The annual meeting of the Cut Knife and District Donors' Choice was held at the town office Feb. 24.
The 2011 campaign grossed $17,793. This amount is somewhat lower than last year but even so, the people of the community are to be commended for their generosity.
Approximately 192 contributors donated an average of approximately $91.11 each. It is interesting that the average donation is up a bit! It is also worth taking note that there were three contributions between $500 and $999 and also two over $1,000.
The organization is appreciative of every donation made to 20 charities. Most of these charities have conveyed their sincere gratitude for this benevolent support. Some of the comments are as follows:
"This money will provide funding for research, as well as the support of education programs in our schools and communities throughout the province, and will also assist cancer patients and their families living with this disease. It is through the co-operation and generosity of people such as yourselves that the battle against this dreaded disease continues." Canadian Cancer Society
"Your contribution will enable us to continue providing the programs and support necessary to improve the quality of life of people experiencing mental health problems." Canadian Mental Health
Each contributor and canvasser can be proud of the difference their time and money make in the lives of many others in the province and country.
Donors' Choice also appreciates the help of the following: the town office for the use of their facilities for the meeting this year; Ethel Brown and the United Church for their donation in preparation of canvas materials; the Royal Bank for handling the distribution of the canvas booklets; the Cut Knife Courier for assisting with news items and ads; Innovation Credit Union for handling the account; and to the executive for the many hours of voluntary help required to administrate this charity. Appreciation and farewell to Alphonse Dupuis for his years of service on this board of directors. Your wisdom, wit and humour will be missed around the table.
Most of the credit goes to 15 canvassers who so eagerly covered the areas required. The Cut Knife & District Donors' Choice is totally dependant on their willingness to help. According to our records, canvassers were: Lara Bullerwell, Len Dupuis, Velma Ovens, Sheila Hamel, Jean Lawes, Bernice Scoular, Lil Luthje, Helen Penner Pedersen, Phyllis Delfrari, Jean Ash, Walter Pooler, Louise Beloin, Cindy Stapley, Vilda Laing and Orval Ens.
Elected to office for the 2012 October campaign were: chairman Orval Ens, vice-chairman Lorie Gibson, treasurer Don McCallum and secretary Cheryl Rowswell.
A new method of canvass is planned as a pilot project for 2012. In October, a blanket mail out will take place in Cut Knife, Baldwinton, Rockhaven and Gallivan. It is hoped contributors are as faithful as ever in their giving and less time and expense will be incurred in this method.
