FUSION’s Report from the Chair – October 2009
Shawn Peterson, Chair, FUSION Saint John Inc.
It was been another solid month for FUSION Saint John. We have been busy in the community, and it will only get busier as we begin organizing Operation Red Nose in Saint John for the 2009 holiday season.
With that said, here is our second – “FUSION’s Report from the Chair”:
September’s Party with a Purpose
Our last monthly Party with a Purpose took place at Boilerworks. The goal was to encourage volunteerism within the community. On hand were folks from the Saint John Volunteer Center who were able to talk about the upcoming Volunteer Recruitment Expo. It was a great chance to learn about the various volunteer opportunities and challenges volunteer organizations in the city face. It’s great to see so many volunteers making a difference in Saint John.
Thanks to the Ambassadors committee for organizing these monthly parties!
FUSION presents ArtConnect!
FUSION’s Community Engagement Committee had been busy preparing for our second ArtConnect event. This time, the event took place during the Volunteer Recruitment Expo. FUSION was able to co-ordinate sponsorship from five local companies, which was used to purchase artwork from five local artists. The artwork was then put up for silent auction during the Volunteer Recruitment Expo.
The interesting twist is that the silent auction was for volunteer hours – not money.
The highest bidder for each piece of artwork will receive the artwork after completing their hours at their chosen volunteer organization.
In total, over eight hundred hours was pledged by the winners!
Thanks to our local companies for sponsoring the event (and ensuring that the artists were paid): Moosehead, Irving Oil, Cox & Palmer, T4G Limited, and Bell Aliant.
Thanks to the local artists for supporting the concept: Jennifer MacLean, Nate Guimond, Vicky Walker, Sue Furlong, and Shawn Smith.
Finally, thanks to everyone for coming out to see us at the event. We received so many wonderful comments. I am very glad that we helped bring out some new volunteers along with raising awareness of volunteerism opportunities in the city.
Operation Red Nose 2009
FUSION is once again organizing Operation Red Nose in Greater Saint John!
Last year was the inaugural year in Greater Saint John, and it was a great success! There were nine nights of service, on Fridays & Saturdays between November 28 and December 27. We gave 224 rides to residents of Saint John, Grand Bay/Westfield, Rothesay and Quispamsis, and clients donated $3,300, which was in turn donated to PRO Kids. Feedback from clients, sponsors and volunteers was phenomenal.
This year’s local launch will be held in Saint John in November and campaign details (operation dates, phone number, headquarters, etc) will be revealed at this time.
We are now looking for volunteers – please email saintjohn@operationrednose.com for more details!
FUSION Fredericton / FUSION Moncton
“This past spring, FUSION was awarded $25,000 through the Population Growth Secretariat’s Youth Engagement Funding Program. FUSION was one of 20 provincial organizations to receive funding, which is designated for youth engagement initiatives for people between the ages of 15 and 35, youth-driven community engagement initiatives, and efforts that increase awareness of opportunities in the province.
With the successful creation of FUSIONs in Halifax, Bangor and Detroit, FUSION sought this funding so that we could recreate and implement our model a little closer to home. A steering committee has been established to oversee the project and consultant Christina Taylor has been hired to help build the FUSION framework and assist individuals in Moncton and Fredericton to set up shop and implement this model.”
Help shape this initiative by completing this needs assessment survey.
Be sure to share with your friends/contacts across the province!
Board Openings
Several spaces are now open on FUSION’s board. We are especially looking for people with a background/interest in the following roles: Secretary, Treasurer, Committee Chairs, etc.
Be sure to submit your name if you are interested – no matter your background. We are always looking for a diverse mixture of talent.
Email your details to actnow@fusionsj.com.
Get Involved!
As always, FUSION is looking for people who want be involved in our local community. There are a number of committees working on fun events and activities that make a difference in our city. Everyone is welcome, and your ideas and feedback really do matter.
Remember – all of our major events, committees, and projects started out as a “what if”. Your idea could turn into our next big thing!
