This year, the Oakville Community Foundation decided to kick off its GIVEOakville campaign in a different way.
“We decided to host a GIVEOakville Charity Showcase, kind of like a trade show for charities, where community members and leaders could meet and talk to representatives from all of our fantastic GIVEOakville charities,” explained Oakville Community Foundation Senior Manager of Communications and Creative Services, Michael Salem.
The showcase was held on November 17 at Appleby College, and the foundation and the charities were pleased with its success.
“It was wonderful to meet so many people passionate about building a stronger, more inclusive community at the showcase,” said Community Living Oakville Executive Director, Alexandra Hoeck-Murray. “Thank you to everyone who stopped by to learn more about our mission and the 2024 GIVEOakville Campaign. Together, we’re making a difference!”
Canadian Caribbean Association of Halton Board President Sheldon Williams and Executive Director Dionne Downer also attended the GIVEOakville charity showcase. Downer commented, “Thank you to everyone who stopped by our booth. This was an incredible event that brought together local charities and community leaders to showcase their local impact.”
Guests at the showcase also had the opportunity to enter into a draw to win $100 donation to the charity of their choice, once they collected 10 stickers from 10 different charities. The winner was Dyanne Dumas and The Foundation made $100 donation to Shifra Homes.
Oakville MPP Stephen Crawford, Mayor Rob Burton and Oakville Councillor Scott Xie all spoke at the event and congratulated the charities for all of their hard work. Guests were also treated to music by a quartet from the Oakville Symphony Youth Orchestra throughout the event.
Sponsors of the GIVEOakville Charity Showcase were: Community Partner – Cogeco; Gold - KPMG, Site 20/20, Strongman Properties Inc., Henderson Partners LLP; Silver - O'Connor MacLeod Hanna; and Bronze - MNP, Co-operators.
This year’s GIVEOakville holiday crowdfunding campaign features 64 local charities each looking for up to $25,000 in support. The Oakville Community Foundation covers all transaction fees, meaning 100% of donations go directly to the charity. Once the campaign is over, The Foundation will be topping-up charities that did not meet their donation goal with nearly $200,000 worth of funding. This year’s campaign ends on December 9.
"We'd like to thank everyone who made the time to come out and meet the more than 50 charities participating in the GIVEOakville Campaign and learn about the important work being done to make our community a better place,” said Salem “GIVEOakville is truly a reflection of our generous community and we wouldn't be able to help our local charities reach their goals without all of you."
For more information about GIVEOakville or to make a secure donation, click here.