Chatham-Kent Children's Services Foundation

Purpose
“It is the Foundation’s philosophy to promote the opportunity for all young persons to mature in a stable, family environment, with the structure and nurture needed to realize their full potential.

The purpose of the Foundation shall be to raise funds through endowments, bequests and/or public campaigns to assist the Chatham-Kent Integrated Children’s Service in achieving the goals as contained in its objectives and Mission Statement.”
Article III of Foundation’s By-Law.

History
The origins of The Chatham-Kent Integrated Children’s Service Foundation go back to 1990.   At that time, the Lester B. Pearson Centre Foundation was formed to raise funds for a new Lester B. Pearson Centre building. The new facilities were officially opened in 1992.

Then, on April 1, 1998, the Chatham-Kent Integrated Children’s Service was formed.  The amalgamation brought together three organizations: the Heritage Children’s Centre, the Children’s Aid Society, and Lester B. Pearson Centre. The Lester B. Pearson Centre Foundation was included as part of this new umbrella organization. 

Each organization brought with it a charitable organization number.

From 1998 until the spring 2000, the Lester B. Pearson Centre Foundation remained relatively inactive while Chatham-Kent Integrated Children’s Service energies were being devoted to union of the three amalgamating agencies.

Then in the spring of 2002, under the direction of Chairperson Sharon Pfaff, the Foundation Board, all whom were members of the CICS Board, began on working to make the Foundation reflect changes that were brought about by the amalgamation.  It soon became evident, that like the umbrella organizations, the charitable numbers needed to be amalgamated, and a “new” Foundation established.

Thus, in May 2002, the Chatham-Kent Integrated Children’s Service Foundation was incorporated with the objective of supporting the work done by Chatham-Kent Integrated Children’s Service through funding items which are not funded by the agency’s governing provincial ministry.

Organization
The Foundation is overseen by a working Board which consists of Chatham-Kent Children’s Service Board members as well as members of the public at large.  All meetings of the Board are open to any member of the public.

Documentation
The Foundation has a detailed policy statement in place to guide its operations.  This policy is available for public review.  In addition, the Foundation has adopted a comprehensive Investment Strategy to guide its investment decision making.  This document is also available to the public for review.

Regulations require that the Foundation audits all its financial statements yearly.

Current Fundraising
The Chatham-Kent Integrated Children’s Service Foundation is currently in the process of raising funds to supply bursaries to children in care, send children to summer camp and provide computers to significantly developmentally handicapped children.

How you I help:
You can make a difference to the families and children being served by Chatham-Kent Children’s Service by donating to the Foundation.

One option is through direct donation, but there are many more options available that give you direct tax credits now or can maximize the possible tax benefits for your estate, referred to as “planned giving”.

Your own unique circumstances and preferences will determine the best way for you to approach planned giving.

From time to time, the Foundation arranges workshops to educate donors and potential donors of the numerous options available to them.

Please call today to find out how you might support the Foundation or to arrange to attend a workshop.