Another record breaking fundraising year for West Island Community Shares

By Rhonda Massad

Caroline Tison executive director of West Island Community Shares, WICS, announced to a full house of more than 300 people at the Pauline Julien auditorium on April 16, that the 2013-2014 fundraising campaign raised an impressive $1.2 million, an 8,5 per cent increase over last year. According to Tison, the additional funds made it possible to add two more charities to the already 36 charities that WICS supports. Two food banks were added to the roster this year: West Island Mission and On Rock Community. Since 2010, the number of requests for help to West Island food banks has increased by 22%. Of this, 15% is from residents who have never used a food bank before. “We at community shares are dedicated to helping build a strong stable community that can respond to the needs of it’s citizens,” Tison said, “this requires a commitment for all concerned.” Tison told the crowd that when someone picks up the phone to get help – they have actually waited before doing so. They have waited sometimes 6 to 8 months. Once they find themselves at the point of no return, they pick up the phone to call for help and are often told the waiting list will be another 6 months before help arrives. The increase we see this year will help decrease the sense of despair that people feel when they make that call. “One west island resident on five reaches out for help to a community organization each year,” Tison said, “we know from working with our community groups that more dollars directly translates to more hours of intervention.” The 27-member fund distribution committee at WICS ensures the allocation of funds based on the needs and priorities of the community. They have distributed $9.7 million since WICS inception.