Ken in Nunavut - Video - 50 sec
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My Family in Ottawa
Hello Friends,
Last fall I was presented an opportunity to lead a humanitarian agency called True North Aid. This registered charity was created to help alleviate poverty, in its various forms, in northern native indigenous communities in Canada and beyond. In January I travelled to Attawapiskat to meet the people and encounter the needs for myself. This was a “decision making” trip after which I accepted the enormous challenge of this new role.
True North Aid was founded in 2009 by Rachael Brown (McIntyre). It became a registered charity in 2012. Over the last 7+ years, shipments of aid supplies have been sent to Nain Labrador, Attawapiskat Ontario, Iqaluit and other communities through the generosity of many. Despite the work that has been done, the potential of True North Aid has yet to be realized. There is so much more that can and should be done and although the needs are complex, the opportunities to help are enormous.
Last fall I was presented an opportunity to lead a humanitarian agency called True North Aid. This registered charity was created to help alleviate poverty, in its various forms, in northern native indigenous communities in Canada and beyond. In January I travelled to Attawapiskat to meet the people and encounter the needs for myself. This was a “decision making” trip after which I accepted the enormous challenge of this new role.
True North Aid was founded in 2009 by Rachael Brown (McIntyre). It became a registered charity in 2012. Over the last 7+ years, shipments of aid supplies have been sent to Nain Labrador, Attawapiskat Ontario, Iqaluit and other communities through the generosity of many. Despite the work that has been done, the potential of True North Aid has yet to be realized. There is so much more that can and should be done and although the needs are complex, the opportunities to help are enormous.
Typical Housing in Attawapiskat
In order to see the full potential of True North Aid, I felt led to take a leap of faith and devote my full attention to the building of this humanitarian agency. This would require me to raise my own salary so I will be bold and ask for your help.as I cannot do this alone. I will require the partnership of a multitude of people, businesses, organizations and other sources, including religious and non-religious, private, public and government. We must not only address the needs but find creative and strategic ways of providing effective help for our friends and neighbours to the north. It will require those who can help provide, pick-up, store, transport, and distribute aid, as well as strategize, provide ideas, administrate and help connect and network with people and resources in both the north and the south. I have met with many people and travelled to Nunavut on a fact finding mission and now have a rapidly growing list of opportunities and tasks.
Community of Cape Dorset Nunavut with a high suicide rate
Please take a moment to see a summary of what I have been doing, what I plan to do, and ways in which you can participate. I’ve also provided several links to articles detailing the challenges we have in the north. I have been amazed in my short time working with True North Aid that so many people are contacting me with the desire to help and have aid supplies to donate, ideas to suggest, or just want more information.
This letter is a specific request for help with my salary. It is important to note that a new board of directors has already been established to provide oversight, set expense rules, set salary, approve budget and projects, and ensure True North Aid is accountable to follow all the rules required of a non-profit, federally incorporated, registered charity. These are qualified, professional people who have a heart to help the north and expertise to give leadership in this area. An experienced book keeper has been appointed, and the infrastructure to receive and manage donations has put in place. Another advisory team is being created to help strategize, provide ideas and move projects forward.
Your friendship and encouragement is more important to me than any amount of financial support. I am being bold in asking but understand if you are not able to give at this time. I invite all of you to join the True North Aid team and/or receive our newsletter to stay informed of what we are doing and ways you can help.
This letter is a specific request for help with my salary. It is important to note that a new board of directors has already been established to provide oversight, set expense rules, set salary, approve budget and projects, and ensure True North Aid is accountable to follow all the rules required of a non-profit, federally incorporated, registered charity. These are qualified, professional people who have a heart to help the north and expertise to give leadership in this area. An experienced book keeper has been appointed, and the infrastructure to receive and manage donations has put in place. Another advisory team is being created to help strategize, provide ideas and move projects forward.
Your friendship and encouragement is more important to me than any amount of financial support. I am being bold in asking but understand if you are not able to give at this time. I invite all of you to join the True North Aid team and/or receive our newsletter to stay informed of what we are doing and ways you can help.
Our Canadian Neighbours & Friends
All funds raised above the “board set salary” and funds raised outside friends and family receiving this letter will go towards ongoing and future humanitarian projects and expenses associated with those efforts. I will work hard to access funding from all available sources including government, grants, businesses, local organizations and individuals. I have a specific goal of 1000 monthly sponsors at an average of $50 per month. This will allow us to send continued humanitarian supply, research and implement strategic solutions, and establish a reserve fund so we can respond immediately to any future crises in a First Nations community.
I would be happy to meet with you, talk to you on the phone or send you a letter with a sponsorship card in the mail. You may wish to sponsor me monthly or give a one-time gift; if you are not comfortable with online giving, there are other ways to give. In addition to or in lieu of financial donations, please consider staying up-to-date by receiving True North Aid communications.
My commitment to you:
I would be happy to meet with you, talk to you on the phone or send you a letter with a sponsorship card in the mail. You may wish to sponsor me monthly or give a one-time gift; if you are not comfortable with online giving, there are other ways to give. In addition to or in lieu of financial donations, please consider staying up-to-date by receiving True North Aid communications.
My commitment to you:
- Work to build a team of individuals to help strategize, implement and execute projects providing effective humanitarian help and support to people & communities that need it the most.
- Communicate with you regarding the on-going humanitarian work of True North Aid and share the stories.
- Work hard to see your contributions multiply by utilizing my time, talent and growing connection base to seek out and access the many people, resources and funding sources available.
- Work to establish strategic partnerships with individuals and groups in the north and south.
- Remain accountable to the True North Aid board of directors, following the rules and guidelines enforced by the Canada Revenue Agency.
- Communicate with you regarding the status of my fundraising efforts and any changes to my ability to work full time for this agency. Part-time work to supplement my income may be required in the short term until I achieve my goals.
All donations are tax deductible with a year end receipt
As of May 31, 2017 I have reached 30% of my goal
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