Novita Annual Report 2006 (PDF - Large file - 2Mb)

45As Novita’s flagship externalcommunications tool, Novita Newsshowcases the very best of Novita to morethan 4000 corporate sponsors, volunteersand supporters. Each edition is packed withstories about the incredible achievements ofNovita’s staff and volunteers, along with thelatest news on Novita projects, sponsorsand supporters, upcoming fundraisingevents and plenty of information on how toget involved and show support for SouthAustralian children with disabilities.Novita News also allows the organisationto engage the community by sharing sometruly inspirational stories about Novita’smost valuable asset – our children. Everyedition now presents several feature storiesabout Novita clients, their families and theirincredible achievements.Business unit reportsFundraisingThe Fundraising Department hasundergone a number of substantialchanges over the last 12 months. InDecember 2005, we farewelled PatriciaBrougham, Events Manager, after 15years of dedicated service to Novita. Herpassion and commitment to Novita’sclients was second to none and we wishher well in her retirement. The team is nowmade up of the Manager Fundraising, anEvents Coordinator, an Events Assistant,a Community Relations Coordinator and aBingo Coordinator.Despite these many changes and a teamof new faces, Fundraising has enjoyed asuccessful year in 2005/06. Our Auxiliarygroups continued to be very active in theircommunities, our volunteers continued todemonstrate their dedication to our causeand we saw excellent growth in some of ouriconic fundraising events.Throughout the year, Novita Bingo alsocontinued to go from strength to strengthand once again generated more than$1 million in gross income. Patron numbersremained stable, despite the introductionof a non-smoking area equivalent to 50%of the total area in compliance with relevantlegislation. A small yet dedicated group ofstaff continues to provide patrons with afriendly, professional and fun environment inwhich to enjoy their Bingo experience.The creation of the new Development Unitwithin Marketing also resulted in somechanges to the focus of the Fundraisingteam. These two units will now work inpartnership to explore new opportunitiesfor ongoing funding and to further improverelationships between Novita and SouthAustralia’s business community.In an increasingly challenging economicenvironment, with factors like rising fuelprices and interest rates placing additionalpressure on the household budget, theFundraising team continues to be facedwith new and complex challenges. With anenthusiastic new team and an increasedfocus on achieving a solid return oninvestment on all activities, we are confidentthat we will continue our success in bridgingthe financial gap between Governmentfunding received and the increasing costsof supporting Novita’s children.DevelopmentThe newly established DevelopmentDepartment is dedicated to developingexisting business relationships, sourcingfunding for immediate needs and securingongoing income for the future. The creation