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Donation Centre How do we collect more and spend less? This question was used to guide growth and decision making in what was a challenging year in our Donation Center operations. We found ourselves in a year where expenses were necessary to build systems and secure tools which would support us into the future. We did this knowing we may not see the positive results until the following fiscal year. Change was necessary, it was managed carefully and with the support of a strong and dedicated staff team the transition was smooth. Challenges were often beyond our control and included: ► Significant fluctuations in gas prices ► Changes to wages in response to minimum wage increases ► Economic downturns affecting purchasing and ultimately the availability of used clothing ► Increases to leasing costs ► Use of a trailer in product delivery We responded quickly and carefully to challenges looking for efficiencies in current systems and new opportunities for collections through collaboration. We implemented a web based dialler which meant less down time between calls, improved data collection, no long distance charges, stronger staff engagement, less paper and copying and increased donations. We began to address truck use on weekends and determined that our least expensive method of collection was Attended Donation Stations. We moved to pilot a site in the West Shore, a community who demonstrated steady growth in product through weekly routes. The attended site was set up at the Canadian Tire location in the West Shore on Saturdays. Community clothing drives were implemented encouraging people to bring the product to us. This included the launch of Fill- A- Truck a new fundraising opportunity for community groups. Service groups and Prom Committees embraced the opportunity to raise funds by gathering clothing and filling a truck with 400 bags. In the Fall of 2011 we implemented a bin collection program in Cowichan working with the Big Brothers Big Sisters agency in that community. The bins have proven to be a successful method of collection. Through the course of the last fiscal year we were not able to meet our projected targets in fundraising however we did see modest growth and have positioned ourselves well for the next fiscal year. “I have learned that relationships are fluid; they ebb and flow and I am to remain open at all times. I have learned to trust; to relax; to allow; and to know that I am good enough to receive all that this person brings to my life.” Connie, Big Sister 8
Our Current Reality Mentored youth simply do better. Our work is truly more vital than ever. The demand for our services has increased and the challenges within families have escalated. We are committed to acting proactively and strategically and to that end, we are: ► Focusing on our core programs to strengthen and improve their quality, safety, sustainability and positive outcomes ► Continuing to grow to meet our current capacity and realistically charting our future course ► Collaborating with partners for creative and effective solutions to serve more children ► Ensuring every dollar is used efficiently and effectively to be fiscally and socially accountable Currently over 87% of funds raised go directly to supporting our programs. We look to the community for clothing donations, partnerships and participation in our events. We know that when we work together we can accomplish great things. In 2013 Big Brothers Big Sisters will look for a new home. Guiding our search is our goal “spend less and serve more” and it is our hope that the community will help us find the 4,000 square feet of office space we will need to continue our work with children and families. Big Brothers Big Sisters will celebrate 100 years in Canada in 2013. The year full of celebration will see the launch of new research findings which are the result of a five year study of mentoring in Big Brothers Big Sisters. In Victoria our agency played a critical role in this study and we look forward to sharing the results with the community. Please join us for an exciting year ahead as we celebrate and honour the mentors who had such a significant impact on our lives. 9
Page 1 and 2: - - - - - - - start something 2011-
Page 3 and 4: Message from Our Executive Director
Page 5 and 6: Programs Big Brothers Big Sisters o
Page 7 and 8: Go Girls! Healthy Bodies Healthy Mi
Page 9: Fiscal Year in Review 2011-2012 Fis
Page 13 and 14: Value of Mentoring What difference
Page 15 and 16: Thank you to the generosity of our
Page 17 and 18: Rob Parks Robert and Darlene Jones
Page 19 and 20: How to Get Involved - - - - - - - s

- - - - - - - start something - Big Brothers Big Sisters of Victoria

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