A good deed is never lost; he who sows courtesy reaps friendship, and he who plants kindness gathers love. Saint Basil
Our fourth year is another great success: 15 hard-working students in difficult financial circumstances are getting help from us. In the consumption-oriented world we live in, it is warming to know that we are making a real difference in some lives. Were it not for your generosity of spirit, I hate to think how more difficult their lives would be.
We held our first Annual General Meeting in November. Thank you to those who attended. It was nice to put faces to names. Thank you to St. Matthew High School for hosting us. Thank you to Don Stephenson, Leanne Bergeron, Suzanne Donnelly and my wife, Linda for agreeing to continue to serve as Directors.
As I mentioned at the AGM, as much as I love donors, I really love donors who renew their donation. It is a powerful message that our goal is worthwhile and that we are doing a good job of managing your donations.
You are now aware that we have introduced the ability to make instant and monthly donations online through our web site, www.host-program.org, as well as the ability to make a donation in honour or in memory of someone. What better way to say ‘thank you’ to your child’s teacher at Christmas time than to make a donation in his/her name. We will even provide you with a donation card.
As usual, I have attached a financial statement as well as excerpts from letters received from this year’s recipients. Some of these letters are very personal, giving information that might identify the student. As confidentiality is a very important issue for us, any identifying information has been removed.
I urge all of you to spread the word. Tell your family, your friends, your co-workers. You are our best ambassadors. We need your efforts so we can reach our ultimate goal of helping at least one student in each of the 51 youth high schools in Ottawa.
On behalf of the Board of Directors, I wish you a wonderful Christmas season and a Happy and Healthy New Year.
Best regards,
Richard Lussier
President