In this country’s 150th year, the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) held its annual retreat in the nation’s capital last month, with the Foundation (WCPD) serving as a networking sponsor.
The AFP Canadian Leadership Retreat brought together fundraising professionals, consultants and leaders from all across Canada to share ideas, discuss best practices and carve out the future of fundraising in Canada. AFP Ottawa Chapter played host to the 75 delegates over three days at the downtown Sheraton from July 27 to July 29.
“Having the opportunity for in person strategic discussions on leadership, government relations, and crisis management is invaluable for cohesively moving the fundraising profession forward in Canada,” said Lori Gusdorf, Executive Vice President at AFP Foundations for Philanthropy.
“This opportunity was made possible with important sponsorship support from the Foundation (WCPD).”
In addition to the above topics, delegates also listened to an address from longtime Liberal Senator Terry Mercer about the need to boost volunteerism in Canada and innovate the charitable sector. Citing this sector’s major role in the Canadian economy, both in terms of employment and contribution to GDP, Mercer also discussed ongoing plans for the establishment of a Special Committee on the Charitable Sector.
“With this year’s leadership retreat taking place in Ottawa, it was our pleasure to help support AFP and their worthy endeavours,” said Peter Nicholson, the President of the Foundation (WCPD), which is based in the nation’s capital. “These fundraising professionals work day-in and day-out to help improve the lives of so many Canadians and we were just happy to be a part of it.”
The Foundation (WCPD) is also a Founding Partner of the inaugural Ottawa Giving Guide, due out this fall, and will serve as Title Sponsor for the Ottawa Philanthropy Awards on November 14.
