards to local businesses
to our volunteers. This would be a way for us to thank them for their work, but would also help them become more familiar with the local hospitality scene. After they visited your businesses, the volunteer would be asked to provide a positive post about their experience, which would boost your business' online presence, as well as raising awareness about the BCHF.
We are therefore, asking for donations of business gift cards. The card value should be roughly equivalent to one visit to your business. If you are interested in participating,
please email
[email protected]. We think this program will be a win-win situation for everyone involved!
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Fundraising is Key and You can Help
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Alternative Fundraising Options
In 2017, we had very successful payroll deduction plan contributions from the
Fairmont Chateau Whistler
a
nd from the Whistler group
Crystal Lodge,
Beacon Pub,
and
Basalt
. All employees contributing more than $25 to this type of plan are eligible to receive a tax receipt.
As well,
Stewart Family Estates donated over $5,000 from its Quails' Gate Winery and Lake Sonoma Winery November/December
brand campaign
to the BCHF.
If you need information on setting up a payroll deduction plan or starting a brand campaign, email Dana or call 604-986-3262.
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New in 2018!
We are one of the approved charities that can receive Aeroplan Miles. These miles help us create great auction and raffle prizes with travel arrangements to and from amazing places. Help us reach our initial goal of 100,000 by donating here. |
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Regardless of the amount
, online donations
made through our partnership with Canada Helps, receive instant tax receipts!
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