Lend to End [Povery] - The Townships Project

May 8, 2008
5:30-9:30
Alice Fazooli’s
294 Adelaide Street West, Toronto
What Is The Townships Project?
Since May 1999 The Townships Project has been making
repayable, interest-bearing loans to entrepreneurs, primarily
women, in township areas in South Africa. These loans enable
borrowers to operate a range of small businesses, to become
self-sustaining and to break the cycle of poverty. We changed
the lives of 7,500 people at a cost of $50 per person through
our pilot project. Now we are expanding in order to reach our
goal of ensuring that every South African who needs such a
loan has access to it and to ensure that our South African
partners can become self-sustaining.
Martha Deacon, Founder of The Townships Project and
Muhammad Yunus, Nobel Peace Prize Winner
Where Are We Going And How Will We Get There?
We are expanding our mandate to support up to four start-up and early-stage Micro Finance Institutions (MFIs)
to reach critical mass and become self-sustaining. It costs about $3 million and takes 3 to 5 years to build an
institution from start-up to sustainability. Once that amount has been spent in accordance with known
principles, the business will be self-sustaining. Our 8-year track record allows us to verify the work of other MFIs
from our own experience and helps them gain access to large institutional loan support. We have achieved our
track record while changing lives at a cost of $50 per life changed, including all administrative costs.
Why This Strategy?
The Townships Project is tackling the most difficult job - raising the infrastructure funds needed to launch an
MFI. There are a number of non-governmental organizations (NGOs), banks and government institutions that
provide millions of dollars for micro loans once an MFI is up and functioning, but they do not fund the
infrastructure and training support necessary to start and build the institution to that viable stage.
Why Canada? Why Canadians?
The poverty in South Africa is a legacy of the apartheid regime. The townships were purpose-built to house
black people during apartheid. Canada, under Brian Mulroney, took a steadfast stand against apartheid for
many years and is credited with influencing the democratic outcome. Nelson Mandela's first visit outside South
Africa after the fall of apartheid was to Canada, in recognition of this country's contribution.
The Townships Project views extending micro finance services to the townships as an extension of Canada's
anti-apartheid activism. The fight against apartheid has been won; now we must win the fight against poverty.
Credentials?
The Townships Project is a registered charity in Canada and is authorized to issue charitable donation receipts for
income tax purposes. The United Nations Development Programme has recognized micro-lending as the single
most effective mechanism in the front-line struggle against poverty in developing countries. In the words of
Muhammad Yunus, winner of the 2006 Nobel Peace Prize, "I have come to believe, deeply and firmly, that we can
create a poverty free world if we want to. I came to this conclusion not as a product of a pious dream, but as a
concrete result of experience gained in the work of the Grameen Bank." The Townships Project shares this belief.
www.lendtoend.org
www.thetownshipsproject.org
What Is LEND TO END [POVERTY]?
It's a fun and fabulous fundraising event for The Townships Project.
It's held annually in Toronto on the second Thursday in May. Last
year the inaugural LEND TO END [POVERTY] was held on
Thursday, May 10, 2007 at Alice Fazooli's. Over 500 people
attended and we raised a net total of $40,000 in support. This year
the party will sizzle with excitement again and grow to welcome
over 700 guests. With significant sponsorship from strategic
partners we can raise $100,000.
The Party
The event is an "after work" party running from 5:30 - 9:30 PM at
Alice Fazooli's in downtown Toronto (294 Adelaide Street West).
Delicious food, upbeat entertainment and a visually stunning silent
auction create an energetic and positive atmosphere that can be felt
throughout the crowd. Above, Vuyiswa Keyi, who works with one of
our South African partners, and Martha Deacon, Founder, address
the crowd.
The Location
We're returning to Alice Fazooli's this year because this is a premier
venue that offers enough space for a very large crowd with a great
outdoor patio, educational area, VIP lounge, dynamic silent auction
display and professional stage. As well, the venue's inkind support
allows our charity to maximize our fundraising efforts. Guests enjoy
the variety available at the cash bar to compliment their personal
tastes while savouring the incredible food included with event tickets.
The Audience
Last year the LEND TO END [POVERTY] fundraiser attracted over 500
motivated professionals. The event committee is large with younger
members and seasoned volunteers, giving us an excellent
opportunity to sell tickets and reach into the community. This year
we will expand our promotional plan and welcome over 700 guests.
At right, Allan Macdonald, Chair of The Townships Project, and
Martha Deacon, Founder, enjoy the party.
www.lendtoend.org
www.thetownshipsproject.org
What Is LEND TO END [POVERTY]?
Entertainment
Entertainment is central to our event. Last year performances included
Universal Jazz recording artist Denzal Sinclaire, chill-out aficionados
Kush and alt-country crooner Kirsten Jones. David Deacon, Event
Committee Chair, delighted all as the emcee for the evening.
Amarula provided dancers for a lively close to the silent auction and
photographers circulated throughout the venue capturing every
moment of the event. Get ready for another year of unforgettable
entertainment!
Education
The Education area offers an opportunity to learn more about
The Townships Project and about the effectiveness of microlending
to eradicate poverty. The large displays are visually compelling with
stories about some of the people who have benefited from
microlending. A professional video with pictures of South Africa is
presented all night on thirty TVs throughout the bar. Our Education
Committee is personable, knowledgeable and ready to answer
questions and provide handouts.
Silent Auction and Live Auction
The Silent Auction is a HUGE hit. This year's prizes will match the
same amazing value as last year, when items included flights on
Zoom airlines, a Bon Jovi signed guitar, MAC make-up, opera tickets,
concert tickets, spa certificates, dinners for two and more. We had 40
items in all, including spectacular live auction items by JAZZFM.91's
morning host Ralph Benmergui: tickets and backstage passes to see
Norah Jones, a Montreal Jazz Festival Trip including 1st class Via Rail
passes and tickets to see Randy Bachman and Branford Marsalis, and
tickets and backstage passes to see teen sensation Hilary Duff.
Gift Bags
The gift bags are another big hit! Selling for $20 each, they contain
CDs, movie passes, books, lip gloss, toothpaste, health club passes
and many other items including 40 authentic South African gifts.
Each gift bag is guaranteed to have a value of $50, with some bags
worth significantly more. A sub-committee of gift bag divas enjoys
creating this amazing fundraising opportunity with fun and flair as
they work their way throughout the event to make sure everyone gets
a chance to get one before they're gone.
www.lendtoend.org
www.thetownshipsproject.org
Public Relations & Promotions
The Impact of Sponsorship
Martha Deacon, Founder of The Townships Project, delivers an impassioned message about South Africa and
the need for microcredit. With first-hand experience in South Africa and a clear vision for the future, Martha tells
the story of how raised funds make a real difference - and here is one of the many real stories:
Mr and Mrs Madlanga received their first loan in 2003,
which they used to open a Spaza shop business. With
strong repayment rates they are now on their 5th loan.
They sell groceries including paraffin, sour milk and meat.
They believe that the loans have really made a difference
in their lives.
The couple also started a day care centre in their shack in
Duncan Village. They noticed that young mothers were
struggling to support their families, and stay in school.
They started with five babies. After six months the
numbers grew, they decided to ask two ladies from their
community to come and help them. Today they employ a
staff of five who care for 65 children ranging from
newborns up to the age of seven.
Last year's sponsors for our inaugural event were RBC Capital Markets and inkind support from JAZZ.FM91,
Amarula, Universal Music Canada, Negra Modelo, Edge Productions, and McGill.
2008 will be an exceptional year of growth and opportunity with a larger audience and increased sponsorships to
raise more funds at the LEND TO END [POVERTY] event. We're excited about the message Martha will bring to
our guests at this year's event as she illustrates the need and celebrates our collective ability to make a difference.
Getting the Word Out
The public awareness strategy for the 2008 LEND TO END [POVERTY] event includes public service
announcements, a widely distributed media release and an event media table. We will also build on our
existing relationships to establish media partners for inkind advertising and a published "Success and
Appreciation" display ad. The general public will also be driven to our website through list announcements
and website postings.
Tickets
Tickets are $150 for a VIP ticket and $35 for a general admission ticket. Guests with a general admission
ticket receive food and one drink ticket. VIP ticket holders receive three drink tickets, access to the VIP
lounge and a $100 charitable tax receipt.
Ticket Sales
Tickets are available on our website. In addition, our large network of committee members, volunteers and
supporters personally sell tickets with great success.
www.lendtoend.org
www.thetownshipsproject.org
Sponsorship Levels
PRESENTING SPONSOR
Corporate logo on all 1000 printed tickets for LEND TO END [POVERTY] 2008
12 V.I.P. tickets for LEND TO END [POVERTY] 2008
Corporate Logo on front page of website in recognition of Title sponsor status
Corporate Logo on all on-site event signage in recognition of Title sponsor status
Corporate Logo in event program in recognition of Title sponsor status
Corporate Logo on educational DVD, which will run throughout the event
Choice of inside front cover or back cover of event program (does not include creative)
Opportunity to place approved presenting sponsor signage at event (signage at sponsor’s cost)
Media release backgrounder and opportunity to provide quotation for media release content
Lunch and Learn at your workplace - a first class experience for employees
$ 20,000
PLATINUM SPONSOR
8 V.I.P. tickets for LEND TO END [POVERTY] 2008
Corporate Logo on website in recognition of Platinum sponsor status
Corporate Logo on all on-site event signage in recognition of Platinum sponsor status
Corporate Logo in event program in recognition of Platinum sponsor status
½ page ad in event program (does not include creative)
Lunch and Learn at your workplace - a first class experience for employees
$ 12,000
GOLD SPONSOR
6 V.I.P. tickets for LEND TO END [POVERTY] 2008
Corporate Logo on website in recognition of Gold sponsor status
Corporate Logo on all on-site event signage in recognition of Gold sponsor status
Corporate Logo in event program in recognition of Gold sponsor status
$ 5,000
PATRONS
4 V.I.P. tickets for LEND TO END [POVERTY] 2008
Name listed on our Patrons page in the event program and on the website
$ 1,000
GIFT IN KIND SPONSORS
Value will be determined on a case by case basis
www.lendtoend.org
www.thetownshipsproject.org
Why Become A Sponsor Of
LEND TO END [POVERTY]?
"Microfinance is much more than simply an income generation tool. By directly empowering poor people,
particularly women, it has become one of the key driving mechanisms towards meeting...the overarching target of
halving extreme poverty and hunger by 2015."
-March Malloch Brown, Administrator, UNDP
Poverty can be eradicated. Micro-credit is a proven technology in the global fight against it.
FIVE REASONS TO SPONSOR LEND TO END [POVERTY]:
1. GOOD WILL
Our charity, The Townships Project, is about changing lives forever through microcredit, giving people an
opportunity to escape poverty by extending small loans so they can build their own businesses to sustain
themselves and their families. The Townships Project achieves this at a cost of $50 per life changed, including
all administrative expenses. It is simply an amazing movement to be involved with.
2. EXPOSURE
Your brand and your company will be exposed to more than 700 Bay Street executives and corporations who
are purchasing Lend to End event tickets and to thousands of people who will visit our website. Last year
JAZZ.FM91 made over 30 public service announcements of the event.
3. GROW AS WE GROW
This is the second year of an event that will happen every year on the second Thursday of May. Each year it will
get bigger and develop an even higher profile, so getting involved in the first few years means your role can
expand as we expand.
4. THE POLITICS OF TODAY
The western world is engaging the issue of poverty eradication. Bill Clinton, Bill Gates, Warren Buffett,
Jeffrey Sachs, Frank Guistra and myriad celebrities in the worlds of politics and business are joining the cause.
As Canadian journalist Nina Munk has stated, it has become a "full-blown trend". They are taking note of Nobel
Laureate Muhammad Yunus' statement: "This is not charity. This is business: business with a social objective,
which is to help people get out of poverty." Poverty can be eradicated; today we have the tools, and more and
more citizens of all ages are interested in using those tools. In reply to those who cannot see the connection
between peace and a banking system that benefits the poor, the Nobel Peace Prize committee has this to say:
"Lasting peace cannot be achieved unless large population groups find ways in which to break out of poverty.
Microcredit is one such means. Development from below also serves to advance democracy and human rights."
5. OTHER OPPORTUNITIES
There are opportunities to get involved in our events in Vancouver, Calgary and Charlottetown as well. This
event can offer national or regional exposure - whichever suits your business.
In summary, this event can help you to expand your corporate image as both a distinctive brand and as a
company who believes in creating sustainable income as a means of eliminating poverty.
Our Event Manager, Kirsten Jones, would be delighted to answer any questions:
T: 416-829-0527
E: [email protected]
www.lendtoend.org
www.thetownshipsproject.org
SMALL BUT MIGHTY
The Lend to End (Poverty) event in Toronto raises more than $40,000 in its first year
for The Townships Project which provides microcredit in South Africa. By Mary MacKay
The recent Lend to End (Poverty) fundraising bash is a fine
example of how to make a mountain without even a small
molehill to start. Despite being a charity unknown in the huge
city of Toronto, this little fundraiser managed to put together a
gala on May 10 2007 that raised more than $40,000 for
The Townships Project.
"Downtown Toronto is a very tough place to try to do a big
event from nothing. We were not even known as a charity," says
Martha Deacon, co-founder of The Townships Project, which
provides micro-loans to entrepreneurs, primarily women, in the
township areas outside East London, South Africa to enable
them to become self-sustaining and to break the cycle of
poverty. "We started from nothing, from not even an idea of
what kind of event to have, nobody to help, nothing," she adds.
"We flowered, we bloomed into this enormously successful
group. We had such a good time working together."
The Toronto-based Lend to End (Poverty) fundraising event
began about a year ago after Deacon established a core of
volunteers who came up with the Lend to End idea as a fun
way to launch the Toronto chapter of The Townships Project.
Singer/songwriter Kirsten Jones of Toronto was hired as event
coordinator to pull everything together for the May 2007 date.
She worked in tandem with event chair David Deacon, who
provided the corporate office space for Lend to End. The first
donor onboard was RBC Capital Markets with $15,000, which
got the Lend to End event off the ground. Negra Modelo
donated beer and Amarula provided samples of its
South African liqueur, as well as two dancers as an
entertainment highlight for the evening.
The entertainment headliner for the event was jazz artist
Denzal Sinclaire, who helped get Toronto's jazz station
JazzFM.91 onboard as the radio sponsor to advertise the event.
The station's morning host, Ralph Benmergui, gave a brief
information talk about micro-credit before calling the live
auction: tickets to see Norah Jones; tickets to the Montreal Jazz
Festival with accommodations and Via Rail transportation; and
tickets to see and meet Hilary Duff. The goal for the evening
was for it to be a fun party event and also educate people about
The Townships Project and micro-credit as a whole. In terms
of attracting a specific demographic, timing was everything.
"We changed the time of the party to be an after-work party as
opposed to later in the
evening so we could get
people who were coming
from downtown after work,"
Jones says. "One of our
targets
was
definitely
downtown business types
who we know have money, we
know give to charities and
who we want to know about
The Townships Project."
Kirsten Jones and Martha Deacon
Another initiative to draw as many people as possible was to
offer two types of tickets to the event. "We had two ticket
prices. We had the $150 ticket price which was VIP, which
meant you got a $100 charitable receipt and access to the VIP
lounge which had a little more food and drink tickets involved,"
Jones says. "And then we had $30 tickets without a charitable
receipt. You still came and had access to everything except the
VIP lounge. That way we didn't leave anybody out." More than
500 people showed up for this first-time event. "For a first year
we were pretty happy. We even had 80 walk-ups, 80 people who
came and bought tickets that night. That was pretty
phenomenal too," she adds.
The live auction raised more than $3,000 but the most
successful part of the evening was the silent auction, which
featured about 40 donated items. It brought in more than
$12,000. Another ingenious but almost last minute idea was gift
bags that were a super hit. "We gathered items from all kinds of
sources and put them in grab bags. You didn't know what you
were getting," Jones says. The bags, which had a guaranteed
value of $50 or more, were sold for $20. More than 210 of
these fun surprise bags sold in less than two hours. On the
educational side, an area was set up with poster boards that
shared the stories of people who had benefited from
microcredit. There were also volunteers on hand to answer any
and all questions the party attendees might have had. All in all,
the event was a success fundraising-wise and fun-wise for
people who look forward to next year's Lend to End party. "It
wasn't totally cost-free but we did our best to get as much
donated as we could," Jones says. "We'd like to see it go costfree this year and have everything be for
The Townships Project."
Mary MacKay
Features Reporter
The Guardian Newspaper
www.lendtoend.org
www.thetownshipsproject.org