Community Options Annual Report 2013 | Page 29

29 | ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING REPORT Resource development and volunteer program In 2013, Community Options had 201 volunteers provide 2662.5 hours to our programs. Our agency offered Make Tax Time Pay through a partnership with E4C, The Support Network (211) and the Canada Revenue Agency-Volunteer Income Tax Program at Inglewood Elementary School where 8 free volunteer run “Make Tax Time Pay” clinics were available for low income families in the community. Our volunteers assisted 158 clients with their tax returns. We also had our annual Festive Meal in December where 417 individuals enjoyed a turkey dinner with all the fixings. There are so many organizations that help make this a day to remember. Thank you to the Edmonton Food Bank, Public Service Alliance of CanadaEdmonton Human Rights Committee, Department of Fisheries and Oceans, Edmonton Christmas Bureau, Intuit Canada, Santa’s Anonymous and a huge bouquet of thanks to the NAIT Hospitality and Culinary Arts Program for making this event a meaningful experience for everyone. This community support would not be possible without the dedication, and commitment from the volunteers who assist us each and every year. In May, we hosted our signature Auction Gala event at the Delta City Centre Suite Hotel in celebration of our 35 Anniversary, where Wayne Lee once again amazed us with his hypnosis show. 120 supporters attended as our guests and we raised approximately $5000 in support of our programs and services. We are grateful to all the donors who provided items for our silent auction. Two successful raffles were held in 2013: our Spring Raffle was an “Alberta Rockies Experience for Two” provided by Brewster Vacations where the lucky winner enjoyed the beautiful and scenic Rocky Mountains from Edmonton to Calgary via Jasper thru Banff; and the Fall raffle, which was drawn right before Christmas, offered a Home Theatre package as the grand prize. We wish to express our deepest gratitude to our Board Members, parents, staff and community members who volunteered their time to our special events, community support events and children’s programs. We succeed because of you. Noreen Hindle Resource Development and Volunteer Manager