Hello from an appropriate distance away!
Here we are, a few weeks into changes in our world that none of us saw coming, or really even imagined. And, that means that most of us are having a hard time, in one way or many ways. Reminding ourselves that we’re all in this together can be comforting, but the realities that we’re all trying to deal with in our individual/business/family contexts can overshadow that comfort.
As a friend of BGC, we recognize that we might not be “top of mind” for you, but at the same time, we’re sure that you do care about how we’re doing. We’re quickly moving as many of our supports and services as possible into the “virtual” realm, including offering thousands of amazing Club kids a virtual daily “Club” experience in the next short while. We know that’s important because our Club kids need a “change of scene”, connection, and some “normality”, and that’s something vital that we can offer them (and let’s be honest, their families) to help them get through.
Like all businesses, we’re also worried about our sustainability, and our people. I remain confident that we’ll get through this, but the picture of what we’ll look like after is a little more blurry. And that’s where, as always, the community comes in. What we’ve learned during tough times in the past (most recently, the 2008 market crash), is that the biggest mistake that non-profits/charities can make is to assume that donors will stop giving, and so non-profits stop asking. In fact, what that amounts to is us (the non-profit/charity) making that decision for you. At BGC, we believe that our relationships are strong enough to still let you know that we need your help, and to respect that you’ll decide whether you can support us with a financial gift right now or not. And we’ll still be friends either way!
If you are in a position to think about helping us out with a one time gift, to start giving a small amount monthly (or, in our dreamiest of dreams, make a massive gift because you can), then here are some things we think you’ll want to know:
- We are continuing to focus on sustaining the individual, authentic relationships we have with our amazing kids and families, and to help them in any way we can. That doesn’t mean we’re trying to be everything to everyone, it means that within our mission, vision, and our core skills, we’re offering belonging, support, and opportunities that kids and families need.
- We’re NOT duplicating efforts of others. As always though, we’re partnered with many organizations across our community, and in fact across the country, so that in some cases, we are a conduit for supports that families need.
- We’re “slowing down, to go fast”. Which means that we’re taking the right amount of time to make decisions as quickly as we can (we’re not after perfection, but rather, “good” for now). We’re reminding ourselves that things are changing fast so we need to be patient, allow things to unfold, trust that this will end (despite not knowing when), and that good decisions and step by step planning will help guide us through.
Thanks for continuing to care enough about BGC to read this… and for being among the amazing people who believe like we do that every kid is amazing, and is deserving of all of our best efforts to be here for them, no matter how hard it is. Click here to see how you can help, if you’re able to.
Carolyn Tuckwell, President & CEO
ctuckwell@bgcbc.ca
