In the words of its President, André Bouchard: "Being good at what we do is just a starting point". That is why, beyond its commitment to providing quality financial solutions tailored to the unique lifestyle of the Canadian Forces (CF) community, SISIP Financial Services (SISIP FS) has been boosting its involvement even further.And programs, such as SISIP FS' Volunteers' Recognition Program (VOREP), are just another way to reach out.
According to The Canadian Centre for Philanthropy, "To successfully manage and recognize your volunteers, you have to keep in mind why they are there. The 2000 National Survey of Giving, Volunteering and Participating, tells us that the vast majority of them (95%) volunteered because they believed in the cause. Over two thirds (69%) had been personally affected by the cause."
http://www.givingandvolunteering.ca/pdf/reports/Understanding_Volunteers.pdf
Jonathan Pratt, Policy Development and Research Manager, Director Military Family Services, PSP Division agrees: "This is readily apparent within the military community, given the current operational tempo of the CF. Volunteers are committed and can play a critical role in the success of many organizations serving the CF and must be recognized as such."
He goes on to say that "Many, among those involved with volunteers serving the CF and the military community, have used the VOREP funds available through SISIP FS to do just that. New and exciting ideas abound recognizing volunteers in Canada and abroad. In one instance, a community held a very successful thematic costume night that attracted over 200 of their volunteers, while another location offered a Christmas Luncheon that was appreciated by a smaller, but very dedicated group of volunteers." Since its inception in 2003, over 25,000 adults and youth volunteers have been recognized at over 250 events, for a total contribution of $600,000.
Sports are an integral part of life within every base and wing and a great way of fostering teamwork, loyalty and commitment. Within the military community, The CF National Sports Program plays a prominent role in promoting fitness and good health, encouraging athletes of all levels to compete in any of the 13 CF National Sports Championships held throughout the year. Since 1989, SISIP FS has been a Presenting Sponsor of the CF Sports Awards Ceremony, contributing $50,000 annually toward this effort; just shy of one million dollars contributed over the past 19 years.
By the same token, in 2003, it was a concern for a healthy lifestyle that prompted a partnership with CANEX in the "March 1st I Quit!" challenge. This program encourages smokers to quit so that they can enhance their quality of life, by way of cash prize incentives for participants, as well as for non-smokers sponsoring those wishing to quit. With registrations of over 21,000 participants, contributions to this cause have reached close to $50,000. In the same spirit, with a $2,500 contribution, SISIP FS was one of the main sponsors at the 2005 Post Traumatic Stress Symposium, a subject matter of great relevance within the CF.
As for the younger generations, they are certainly not forgotten; the National Youth Model Program was developed to ensure that youth from CF families (over 56,000), receive seamless quality programs wherever they live, providing whatever they may need. To date, SISIP FS' $2.3 million contribution has helped provide funds to all base locations for building improvements, acquiring or renovating youth centre space, purchasing equipment and sponsoring events and conferences.
Last but certainly not least, through the Local Community Family Events, SISIP FS has enabled over 100,000 CF members and their families to gather for Family Days, BBQs, Carnivals, Wing Welcome Breakfasts, Terry Fox Runs, among some of the 90 events sponsored by the local offices since 2003. All told, at a rate of some $10,000 every year since the program began, over $51,000 have been channeled toward this endeavor.
Last year alone, contributions through these sponsored programs were in excess of $4 M. Yet, beyond the benefits for the CF and their families, they also provide a first rate opportunity for SISIP FS' personnel to come together and form relationships and even friendships at the local level, enhancing the bond with the CF community they serve.
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From: Marie Navarro, Communications Coordinator, Communications and Marketing, SISIP Financial Services, Ottawa in collaboration with Jonathan Pratt, Policy Development and Research Manager, Director Military Family Services, PSP Division, DGPFSS
This article is for general information purposes only and is the opinion of
the writer.
