Make-A-Wish^® Southern Alberta was established in 1995 by Dave and Carol Stinton.  Dave was attending an insurance conference in Vancouver when he heard about Make-A-Wish. He was so touched by the story that when he returned home he wrote a letter to Make-A-Wish Canada and told them that if they were ever interested in starting a chapter in Calgary, he would love to help. About a year later they contacted him and said they were ready to proceed.

At first Dave and his wife Carol were responsible for the whole of Alberta but it soon became apparent that the territory was too vast to properly interview children and complete their wishes. Dave contacted a friend of his in Edmonton, Gary Kwasnecha and the Northern Alberta chapter was established.

Careers

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Make-A-Wish Foundation^®of Southern Alberta
Opening Date: September 1, 2010
Closing Date: Until filled

JOB DESCRIPTION:

The Executive Director, in coordination with the Board of Directors, is responsible for assisting with the development of the Foundation’s strategic plan. He or she will be responsible for the effective execution of the plan, including defining and establishing operating plans, initiatives and related goals.

The Executive Director is responsible for all financial, operational, administrative and legal aspects of the daily organizational management of the foundation, which includes but is not limited to annual fund raising development, public relations and marketing, sound management of fiscal resources, supervision of program staff, and management of business operations. The incumbent will liaison effectively with the board of directors, the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Canada (national office), fellow chapters, provincial, regional and local organizations, and coordinate the contributions of diverse groups of donors, staff, volunteers and community groups. The individual will also serve as the primary Foundation spokesperson.

REPORTS TO: Board of Directors

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Strategic/Organizational Development
•Assists the Board of Directors in the development of the Foundation’s strategic plan and the effective execution and regular monitoring of the plan.
•Develops and cultivates stakeholder base for the Foundation.
•Oversees the recruitment, training, and development of office staff and volunteers.
•Serves as the primary liaison with Make-A-Wish Foundation of Canada.

Financial, Management and Administration
•Maintain fiscal responsibility for the annual budget and report to the Board monthly.
•Ensure compliance with all Make-A-Wish Foundation of Canada, legal, accounting, tax, and regulatory requirements.
•Execute policies, establishes and ensures adherence to guidelines, standards, internal accounting controls, work flow systems, and corporate values.
•Provide leadership in developing organizational and financial plans with the Board of Directors and other staff, and carry out plans and policies as authorized by the Board.
•Promote active and broad participation by partner organizations and volunteers in the Foundation’s work.

Program Development and Fundraising
•Oversee the current programs of the Foundation.
• Work with staff to develop and implement programs that achieve the objectives of the Foundation’s Strategic Plan.
•Engage and solicit major gift prospects.
•Identify and cultivate partner organizations for mutual program benefit.
•Oversee and support fundraising efforts including comprehensive campaign, special event, major gifts, and corporate and personal individual solicitations.
•Oversee and support fundraising appeal mailings and fundraising data base management.
•Oversee and support event management, guidance and direction, follow up and analysis for continued improvement as needed.
•Monitor grant opportunities and oversee the submission of grant applications.
•Provide leadership in developing fundraising plans with staff and the Board of Directors.
•Provide support and work with the Board in raising funds for the Foundation.

Board Relations and Communications
•Assist the Board by maintaining and promoting the vision and mission of the Foundation and in achieving the goals and objectives of the Strategic Plan.
•Initiate and assist in recommending and developing policies and setting priorities.
•Keep the Board and Board President fully informed on the condition of the Foundation and other important factors affecting the health of the organization.
•Involve each Board member at an optimum level. Stimulate each to reach the highest potential as a Board member.
•Work with the Board President to ensure effective and efficient Board committee structure and operation.
•Communicate regularly with the President and key committee leaders.
•Serve as staff liaison to Board committees as appropriate.
•Assist the President in planning the agenda and provides necessary materials for the Board meetings and Board strategic planning retreats.

Public Relations and Communications
•Implement marketing and communications Strategic Plan approved by the Board.
•Establish and strengthen working relationships with partners at the local, regional and national levels in the non-profit sector.
•Ensure appropriate representation, as a spokesperson, of the Foundation goals and objectives to community and corporate groups and other stakeholders.
•Oversee the development and production of all Foundation printed materials and publications in accordance with predetermined graphic standards.

Human Resource Management
•Develop and administer Board-approved human resource policies.
•Ensure proper hiring and termination procedures as required by law.
•Direct supervision of managers. Oversee any and all disciplinary actions.
•Provide for adequate supervision and evaluation of all staff and volunteers.
•Encourage staff and volunteer development and education.
•Design, develop and implement employee training policy.

CHARACTERISTICS, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

•Demonstration of leadership, sense of vision and ability to motivate others.
•Strong interpersonal skills and a professional demeanor and presentation.
•Strong verbal and written communication and listening skills.
•Integrity and an ability to maintain confidentiality.

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE:

•Minimum of ten years leadership and management experience
•Executive or associate director experience in the non-profit sector preferred.
•Strong administrative and communication skills and demonstrated success in strategic planning, board development, donor cultivation and fundraising.
•Demonstrated experience in soliciting major gifts.
•Demonstrated experience in providing strong leadership in a collaborative, team-orientated, proactive, fast paced environment.
•Demonstrated visionary leadership through honest, ethical, and inspirational execution.
•Ability to work effectively with a diverse population of community leaders, volunteers, donors, and other stakeholders.
•Experience and strong ability to work with and support the Board of Directors.
•Strong sense of organization and planning and able to manage time well.

PREFERRED EDUCATION:

•Undergraduate degree in Business Administration, or related discipline; Masters Level preferred.
•Training in Non-Profit Sector Management will be considered an asset.
•Strong computer skills with a working knowledge of MS Word, MS Excel, donor software programs and e-mail systems.

COMPENSATION:

•The organization will provide an attractive compensation package to the successful candidate commensurate with experience and qualifications.

CONTACT:

Mary Jardine, President
Board of Directors
Email: mejardine@rogers.com

All submissions will be kept confidential.

Young Donors

Make-A-Wish relies on the generous support of our donors to help us carry out our mission. And we have noticed that there is a new class of donors out there that is blowing our minds; it’s the Young Donors. We are astounded by the generosity of the younger generation, ages 6 to 10 years old. Their desire to forego receiving birthday gifts in lieu of collecting donations for Make-A-Wish touches our hearts like nothing else. These young donors believe that every little bit counts – and it does. Their dedication to their peers, and to their community, is something that should be applauded. We tip our hats to these children helping children, and thank them for inspiring all of us.

Aly, 8

Aly turned 8 years old and asked her friends and family to donate money to the Make-A-Wish Foundation instead of buying her birthday gifts. All of her family and friends were very generous and because of them Aly was able to make this donation.

This is Aly's second year of collecting donations at her birthday party. She chose the ' Make-A-Wish Foundation' this year because she wanted to help make a child's wish come true. Aly goes to church with a little girl who had her wish granted by the Make-A-Wish Foundation. This was the inspiration behind her decision to choose this particular venue.

Aly feels really good when she is able to help others and hopes to continue this for a very long time.



Caden

Every year on Caden's birthday, since he was three, he has raised money for Make-A-Wish®. He has done this because our family has been personally affected by serious illness and the struggles that it brings. Both of Caden's grandparents had chronic illnesses and passed away too soon. The best way to honor them was to find a charity that could bring happiness to people. Each year Caden invites his whole class to his birthday party and he asks them to give a gift to Make-A-Wish®. He loves that it brings his friends together for a good cause and he's happy to do something in memory of his grandparents.







Jade, 5

Hello my name is Jade. I am 5 years old. For the past 3 years I have been asking for donations to a charity rather than birthday gifts for my birthday party with friends. I had donated to the zoo in the past this way I could see where my money went. This year my mom suggested we try donating somewhere else. She picked out three different charities for me to choose from. We sat down and looked at all three websites and she explained what they did so I could have a look and see which one I would connect to the most. Right off the bat I knew that the Make-A-Wish Foundation® of Southern Alberta was a perfect fit for me. I loved the picture of the little girl dressed up as a princess because I think every little girl deserves to feel like a princess. My hope is that with my help a little kid will get their wish granted.


Ella & Emily, 7

Hi! I am Ella and I am Emily! This year our 7th birthday party was extra special. We decided to have a disco birthday party together. Our parents talked to us about being able to invite all of our friends to the party but also being able to help other children at the same time. We learned that instead of receiving birthday presents we could ask our friends to make a donation to the Make-A-Wish Foundation®. We talked to Make-A-Wish and found out that some really sick children need our help to make their wishes come true. They told us some wonderful stories of kids our age that had a wish and it came true by donations from kids like us. The two of us along with our friends donated money to help this great cause. The party was lots of fun and giving money to help other kids make their wishes come true was the best birthday gift we could have received. We are proud of ourselves and our friends. Kids helping kids is really great.





Hanna, 10

Hanna is the type of child who is always looking for a way to make a difference. She is the first to rush to a friend's side to help or comfort and she feels deeply when things go wrong in somebody's life. She is inspired by people who have made a difference in the world and, for her age seems to know a lot about them. Terry Fox is one of her heroes and his cause was the inspiration behind her Wish campaign. When she explained why she wanted to shave her head to raise money, she did so in such a way that we knew she understood exactly what she was doing and for all the right reasons. She said to us that she felt lucky that none of her family or friends were suffering from a life threatening illness and that made her feel very fortunate. If one of us ever does become ill, she hopes that someone will step up to help. She leads by example and we are very proud of her. In a way, Hanna feels she has been granted the Wish. The experience was a gift to her as it was to the rest of her family. She hopes her efforts will inspire other children to make a difference, just like she did.



Chloe, 6

My name is Chloe. I am six years old and live with my family in Exshaw, Alberta.

When I was five years old I went to a birthday party where my friend asked for donations to his favorite charity. I asked my mom to explain this to me and then asked if I could do the same thing. I had heard of the ‘Art and Stroke Foundation’ and thought that artists might need help.

My mom and dad made a list of different charities and explained to me what each one does. Some help people and some save the earth. My favorite was the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Every kid has a wish and I wanted to help make them all come true.

For my sixth birthday I raised $200. Then this summer my grandpa took me on a walk and I saw two little girls selling lemonade. My grandpa explained that the girls were raising money. We went home and I asked my grandma for a box, cups and juice. I sold lot of it! I asked if I could donate that money to Make-A-Wish too.

I went to my other granddad’s house and did the same thing. Raising money for kids is kind of easy. Who wouldn’t want to make a kid’s dream come true if they could?

In September I got to draw with Hanna. Hanna is my hero and has raised lots of money for Make-A-Wish. I want to raise lots of money just like her. My mom and dad said I could shave my head to raise money. I already have my first cheque from a lady who believes in kids and I haven’t even shaved my head yet!

My special wish was to go to Disneyland. I did that. Every kid should get their wish at least once in their lifetime. Now my special wish is to help kids who may not have long to get their wish. I just want to help.

Spencer, 9

Spencer turned 9 this past September. He looks forward to his birthday for months before. For his last birthday he decided to take donations for charity instead of receiving gifts. Spencer decided to do it again this year but was not sure which charity to choose. His mom and dad sat down with him and went over numerous options and of course the Make-A-Wish Foundation was mentioned. It didn't take Spencer a minute to decide that helping out kids with life-threatening medical conditions would be a worthy and noble cause. He immediately felt the good effects before he even raised the money. He knew he would be helping change the experience of a child for the better. The day of his birthday he proudly accepted donations from his friends and excitedly counted the money. He looked forward to bringing his donation to Make-A-Wish and felt very proud of his accomplishment and grateful to be able to do so. He was made to feel very appreciated which helps instill in him the importance of donating to such a worthy cause.



In-Kind Giving
The Make-A-Wish^® Southern Alberta consistently strives to be a leader in obtaining donations of goods and services for each wish that we grant.This is vitally important because it allows us to leverage each and every dollar even further. From transportation services to event tickets to professional services such as advertising and marketing, we are grateful to the community for this tremendous support. Here are some ways you can help:

Wish Enhancement Gifts

Each time our wish-granting volunteers visit our wish children and their families, they bring small "wish enhancement" gifts for the wish child and their siblings. These gifts help introduce the wish grantor to the family while preparations for his/her wish are underway. Currently, our greatest need is for travel games and books for young children. However, we have an ongoing need for new and age-appropriate "wish enhancement" gifts for children between the ages of three and 17.

Your donation of the following items would be much appreciated:

* Beach Towels, Bags, Coolers and other Beach Accessories
* Books for Young Children
* Crayons/Markers and Activity Books
* Hair Accessories
* Hockey Cards
* Hot Wheels
* Barbie Dolls
* LEGO or K’NEX
* Nail polish (plain colours)
* Pencil Cases filled with School Supplies
* Princess Crowns, Gowns and Wands
* Single-Use Cameras
* Sports DVDs
* Spy Watches
* Sudoku or Maze Books
* Travel Games

All items must be new and age-appropriate. If you can help, or would like to organize a toy drive in your workplace, please contact Carolyn Gorrill at (403) 228-3666 for more information.