Hard times trigger hard decisions. Greenwood Neighbourhood Place (GNP) is a non-profit community resource centre and is one of the many victims of Alberta's economic crisis. But we are determined to survive. Due to cuts in funding, GNP is adjusting its workforce and as a result, there was a need to change some of our programs and events organized under the umbrella of GNP.
We support families with young children, organize skill development, fun activities and advocate for our seniors and adults. We bring together our community by providing different programs for all age groups. We are connectors to community events, resources, services and learning opportunities. We talk about tough topics such as suicide, addiction and advocate as well as inform people about healthy life choices. We provide the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program, successfully initiated the startup of the Sundre Community Garden, organized the first-ever Walk in Memory, Walk for Hope event and last but not least, we publish the monthly newsletter Sundre on the GO where all non-for-profit organizations in our area can promote their events free of charge.
So what do the GNP budget cuts mean for Sundre and area residents? We are continuing to try to keep all of these programs and initiatives functioning. Fortunately, GNP received its charitable status in 2012 and we are able to accept donations and give tax receipts. So please do not hesitate to donate to our charity to help keep our doors open.
GNP has a very dedicated board of directors. They volunteer their time and work hard to keep GNP alive and offer as many programs as possible under the new restrained budget. There had to be some changes made in order to cover administrative and operating costs, which are rarely covered through grants and donations.
Therefore there will be a change this year to the following programs and initiatives organized by GNP:
Sundre Santa's Anonymous will now be called Sundre Santas. This program will be solely organized and run by GNP staff, which means no project coordinator is hired. We try to keep the administrative costs for this program as low as possible, and will assure that the program remains true to its original concept, which is to deliver annual Christmas hampers to those who need a little extra help throughout the holidays. We are listening to our volunteers and to the public. Therefore we made some changes to the program, including more opportunities to be involved with a “Secret Santa” gift giving and a close cooperation with local groups with a similar mandate. Of course, we need many dedicated volunteers to make this program successful!
Also, GNP did not receive any funding this year for the annual Sundre Snake Hill Slam, and may not be able to secure funding for the event in the future, so we had to make some changes here as well. This event will be solely organized by GNP, again with a group of our valued, dedicated volunteers. The date for this year's Slam is set for Aug. 27. Unfortunately, in order to cover our costs there was a need to increase the registration fee.
We are committed to work hard for our community and with your help we can achieve our goals for years to come.
Greenwood Neighbourhood Place Society board of directors
