COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
Members of the Association of Administrative Assistants actively contribute to their communities. We would, however, like to enhance and raise the profile of the official charity of the Association across Canada - Women's Shelters.Nationally, the Association of Administrative Assistants contributes yearly to a Women's Shelter at the Annual General Meeting. $1.00 from every membership paid is donated to a Women's Shelter in the host city.
Members of the Association feel very fortunate, and with these gestures hope in some small way to give back to our communities, locally and nationally.
Each Branch of the Association hosts yearly activities that benefit a local Women's Shelter in their area. Outlined below are the Branch activities that reflect the caring attitude of the membership of the Association.
Calgary Branch:
Since the Calgary Branch re-chartered in 2002, we have been very proud to support the AVENTA Addiction Treatment Centre for Women.For over 30 years, the AVENTA Addiction Treatment Centre for Women has been Canada's only agency offering alcohol, drug, gambling and nicotine addiction treatment specifically for women. They have treated over 15,000 women and their families, with 99% of the patients reporting improvement or abstinence after completing treatment. Addiction costs society billions of dollars every year, and causes untold individual, family, and community suffering. The majority of these women come from abusive situations with very little else than the clothes on their backs.
At each February meeting of the Calgary Branch, the membership puts together our version of a "Valentine Shoebox" which comprises of donations of personal items for the women in the treatment centre. Each year our donations increase for this wonderful cause.
Edmonton Branch:
In conjunction with 'Random Acts of Kindness' week/month, at the February Branch meeting each year, donations (list of appropriate items provided by the shelter) are accepted for presentation to Win House, which is a women's shelter in Edmonton. This is our major annual project as we focus on the Association's promotion of supporting women's shelters.Also, in lieu of a Christmas gift exchange among attendants at the December Branch meeting, items are collected for presentation to worthy institutions - in December 2005 it is new teddy bears for a local Victims Services Unit in honour of a former member. In the past the Edmonton Branch has chosen Victims Services, burn units at the hospitals, and, occasionally, Win House ... so in that event the shelter would receive two major donations from our branch members in one year.
Hamilton Branch:
Each year the Hamilton Branch selects a deserving "Women and Children" charity to sponsor. Hamilton Branch members contribute loose change to the "Teddy Bear Penny Jar" at each meeting. The Branch matches any funds raised dollar for dollar. A portion of each registration from our annual seminar is also donated into the charity fund.
As a non-profit organization, we understand the necessity to seek outside financial assistance and are honoured to be of service to Interval House, our 2007-2008 Charity. Interval House is a Centre offering a comprehensive range of programs and services to abused women and their children. The Centre provides a continuum of support from the need for emergency shelter, along the difficult path towards healing, growth and independence.
CURRENT NEWS
Barrie/Simcoe County Branch is excited to issue an invitation to journey to the Village at Blue Mountain/Collingwood for our June 2010 National Meeting Events and Professional Development Seminar. All members are welcome to attend the National Board Meeting on June 3rd, to get a fascinating view of how the National Board conducts Association business on behalf of members from across Canada. On June 4th, members and guests won't want to miss a dynamic duo of professional speakers who will lead interactive workshops of exciting value. On Saturday, June 5th, the Association's Annual General Meeting will take place in the morning, followed by the Qualified Administrative Assistant luncheon and graduation. See you at Blue!