Stephen Lewis FoundationGrandmothers to Grandmothers

National Walk Overview

1

STRIDE to Turn The TideINTRODUCTIONIn June 2010 the 1st STRIDE to Turn the Tide

occurred right across Canada. Grandmothers, along with their family and friends, walked in solidarity raising awareness along with much needed funds for the courageous and resilient grandmothers of Africa. These individuals are caring for children orphaned by AIDS, and changing the course of the pandemic in their communities. The walk was repeated in 2011 with just as great an impact.

There are two groups who were instrumental in the success of STRIDE.

REVERA’s generous sponsorship provided us with the funds to hold the national walk. We are immensely grateful to Revera for believing in this amazing cause.

Even though it is a grandmother driven initiative, without the support from the incredible resources at the Stephen Lewis Foundation, we would not have been as successful as we were.

2

3

GRANDMOTHERS & GRANDOTHERS STRIDING ACROSS CANADA

INDEXThis presentation is an overview of STRIDE

national walk 2010 & 2011 focusing on the following areas:Walk HighlightsWalk FinancialsFeedbackImprovementsChallengesKey DecisionsSteering Committee ResponsibilitiesSTRIDE Co-ordinator ResponsibilitiesNext Steps 4

WALK HIGHLIGHTSParticipation

In both 2010 and 2011 thousands of individuals, grandmothers and “grand others”, walked in solidarity in communities, urban and rural, all across Canada.

A number of Revera homes across Canada either had individuals participating or provided a place for the groups to walk.

Funds Raised 2010: $356,505.842011: $369,301.52Total Raised over the last two years:

$725,807.36 5

WALK HIGHLIGHTSRevera Sponsorship

2010 $30,000.002011 $20,000.00

Of the 86 groups who participated in Stride 201170 groups participated and raised funds in

both 2010 and 201116 groups were new to STRIDE

6

7

WALK FINANCIALS2010 Income Statement

  Scarf Sales   $35,095.50  

  Donations   $30,000.00  

Total Revenue       $65,095.50

         

Cost of Goods Sold        

  Scarf Costs   $40,334.50  

Gross Revenue       $24,761.00

         

Expenses        

  Walk Insurance   $750.00  

  Duty & Postage   $1,306.05  

  Bank Charges   $242.78  

Total Expenses     $2,298.83

         

Net Amount       $22,462.17

2011 Income Statement

  Scarf Sales   $9,214.60  

  Donations   $20,000.00  

Total Revenue       $29,214.60

         

Cost of Goods Sold        

  Scarf Costs   $11,000.00  

Gross Revenue       $18,214.60

         

Expenses        

  Walk Insurance   $5,468.00  

  Duty & Postage   $520.39  

  Bank Charges   $90.44  

  Advertising   $3,390.00  

  Office Expenses   $208.11  

Total Expenses     $9,676.94

         

Net Amount       $8,537.66

Bank Balance as of December 2011 = $30,999.83

FEEDBACKThe vast majority of the walkers felt that:

The purpose of the walk was clear; groups were thrilled to be a part of a national initiative.

On-line donation process improved in 2011 resulting in more walkers getting online increasing the dollars donated.

Communication greatly improved in 2011.The webpage was useful.The bright orange African scarf served as an excellent

branding tool and provided a shared sense of solidarity.

It was great to work with Revera. The walk was well organized. There seemed to be a

good sense of community and a shared purpose. Great camaraderie led to new members joining.Large percentage want the national walk to continue. 8

IMPROVEMENTSAs a result of feedback from the 2010 walk the

following changes were made prior to the 2011 walk:Ontario National Walk Committee Members

reassigned for more effective group coverageMaintained a simple “walk” messageWalk documents updatedSTRIDE Web Page used as central location for

documentsDocuments translated into FrenchWith the help of SLF staff many more walkers

were able to be put on-line.9

IMPROVEMENTS• In 2011 an SLF communication “intern” was

hired to work on the walk. This resulted in a much more organized approach in getting the message out through the following: Established a Communication Plan which will be

used for future walks Developed a Public Service Announcement (PSA) Worked with grandmother groups in assisting with

media “how-to’s” Assisted with putting together 85 press releases,

blogs, event/calendar listings, articles, etc. Notification sent out to over 2,600 SLF media

contacts Email “blitz” sent out to all SLF donors 10

CHALLENGESFewer groups participating in 2011 due to

commitment in other areas. These commitments were a one-time only exception and not anticipated in future years.

Inability to get full provincial/territorial representation on the national walk committee.

Limited “person-to-person” connection between national walk committee members and grandmother groups.

Communication Plan late in being developed resulting in some groups unable to use the same.

11

KEY DECISIONSIn moving forward a number of decisions have

been made. These include:Given the excellent results of piloting STRIDE over

the last two years it is now firmly established as an annual event.

The national walk committee has been replaced by the national walk steering committee with the following members Carole Holmes, Co-Chair Pamela Farron, Co-Chair Sharon Vanclief, Financial Representative Helen Silbiger, SLF Zahra Mohamed, SLF

With the seed money established by Revera’s Sponsorship a part-time STRIDE Co-ordinator will be hired to work on the national walk. 12

STEERING COMMITTEE RESPONSIBILITIESStrategic PlanningBudget PlanningObtain SponsorshipLiaise with SLF, Regional Networks, Area

Liaisons, Regional Liaisons, Revera Review & Update FormsOversee Communication, Promotion, On-line

Donation Process, Website DevelopmentSupervise STRIDE Co-ordinator

13

STRIDE CO-ORDINATOR RESPONSIBILITIESCommunicate with grandmother groups to

ensure they understand walk principlesPresent critical information to Grandmother

Groups participating in STRIDECommunicate with Regional Networks, Area

Liaisons, and Regional Liaisons on walk activities

Troubleshoot walk issuesProvide assistance in answering questionsWork closely with SLF staff to ensure

exchange of informationUpdate documents and website 14

NEXT STEPSOver the next few months the Steering

Committee will be focused onRecruiting the STRIDE Co-ordinatorSetting up the Co-ordinator’s work stationWorking with the SLF Communication

Department to develop a STRIDE promotional document

Connecting with key stakeholdersUpdating STRIDE documents and web pageEstablishing STRIDE as a not-for-profit

organizationObtaining sponsorship 15