Annual Report > 2010

Annual Report > 2010
War Child Canada
Annual Report > 2010
War Child Canada
War Child’s Vision
A world where no child knows war
War Child’s Mission
War Child strives to empower children
and young people to flourish within
their communities and overcome the
challenges of living with, and recovering
from, conflict. To achieve this, War Child
works collaboratively with those
communities to increase access to
education, overcome the obstacles
of poverty and create a protective
environment for the rights of children
and youth.
(Cover) A street scene in Freetown,
Sierra Leone, captured by War Child’s
Justine Turner.
(Inside Cover – above) Mothers and
daughters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
All photos © War Child Canada
Letter >
From the Executive Director
Dear Friends,
2010 began with the Haitian earthquake – a natural disaster that heaped further misery on a
country that had suffered decades of violence and oppression. Four months earlier, War Child
had carried out a mission to the country to assess what gaps might need filling as the
country attempted to build a peaceful future. Our team returned with a familiar tale of crippled
education services, endemic sexual violence and few ways for a beleaguered population to
escape poverty. The earthquake magnified these problems and created many more.
This is the nature of our work. It is unpredictable. In order to respond to rapidly changing
circumstances, we need the flexibility that your donations allow us. But we also need the
support of institutions and our partners to allow us to see the job through. In our programming,
we work with local people in the medium and longer term, to enable them to rebuild their
communities in the aftermath of conflict. This is often a long and complex process but when
local people are the architects of their own futures, the foundations are stronger.
Samantha Nutt
Founder and Executive Director
War Child Canada
Board of Directors
Dr. Samantha Nutt, MD, MSc,
CCFR, FRCPC, LLD
Founder and Executive Director
Mr. Nils Engelstad
Chair
Dr. Steven Hick
Our commitment to local solutions is most clearly reflected in our staff overseas. War Child
employs over two hundred people in our programs and over 90% of them are local. These
people are the living embodiment of our philosophy and a source of great pride for me. And
the work they are doing and the results they are seeing – be it in the displaced camps of
Darfur, the villages of war-ravaged Congo or the slums of Addis Ababa – are testament to their
dedication to both War Child’s approach and to rebuilding their communities from within.
And so I would like to conclude with a heartfelt thank-you to all our donors. You are the people
and organizations that make everything we do possible. Despite continuing difficulties in the
global economy, our income continued to grow in 2010 and this is because of your generosity.
We are all connected to war in some way – through the products we purchase and the
investments we make. But we can also, if we chose, be agents of change. I am very grateful
that you have made that choice through your generous donations.
Yours,
Dr. Eric Hoskins
(End: July 2010)
Ms. Kali Galanis
Ms. Aubrey Charrette
Samantha Nutt
Founder and Executive Director
WAR CHILD CANADA 2010 ANNUAL REPORT
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War Child Canada >
From then to Now
War Child was founded in North America in 1999 by two
doctors – Samantha Nutt and Eric Hoskins. Both had worked
for many years in some of the world’s toughest war zones, and
had become convinced that a better, more grassroots approach
to humanitarian work was possible. From the outset, Samantha
and Eric were committed to creating a charity that empowers
local people and organizations to be the architects of their own
recovery from the devastation of war. They believed passionately
that communities and local leaders should be at the helm of
rebuilding their countries. In their view, the role of organizations
such as War Child is to enable, rather than drive, that process.
War Child grew from a volunteer base of one – Samantha,
equipped with a cell phone, a backpack and a one room office
– to what it is today: an award-winning international charity
with a team of 20 based at the office headquarters in Little Italy,
Toronto. The head office team provides support to over
200 staff members employed overseas, over 90% of whom
are local people.
In 2000, War Child burst onto the national scene with a
huge benefit concert in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Featuring
The Tragically Hip and Chantal Kreviazuk, the concert attracted
80,000 people and raised over $300,000. Two more large-scale
concerts followed. These events brought War Child’s vision to
the hearts and minds of Canadians: a world where no child
knows war.
By 2001, War Child was operational in Iraq, the AfghanistanPakistan border and on the Thai-Burmese border. With the
award of funds from the government’s Canada Fund for Africa,
the organization was able to expand into Ghana (working with
Liberian refugees), Sierra Leone, Sudan and Uganda.
2001 also saw the first of two major TV documentaries on
War Child’s areas of focus – Musicians In The War Zone. This
ambitious film followed Canadian musicians as they travelled
to war torn countries: David Usher to the Thai-Burmese
border; Rascalz to Sierra Leone; and Raine Maida and Chantal
Kreviazuk’s journey to Iraq. The visits had a profound effect on
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2010 ANNUAL REPORT WAR CHILD CANADA
all the musicians, but particularly on Chantal and Raine, who
have since become two of War Child’s most vocal and generous
supporters.
In 2003, in the wake of the second Iraq war, War Child released
Peace Songs, a double album featuring exclusive recordings by
Paul McCartney, David Bowie, Moby, Avril Lavigne and many
more. The album went gold in Canada and funded much needed
reconstruction work in the Iraqi education sector. War Child’s
most recent high profile release was the Heroes record in 2009,
featuring the songs of artists such as Stevie Wonder, Bruce
Springsteen and U2. These music legends collaborated with
younger artists such as Estelle, the Scissor Sisters and TV On
The Radio, inviting them to record covers of their classic songs.
The resulting album was acclaimed across North America,
including rave reviews in the New York Times and Rolling Stone.
The exposure these music projects generated has served to
amplify War Child’s message, particularly to young people; but
in the end it is the quality of the work overseas that speaks
loudest. War Child’s locally focused approach to development
currently serves over 200,000 people. All of these programs
have one clear aim – to build the capacity of local communities
to such a level that War Child is no longer needed. In recent
years, War Child has been able to phase out of Iraq and
Georgia, having seen local partners emerge as leaders ready to
continue rebuilding, without any further assistance from outside.
This, more than anything else, is a real step toward a future
in which no child knows war and all children are free to follow
their dreams.
War Child was founded in
North America in 1999 by
two doctors –
Samantha Nutt and
Eric Hoskins.
How To Get Ahead In Advertising
Since 2001, War Child has been
fortunate to count john st. as its pro bono
communications and advertising partner.
john st. were founded that year and so, in
many ways, the two organizations have
grown up together. Early successes included
the A is for AK47 print campaign that
commanded a great deal of attention. But
that was nothing compared to the reaction
that greeted the integrated campaign,
Camp Okutta, in 2007. Based around the
concept of a summer camp for Canadian
kids modelled on the experiences of child
soldiers, john st. created a disturbingly
believable world, including a camp website,
a video, photocopied posters and camp
councilors handing out leaflets on the
street. The campaign was so believable that
one woman tore down all the posters on
Queen St, Toronto and called up the CBC
to complain that such a camp could exist in
Canada. The rest of the media soon caught
on and suddenly the plight of child soldiers
was being discussed in newspapers and on
TV across Canada.
Camp Okutta broke the mold for charity
advertising in Canada and is still taught as a
study example in university communications
classes. For War Child, the campaign raised
awareness across the country and it went a
long way towards defining the organizations
personality and voice. ■
(Above) Dr Samantha Nutt meets fellow doctors
in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
WAR CHILD CANADA 2010 ANNUAL REPORT
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The Foundations >
of our International Programs Work
A Local Philosophy:
At the very core of War Child’s overseas programming is the
belief that a community-driven process is essential to a robust
recovery following conflict. War Child’s role is as a facilitator.
We support individuals to improve their skills to better access
opportunities for personal growth: not only the young people
who participate in programs, but also our staff overseas,
over 90% of whom are recruited from the community.
War Child works with, and often through, local partners,
including local NGO’s, government ministries and community
groups, ensuring that these local groups are full participants in
the design and implementation of the programs. The end goal of
all War Child programming is that our partner organizations take
full ownership, growing to the point where War Child is no longer
necessary. In other words, we measure our success by how
close we are to being able to leave local partners to carry on the
work independently.
Core Programming Areas
War Child’s programming is based on three core goals – to
improve access to education, to improve access to justice and
to reduce poverty through increased employment opportunities.
Across all its programming, War Child ensures that important
issues like conflict sensitivity, gender equality and the protection
of children are incorporated into all projects, activities and public
engagement programs.
Education:
Education is every child’s right. It can also be a matter of life and
death. The children of uneducated mothers are more likely to die
in infancy than those whose mothers can read. An uneducated
population is less able to participate in the democratic
process and has fewer opportunities to take part in decision
making about their community’s development. War Child’s
educational programming provides children and young people
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2010 ANNUAL REPORT WAR CHILD CANADA
with opportunities for learning in a protected space, free from
exploitation and abuse. In areas where formal education is not
available, War Child works to re-build schools, run “catch up”
education programs and provide training in basic life skills.
Access to Justice:
Women and children are frequently the victims of severe
human rights violations – especially sexual violence – in conflict
and post conflict communities. Legal structures break down
quickly when a country is at war and rebuilding them can be a
prolonged process. The atrocities and abuses of war can, over
time, lead to a culture of impunity in which sexual violence goes
unpunished. War Child is dedicated to overcoming this and
ensuring that women’s and children’s rights are both understood
and respected by communities and the law enforcement officials
who oversee them. War Child’s programming is unique in that
it provides direct legal representation to children and women
in need of protection as well as comprehensive community
sensitization and training of legal and justice officials.
Reducing Poverty and Fostering Self-Reliance:
In conflict and post conflict areas, families often end up destitute
and unable to provide the basics of life for their children. Young
people are particularly vulnerable, because without a safe and
secure means of earning a living, they can be easily drawn into
destructive situations in an effort to support themselves. The
third cornerstone of War Child’s programming seeks to help
young people avoid this downward spiral through vocational
training. The program’s livelihoods component aims to create
opportunities for young people to gain the skills that they
need to secure dignified economic employment and income
for themselves and their families. War Child also operates
microfinance programs to help set up small businesses. ■
At the very core of
War Child’s overseas
programming is the belief
that a community-driven
process is essential
to a robust recovery
following conflict.
WAR CHILD CANADA 2010 ANNUAL REPORT
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Education >
Focus on Haiti
Access to non-formal education for the most vulnerable,
impoverished children is at the heart of all our programs in Haiti.
Even before the earthquake of January 12, 2010, the education
needs were immense. These needs are now even more
pronounced, given the large number of institutes and schools
that have collapsed and the massive displacement of people to
areas which are lacking in infrastructure and services.
In order to create a safe environment conducive to learning,
our efforts have focused mainly on the development of ‘child
friendly spaces’. Age-group specific educational activities are
provided within these ‘child friendly spaces’ (three of which
are located in rural areas outside the city of Jacmel and eight
of which are located in urban areas in a poor neighborhood of
Port‑au‑Prince).
For younger children, play is an essential and critical tool for
learning how to count, how to read, and for interacting in society.
Some of our methods also detect trauma or psychological
problems that children face in their immediate environments.
Assistance in resolving these difficulties provides greater
chances for academic performance and success. A homework
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2010 ANNUAL REPORT WAR CHILD CANADA
assistance service also permits children enrolled in our centres to
receive after school help from experienced tutors and more than
500 children have already benefitted from this service.
Many Haitian young people have been out of school for several
years and have limited employment prospects.
One of the goals of War Child Canada’s program is to provide
these young people with basic educational skills (reading,
writing and arithmetic) along with knowledge of a trade through
professional training. Ninety girls and boys participated together
for a degree-credited four month training course on construction
techniques and building construction, with the hope of
participating in the reconstruction of their country.
War Child Canada takes into consideration parents, especially
mothers, in its programs and believes in the importance of
literacy. By learning to read and write, parents regain their dignity
and this is essential to facilitate and nourish the wellbeing and
self-esteem of the children we support. ■
AUCAYD in Sierra Leone
AUCAYD’s debut album
‘Give some little love’
“They are the future generation, don’t treat your child like a rebel,
give him the right to education, child abuse is a crime. Show him
love, don’t let him cry, maybe one day he will be a superstar,
you never know, maybe he will be a minister, maybe he will be a
doctor, maybe he will be a president” – Lyrics from AUCAYD’s
debut album, Give Some Little Love
Modern audio/visual studio set up by
War Child Canada and Street Quality
Entertainment in Freetown, Sierra Leone
War Child Canada is very proud to present AUCAYD’s
(Artists United for Children and Youth Development) debut album
‘Give Some Little Love’ – a direct result of our investment in
this passionate group of artists, who use the arts and media
technology to empower young people and promote positive
social change. With songs addressing such topics as early
marriage, teenage pregnancy, violence against women and
HIV/AIDS, this album will engage, inspire and inform audiences
across Sierra Leone and beyond. ■
WAR CHILD CANADA 2010 ANNUAL REPORT
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Access To Justice >
Speaking Out Against Sexual Violence
Glenn Shaw, War Child’s consultant in DR Congo, reports on
how radio is combating the persistent sexual abuse of girls.
The global village. The networked planet. When people talk of
how technology has made the world so small, they’re not talking
about the Democratic Republic of Congo. In a country that has
seen decades of conflict take the lives of over five million of its
citizens, whose infrastructure is all but destroyed and whose
women and girls are routinely raped and assaulted, the brave
new world of the social web is barely conceivable to much of
the population.
In countries such as the Congo, it isn’t Facebook or Twitter
that connects people. It’s the radio. And it is the tremendous
power of radio that War Child is tapping into to change attitudes
towards gender equality and women’s rights, generally.
Sadly, with conflict continuing for over 15 years in the area,
the utilization of rape as a weapon against the population has
become almost a norm. Without active programs to speak
out against the practice, sexual and gender based violence
(SGBV) will remain a common tool for militias to terrorize local
communities throughout the region.
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2010 ANNUAL REPORT WAR CHILD CANADA
In response to the Congolese Government’s latest initiative to
tackle the chronic persistence of SGBV, War Child Canada’s
program in Fizi District recently initiated an advocacy campaign
to encourage greater young people reporting on the issue.
The public competition specifically asked local community
radio stations in the area to generate reporting content which
directly enhanced public awareness about the laws, and SGBV
in general.
With numerous submissions from both Radio Umoja and
Radio Baraka, a local journalist, Ms. Bora Asumani, was
eventually declared the winner.
Bora’s entry, a 75-minute piece, was lauded for its in-depth
review of the newly enhanced law relating to SGBV. In order
to connect with her audience, Ms. Asumani held discussion
groups with young people to review and critique the laws.
The result made for an easily digested, but highly informative
(and entertaining) commentary which instantly captured the
judges’ attention.
The global village. The networked planet. When people talk of how
technology has made the world so small, they’re not talking about
the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Mr. Matthew Alimasi, War Child’s Senior
Program Manager in Baraka, agreed with the
judges, and found the entry to be well suited
to the environment: “I thought her submission
showed a great sense of awareness of, not
only the laws, but her audience and the
problem of SGBV in South Kivu as well.
We were very happy to find Ms. Asumani’s
entry the winner. Hopefully she and Radio
Baraka will continue to report on the ongoing
problem of SGBV in South Kivu.”
(Above) A workshop in northern Uganda
on the the importance of women and
children’s rights.
Photos by Donald Weber
In receipt of her submission’s distinction for
high quality journalism, Ms. Asumani was
awarded a certificate of excellence, while her
employer, Radio Baraka, received a mobile
dictaphone. Radio Baraka Station Manager,
Pascal Moussa Mwenyepanzi was proud
of his colleague, and recognized what an
important contribution the dictaphone will
make to the station’s reporting program,
“This new piece of equipment will be used
almost exclusively for our youth reporting
programs, and enable our station’s younger
journalists to gather information and
comments from the community – thus giving
them a voice”, said Mr. Mwenyepanzi.
For her part Ms. Asumani was thrilled to
receive the award, and is already planning her
next opportunity to report on this problem.
Her next initiative will take her even closer
to the community, “My plan is to develop
dramas which can be taken to the village
where radio doesn’t reach. Today there
are many children in the rural areas who
are neglected and not in schools… And
because of a lack of education, you may find
these girls are vulnerable and so exposed
to marginal circumstances, sexual violence,
and early marriage. Often these experiences
can lead young girls straight into sex work.
To talk about child protection issues, to
show how women and children are violated,
and to show people how they can respect
children’s rights – these are issues which
need to be discussed in the community, and
that is my job! And as I am a woman, it is
my conviction”. ■
Snapshot of Uganda
2010 was a ground breaking year for the
War Child access to justice program. As both
civil and criminal cases are being brought
before the courts, the days of impunity for
perpetrators of sexual and gender based
violence and child rights violations are
coming to an end. War Child’s ‘Access to
Justice’ program has been providing free
legal services to survivors and child rights
victims in northern Uganda since 2005. With
legal clinics set up throughout the northern
region providing both judicial and traditional
justice services, War Child has been
supporting survivors and children in their
search for justice for the crimes committed
against them. War Child also works to train
and sensitize judges, lawyers, police and
army officials, building an understanding of
their duties and obligations to uphold and
protect the rights of women and children.
Similarly, in order to break the cycle of
abuse and violence, War Child is training
and sensitizing community members in
order to help raise awareness about sexual
and gender based violence and child rights
through radio broadcasts, the distribution of
educational and informational materials, and
community events. ■
WAR CHILD CANADA 2010 ANNUAL REPORT
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9
Reducing Poverty >
Ethiopia’s Chef School
Jenn Donville, War Child’s Deputy Director of International
Programs, reports on progress in Ethiopia.
I have just returned from War Child Canada’s project in Ethiopia,
which is funded by the Canadian International Development
Agency. I love Addis Ababa – it is a growing, exciting city that’s
safe and welcoming; and it has possibly the best coffee in
the world.
The downside to visiting Addis in October is that it’s the windy
month – the one that comes after the rainy season – so, little
whirlpools of dust are cruising down the streets and up your
nose and in your eyes. Ethiopians have a saying in Amharic that
roughly translates to “In October, you better get the bone-meat”,
which means that you must spend money on the meat right off
the bone, because your body will need the strength to fight off all
the swirling potential infections in the dust-ups. This is particularly
bad in the poor areas, where a lot of the housing is crowded and
lacks any kind of plumbing or proper drainage for human waste.
As the ground dries up, particles get picked up and carried by
the wind, making air-borne infections pretty common this time
of year.
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War Child’s project focuses on the poorest neighbourhoods,
(or kebeles), in the city, working with child-headed households
who have lost both parents to HIV/AIDS.
I went to visit three of our household heads who are currently
in their fifth month of training in food preparation at one of the
country’s biggest hotel and tourism institutes – where students
also learn English, French, hygiene and ‘commodities’. This
institute has contracts with over two hundred hotels in the
country for employing graduates. Because the students from our
program are high-risk, they get first crack at job opportunities.
These opportunities are invaluable to the young people.
Gethmesaye (right, above) is a 20 year old student in the
program. He has three younger siblings that he takes care of
on his own, and says, “Before I joined this training program,
I knew nothing about cooking. Now I have the skills to get a job,
and have a livelihood”. He adds that his favourite dish to cook
is Anapotato, or potato soup. Another student, Helen (centre),
an 18 year old who is also supporting her three younger siblings,
told me, “I was dropping out of school before to serve coffee at
a street cafe. As a result of this program, I have rejoined school
War Child’s project focuses on the poorest neighbourhoods,
(or kebeles), in the city, where we work with child-headed
households who have lost both parents to HIV/AIDS. We provide
support and training for 39 households representing a total of
151 children and young people.
(Above) A young mother from War Child’s
Afghanistan program making a traditional bread.
(Below) A War Child graduate at work in tailoring.
to train as a cook. Now my younger three
siblings are in school and don’t have to
work.” Fikerte (left) is only 17 years old and
takes care of her five younger siblings, and
says “As a result of the program, we have
equal status within the community – I am
learning a trade, my siblings are in school.
When you drop school, the community sees
you as like a shoplifter and they look at you
with such judgement. Before, I was working
night time as a cleaner, during the day as
a petty labourer – doing laundry and other
tasks. Now my brother is taking extension
classes in night school, then training with
the program to earn his licence to be a
full time driver.”
Snapshot of Afghanistan
Through the Afghan Women’s Community
Support Project, 600 illiterate and
impoverished women have received basic
education and training in income-generating
skills such as tailoring, baking and food
preservation. Once finished their training,
women receive a loan and business support
to help them establish small businesses. As
one participant reported ‘My children used to
sell plastic bags in the street to help support
our family. Now, with my baking business,
I have enough money to send my children
to school.’ ■
When I ask what they’d like to do after
they graduate, all three of them told me
that they hope someday to open up their
own restaurant or cafe and run their own
business. In the meantime, they’ll get good
jobs at hotels across the city, but with their
determination and this opportunity, they have
a real chance of realizing those goals. ■
WAR CHILD CANADA 2010 ANNUAL REPORT
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Nurturing Local Skills
>
Darfur, Sudan
Around the town of El Genina, in the Darfur region of Sudan,
hundreds of thousands of people seek sanctuary. Each camp
is home to up to 35,000 people all living the semi-temporary
existence of those forced from their homes by conflict. Most wish
to return to their villages in Darfur, many of which were burned
and destroyed at the start of the conflict in 2003. Sadly, extreme
insecurity means that most are still in limbo, struggling to survive,
with limited skills and opportunities.
Abdul (his name has been changed for his safety) is one such
person. He arrived in 2003 from a village about 50km away. He
had been raising livestock to support his family. One night as he
slept, his village was attacked and burned to the ground. As well
as losing his livelihood overnight, his brother and another four
members of his immediate family were brutally slaughtered.
He fled the village with his surviving family and came to El Genina
with nothing. At first they had no shelter. Many suffered from
health problems, infections and often went hungry. It was months
before international organizations obtained access to his camp
to distribute food and offer health care. Abdul and his family were
finally given a ration card and blankets.
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Abdul had no choice other than to live on handouts for two years.
But in 2005 he heard of a new training program offered by War
Child and enrolled in a course to learn masonry. Abdul was one of
the first from him camp to be trained in the fledgling program.
After graduating from the course, Abdul was able to find
construction work outside of the camp and his reputation as a
highly skilled mason began to spread. He is now able to earn
between $9 and $10 a day‚ far more than he was earning in his
village. He is once again able to provide for his children.
Abdul considers War Child – with its inclusive, long-term approach
– a completely different organization to others he has come across.
He says that he’ll never forget the opportunity that War Child gave
him and the opportunities that have been given to his community.
By 2007, this once fledgling program had grown substantially
through the recognition of its success and valued contribution,
and so War Child asked Abdul to come back and train other
young people part-time, which he has been doing ever
since. He is able to pass on all that he has learned to the
next generation. In time, they will be able to do the same and
War Child’s mission to nurture the skills and talents of local
communities – to enable them to rebuild – will be fulfilled. ■
India
Sri Lanka
Batticaloa
War Child has been
operational in Sri Lanka for
over six years.
Gingathena
Badulla
War Child Successfully Phases Out
of Sri Lanka!
War Child has been operational in Sri Lanka
for over six years, working to support families
and communities as they recover from the
30-year civil war and the devastation of the
2004 Asian Tsunami. Working through local
partners in Batticaloa Town – situated on
Sri Lanka’s far eastern coast – War Child has
run programs focused on the psychosocial
recovery and education of children from both
Muslim and Tamil families, as well as the
reconciliation of these two communities.
(Above) Two boys at the Butterfly Peace
Garden in Sri Lanka, run by one of War
Child’s local partners.
In order to ensure that the impacts of our
programming are sustainable and continue
to provide support for these recovering
communities, we have focused for the past
18 months on capacity-building with our
local partners, providing trainings on financial
management, organizational structure and
accountability, monitoring and evaluation,
and proposal writing. With these tools and
skills, War Child’s partner organizations
will continue to be the cornerstones for
the ongoing process of development and
reconstruction. ■
Since the end of the war in May 2009,
Sri Lanka’s east coast has seen improvements
in economic recovery, social services and the
rebuilding of infrastructure such as roads and
communications. After six years of successful
programming, War Child’s Sri Lanka Program
will draw to a close in 2011.
WAR CHILD CANADA 2010 ANNUAL REPORT
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Donor Appreciation >
Aeroplan Beyond Miles
Since 2008, Aeroplan has donated millions of miles to War Child
and, through their Beyond Miles charitable program, has created
a vehicle for Aeroplan Members to donate their miles to offset
War Child’s travel costs.
Whether used to visit schools that are being rebuilt in war-torn
Democratic Republic of Congo, War Child’s programs that help
lift families out of poverty in Afghanistan, or children who have
lost both parents to HIV/AIDS in Ethiopia, these miles go a long
way to supporting children and their families in some of the most
devastated regions around the world. War Child is incredibly
grateful to Aeroplan and to their members for their generosity.
In 2010, Aeroplan and its members donated more than three
million Aeroplan Miles to War Child.
Also in 2010, Aeroplan employees from around the world joined
War Child on an assessment visit to our program in Ethiopia
and returned determined to do even more. Employees raised
funds through the sale of calendars and started a new suite of
rewards entitled Money Can’t Buy which offer up unique items
often autographed by major musicians with the proceeds going
to War Child. To recognize not only the incredible commitment
of Aeroplan but also of their globally conscious employees,
War Child was honored to award Aeroplan its Corporate Partner
of the Year Award in November 2010.
War Child is proud to partner with, and is incredibly grateful to,
Aeroplan for making such a generous commitment to our cause
and recognizing the importance of our mission.
Thank you Aeroplan! ■
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(Above) The Aeroplan Beyond Miles team
meet War Child staff at the annual donor
appreciation event.
(Left) The Aeroplan team visiting War Child’s
program in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
War Child is proud to partner with, and is incredibly grateful to,
Aeroplan for making such a generous commitment to our cause
and recognizing the importance of our mission.
WAR CHILD CANADA 2010 ANNUAL REPORT
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Public Engagement >
Keep the Beat
War Child is always on the lookout to spread the word, in schools
and through public speaking. Every year the organization takes
on different events and campaigns to get the word out and meet
with as many supporters as possible – 2010 was certainly no
exception. This past year, War Child facilitated two separate
speaking tours; one visited high schools across the west coast,
funded by the Simons Foundation, and the second reached
ten post secondary institutions across Ontario, funded by the
16 >2010 ANNUAL REPORT WAR CHILD CANADA
McLean Foundation, which was War Child’s first speaking tour
reaching a campus audience. In addition, over 60 high schools
from across Canada held fundraising events in support of
War Child and 17 campus groups raised awareness in their
campus communities. This year’s highlight, however, was without
a doubt all of the amazing Keep the Beat events that took place
in high schools across the country. ■
There’s something about being back in a high school for the day
that rekindles your own high school memories.
St. Michael’s Keeps the Beat
by Alyson Rowe
Pupils from St. Michael’s at their
Keep the Beat event
There’s something about being back in a
high school for the day that rekindles your
own high school memories. This past May,
I had the chance to visit one of War Child’s
champion schools, St. Michael’s University
School in Victoria, British Columbia, for their
annual Keep the Beat event. I have to admit,
being at SMUS for the day reminded me just
how fun those days were, when there is a
buzz in the halls because this day is not like
the others. When I was in high school those
special days were usually the day before
the big game or spring dance, not a twelve
hour day of music in support of kids affected
by war.
For the past eight years, SMUS’s Arts
Council have been organizing a full day and
evening of music for their school community
in support of War Child. This student-led
initiative has become a tradition on campus
which, thanks to in-class busking, literally fills
each classroom with music.
Before the first bell has rung the entire Arts
Council has already started the first of several
events on campus: selling hot chocolate
in The Quad. The day starts as the whole
school community files into chapel for a
reminder about what Keep the Beat is all
about and how, through their generous
support, lives will be changed. SMUS alumna
Emily Reid closed the service with an original
Keep the Beat song that she wrote when
she was the student coordinator of the event
in 2009.
The entire event is a whirlwind. Every hour is
carefully planned and organized with different
Arts Council members taking the lead
organizing, hosting or coordinating. For me,
the most touching part of the event is that
every student has an opportunity to shine
and showcase their musical talent, whether
it is writing music, playing an instrument or
performing. I was blown away, not only by
the extraordinary talent – akin to watching
an episode of “Glee” unfold before you – but
by the support and camaraderie shown by
the students.
As is true with all successful student events,
none of it would be possible without their
faculty supervisor. For SMUS, that person
is Donna Williams. Donna goes above and
beyond to make sure that the students are
supported and empowered to make the
event their own. The Arts Council and every
other facet of arts education on campus
are richer because of her passion and love
of music.
Champion schools, like SMUS, who go
above and beyond in organizing fundraising
events in support of War Child broaden the
organization’s reach by connecting with
communities across Canada. These invaluable
partners make our work possible. ■
Alyson Rowe is Community Manager at
War Child
WAR CHILD CANADA 2010 ANNUAL REPORT
>
17
Music and Special Initiatives >
Artist Ambassadors
Since its inception, War Child has benefited from the generous
support of the music industry to help raise awareness and
support for its programming. 2010 was no exception.
War Child’s successful Thursday 30 Rockin’ Auction was launched
on Edge 102.1 with tremendous support from Dave Bookman,
the good folks at the Edge, and artists, management, labels and
promoters across North America. Hundreds of artists participated
in Busking for CHANGE as War Child’s signature music event
expanded to new markets. Montreal darlings Stars hosted a
fabulous War Child benefit in their hometown, while in Toronto,
Buck 65, Hunter Valentine, and Jill Barber each took on a Dakota
Night for War Child. Steve Earle and The Dears included War Child
on their tours, and War Child was a charity of choice at numerous
summer festivals including Jackson Triggs’ Amphitheatre Series,
Osheaga, Rifflandia, Saugeen Summer Nights, Hillside and Lilith Fair.
And then there were the artist patrons who included War Child in
their annual giving strategies. In 2010, RUSH generously donated
proceeds from merchandise sales to War Child’s Child Protection
program in Haiti. Long time supporters Simple Plan continued
to support War Child’s education programming in the Congo
through their Simple Plan Foundation, and through War Child’s
Aldo Spring Shoes campaign which saw them design a wallet,
18 >2010 ANNUAL REPORT WAR CHILD CANADA
alongside Moby and Cyndi Lauper, for the charity. And, as in
every other year, War Child received incredible support from
War Child’s longstanding artist patrons, husband and wife duo,
Raine Maida and Chantal Kreviazuk. ■
Busking for CHANGE
War Child’s signature music event expands to Montreal and
celebrates its third year in Toronto with hundreds of celebrated
musicians busking on International Peace Day
If you were traveling in Montreal’s Metro, or wandering through
Montreal’s Eaton Centre on March 2, 2010 you couldn’t help
but notice the many musicians belting out tunes for War Child
throughout the day. Celebrated artists, including members of
Stars, The Stills, The Dears, Little Scream, Jason Bajada, The
New Cities, Florence K and many more, participated in a day
of high profile busking, donating their time and their talents to
help raise money for war affected children in some of the most
devastated regions of the world.
Busking for CHANGE Montreal was such a success it returned
to Montreal in the summer to make its inaugural Osheaga Music
Festival debut, with artists including Bahamas, The New Cities,
War Child’s signature music event expands to
Montreal and celebrates its third year in Toronto
with hundreds of celebrated musicians busking
on International Peace Day.
(Above) War Child took Busking For CHANGE to
Osheaga festival in Montreal in 2010.
(Left) Raine Maida, the original inspiration for
Busking For CHANGE, takes part in the 2010
Toronto event.
Parlovr, October Sky, David Martel,
Rich Aucoin and Shane Murphy among the
artists busking in support of War Child.
Toronto’s third annual Busking for CHANGE
festival saw close to 100 musicians hit the
streets on International Peace Day, to raise
funds for the children and families War Child
supports.
Toronto’s downtown core was filled with music
from artists including Raine Maida, illScarlett,
Sass Jordan, KO, The Midway State, Michou,
The Reason, Brian Melo, Barlow, Jesse Labelle,
Low Level Flight, Rex Goudie, Ron Hawkins,
Saint Alvia, The Shuffle Demons, Crush Luther,
The Balconies, Make Your Exit, The Johnstones,
Amanda Mabro, The Artist Life, Dean Lickyer,
Flash Lightnin’, The Apollo Effect, Ashes,
Kate Todd, The Organ Thieves, THESET,
Peter Katz, Alyssa Reid, Birds of Wales, Andrew
Cole, Courage My Love, The Junction, Paper
Lions, Robyn Dell’Unto, Ruby Coast, Dustin
Bentall, Gentlemen Husbands, Sandman
Viper Command, Self Cynic, Teenage Kicks,
The Sunparlour Players, TIME, Gentleman Reg,
The Schomberg Fair, Dane Hartsell and more.
“There is something very pure about
busking, the sense of community you feel is
unmistakable. When people reach into their
pockets to donate we instantly transcend
beyond our friends and family and our city.
With a simple donation, we connect ourselves
to every living being on the planet. This is the
power of Busking for CHANGE. The results
are tangible and the feeling is incredible.” –
Raine Maida of Our Lady Peace.
Busking for CHANGE was inspired by
Raine Maida, who spent twelve hours busking
for War Child on Toronto streets in 2007.
He raised $22,000 for War Child’s School
Rebuilding Project in the Democratic Republic
of Congo. Since then, Busking for CHANGE
has been to Calgary, Vancouver, Montreal,
Hamilton, St. Catherines and the SXSW Music
festival, and has been supported by hundreds
of musicians raising over $200,000. ■
WAR CHILD CANADA 2010 ANNUAL REPORT
>
19
Financials >
Our Commitment to You
War Child is proud to have earned the
trust of its donors through a commitment
to responsible, transparent and effective
management of the vital funds they
have entrusted us with. War Child
values every donation, large and small
and works diligently to maintain a low
administrative overhead.
Since 1999, more than 90 cents out of
every dollar raised has gone directly to
our charitable programs. Our financial
strategy is to provide relevant, effective and
efficient programs to war affected children
worldwide while ensuring the highest level
of transparency and accountability to
our supporters.
Auditor’s Report
“In my opinion… these financial statements present fairly, in all
material respects, the financial position of War Child Canada
as at December 31, 2010 and the results of its operations
and its cash flows for the year then ended in accordance with
Canadian generally accepted accounting principles.”
Stephen S. Saslove
Chartered Accountant
Ottawa, Ontario
August 26, 2011
Your dollars at work
in 2010
Charitable Programs
92 %
Management, Administration
and Fundraising
8%
Income by Source
Grants
57 %
Foundations
17 %
Partnerships
13 %
Donations
8%
Interest and
other income
5%
Spending by Country
Darfur
37%
Uganda
16%
Afganistan
14%
DR Congo
11%
Haiti
10%
Ethiopia
4%
War Child Canada’s financial records are independently audited by Stephen Saslove, C.A. and submitted to the Charities
Directorate of the Canada Revenue Agency (www.cra-arc.gc.ca) on an annual basis.
Sri Lanka
3%
War Child Canada adheres to Imagine Canada’s Ethical Fundraising & Financial Accountability Code as its policy.
Sierra Leone
3%
20 >2010 ANNUAL REPORT WAR CHILD CANADA
Other
2%
Balance Sheet Assets CHARITABLE REG. #872374426RR0001
December 31, 2010 December 31, 2009
Current Assets
Cash Term deposits Accounts receivable Grants receivable Prepaid expenses and deposits $
556,985 $
938,978
1,550,000 1,550,000
110,436 154,126
472,675 114,858
87,443 55,779
2,777,539 2,813,741
Furniture and equipment 17,508 23,040
$
2,795,047 $
2,836,781
Liabilities and Net Assets
Current Liabilities
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities Deferred contributions $
159,745 $
173,783
746,024 721,190
905,769 Net Assets 1,889,2781,941,808
$
2,795,047 $
894,973
2,836,781
WAR CHILD CANADA 2010 ANNUAL REPORT
>
21
Statement of Operations Revenue CHARITABLE REG. #872374426RR0001
December 31, 2010 December 31, 2009
Grants Foundations Partnerships Donations Special events Cause marketing Interest income Other revenue $
4,357,187 $
2,467,845
1,294,616 2,010,358
982,051 1,659,054
640,563 653,121
270,764 217,286
64,954 77,760
14,938 29,040
12,651 104,061
$7,637,724 $
7,218,525
Expenditure
International programmes Partnership projects Programme support Educational programmes Resource development Public engagement $
5,726,963 $
4,858,645
982,051 1,659,054
403,274 320,297
233,828 276,947
200,317 174,280
131,515 111,364
Total expenditure before amortization
$
7,677,948 $
(Deficiency) surplus on programme operations less (40,224)
Amortization (12,306)
Excess of expenditure over revenue
(52,530)
$
Net assets, beginning of the year
Net Assets, End of Year
22 >2010 ANNUAL REPORT WAR CHILD CANADA
$
7,400,587
(182,062)
(14,385)
(196,447)
1,941,808
2,138,255
1,889,278 1,941,808
$
Our Supporters >
Thank You
Individual Donors
Lewis Abbott
Xavier Abrioux
Ted Agnew
Ausma Ahmed
Crystal Alcock
Randy Alexander
Luke Andrews
Ashley Arden Ceraldi
Jason & Heather Arnot
Rachel Avery
Pat Bailey
Elizabeth Barningham
Eldon Bassett
Heidi Bell
Karen Bell
Doug Bell
Robert Bell-Irving
Jan Benham
Dale Berg
Katherine Bergen
Irene Bergner
Daniel Beutel
Holly Blair
Robert A. Blair
Sharne Blunden
Christiane Boisjoly
Karen Booth
Marilyn Booth
Dan Bortolotti
Sunita Botha
Sheila Bradfield-Handler
Neil Branda
Steven Braun
Daniel Brock
Tanya Bruce
Elizabeth Bryan
Tyler Burleigh
Martha Burns
Brendan Caldwell
Harry Campbell
Hector Campos
April Carriere
Lianne Chamberlain
Samantha Chan
Sagar Chandaria
Ashok Charles
Cheryl Chase
Irene Cheung
Mei Mei Chong
Wayson Choy
Tim Church
Ioana Circo
Roger Coady
T & K Cochrane
Janice Coles
Monica Cotton
Anthony Courtright
Mike Cummings
Stephen Da Cambra
Nancy da Silva
Joao & Natalia DaCosta
Catherine Dale
Debby Dandy
Mitesh Dave
Luc Davet
Laura Davis
Beverely Davis
Jacqueline Day
Kristina De Guzman
Zac De Vouge
Ryan DeBack
Katherine Defalco
Gerry Dell
Martha Dickie
Allen Dixon
Patricia Dixon
Lisa Doucette
Philippe Doyon
Jane Drake
Lindsay Drennan
Chris Driedger
Gabrielle Duchesne
Nancy Dutka-McKillop
Simone Duvette
Joanna Dyl
Sandy Edmonstone
Stephen Eisenhauer
Nils Engelstad
Joe Farnsworth
Sean Farrell
Mary-Lynn Fattori
Vanara Fazio
Francine Feuer
Steve Fini
Arthur Fleischmann
Allison Forsythe
Ryan Foss
24 >2010 ANNUAL REPORT WAR CHILD CANADA
Bob Foster
Mike & Susan Fredericks
Rodrigo Fuentes
Koto Furue
Michael Gair
Kali Galanis
Mindy Ganz
Fiona Gardiner
Robert Gardiner
Svetlana Gashkova
Ian Gerrie
Jennifer Gill
Janet Gompf
Vicente Goquiolay
Matt Graham
Veda Graham
Christina Grant
Brian Gray
Masail Greenaway
Peggy Gregory
Nicholas Griswold
David Haigh
Andrew Hamilton-Wright
Sharon Harman
Barbara Harmer
Steven Harmer
Shirley Harris
Betty Hellwig
Eric Henderson
Jonathan Hills
Lloyd Hipel
Carrie Ho
Eric Hoskins
Louisa Howerow
Leigh Hunsinger
Susan Hunter
Marco Iafolla
Daulat Irani
Fareen Jamal
Akbar Javer
Roberta Johnson
Chris Jones
Stephen Jurisic
Bridget Kassen
Erin Kawalecki
Sarah Kear
Donna Keay
David Keogh
Paula Kerr
Christoph Kesting
Meghan Kizuik
Tom Klatt
Bojana Kostic
Shelley Lamont
Jean-Luc Landry
Matthew Law
Joanne Leatch
Sharon Leiba O’Sullivan
Rosie Levine
April Lies
Joyce Litster
Shannon Loehr
Peter Lowe
Doug Lowry
Chris Lowry
Sarah Lugtig
Carrie MacDonald
Seth Macfarlane
Ruth MacKay
Karen MacKenzie
Marion Mackenzie
Janis Mackey Frayer
Andrew MacPherson
Alexander MacSween
Caitlin Mahar
Kim Mahoney
Kiirstin Maki
Eric Malin
Anargyros Marangos
Jenelle Marshall
Leslie Marshall
Debra Matheson
Margaret Mathur
Heather McCann
Gail McCorrister
Kathy Mccready
Robert McCready
Irene McFarlane
Naomi McLaughlin
Mark McMaster
Susan Mehsuria
Patricia Mifflen
Paul Mitchell
Patricia Mitchell
Irene Mitrana
Monika Moniuszko
Fred Morsink
Katie Murphy
Kathleen Murphy
Carolyn Murray
John Nelson
Veryl Nouch
Alicia Nowak
Samantha Nutt
Mihail Odessky
Kayla Orten
John Paine
Isabelle Paquin
Mallorie Peel
Terra Phillips
Michael Pitre
Elliot Pobjoy
Susan Popplewell
Luke Preston
Tracey Pritchard
Wally Rawlinko
Warren Raynard
Christopher Reid
Sydney Reyes
Cynthia Reynolds
Colleen Richards
Dick Risk
Michael Roberts
Tanya Rodrigues
Derek & Amanda Roelofsen
Vika Ross
Bruce Rothney
Alyson Rowe
Keith Rowe
Alicia Rubel
Nicole Rustad
Fredmund Sallah
Jan Schwarz
John C. Seiler
Leslie Shier
Kevin Simpson
Donna Slaight
Gary Slaight
Nathaniel Slee
Eric Smucz
Zachary Spencer
Lorne Sprackman
Carlo Sta.Romana
Katherine Stephens
Brian Stewart
Chris Suraci
John Martin Taylor
Design & Production: Inkpen Studios www.inkpenstudios.com
Ryan Taylor
Emily Thibodeau
Maria Thissen
Jonathan Thomas
Frederic Tolmie
Robert Traversy
Pierre Alexandre Tremblay
Aleida Tweten
Peter Unger
Tajana Urank
Maria Urbina-Fauser
Elizabeth Van Dongen
Ton Van Haeren
Greg Vassie
Brian Walsh
Leonard Walton
Sheryl Wanagas
Lynn Watkins
Dinah Watts
Mark Wellings
Karen Westra
David Wheatley
Juliana White
Max & Erika Wolters
Si-Ann Woods
Mary Wright
Fatima Yusuf
William Zinck
Jenny Zucker
Foundations
The Thomas Alan Budd
Foundation c/o
The Calgary Foundation
The Slaight Family Foundation
The Schneider Family
Foundation
The McLean Foundation
The Griggs Family Foundation
c/o The Toronto Community
Foundation
The Blossom Foundation
Simple Plan Foundation
Rotary Club of Toronto
Open Society Institute
Ontario Secondary School
Teachers’ Federation
Communications, Energy and
Paperworkers Union of
Canada
Humanity Fund
The Sam and Gitta Ganz Family
Foundation
RBC Foundation
Fundraisers
C. W. Jeffreys Collegiate
Institute
Father Lacombe High School
Harbord Collegiate
Port Perry High School
Sinclair Secondary School
St. Michaels University School
The Community of Nelson BC
Corportate Partners
Aeroplan
Aldo Group Inc
Assetprint
Atomique Productions
BDP Office Services L.P
Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP
BMO Bank of Montreal
Brookfield Properties
Corporation
Coalition Entertainment
CTV Ltd.
Disney Online Studios Canada
Edge 102.1, Corus
Entertainment
Eggplant Entertainment
Evenko
EYE WEEKLY
Foundation Image Lumiere
Mouvement & Son
Gibson Guitars Canada
Hillside Music Festival
HMV Canada
Ivanhoe Cambridge
Jackson Triggs/Vincor Canada
john st.
Loewen, Ondaatje,
McCutcheon Limited
Manning Publications Co.
Maple Music
Nettwerk Records
Nick Blasko & Piers Henwood
Artist Management
Paliare Roland Rosenberg
Rothstein LLP
Pepsico Canada ULC
Sony Music Canada
Spring
SRO Management/Anthem
Entertainment
Street Quality Entertainment
Sweetie Truck/Eoin O’Leary
TD Bank Financial Group
The Concert Factory
Universal Music Canada
Warner Music Canada
Institutional Donors
American Refugee Committee
Canadian International
Development Agency
Food and Agriculture
Organization
Mac AIDS Fund
Norwaigan Ministry of Foreign
Affairs
Office for the Coordination of
Humanitarian Affairs
Open Society Foundation/Soros
Spanish Agency for International
Development Cooperation
UNHCR, UNDP, UNFPA
United States Institute of Peace
War Child Holland
War Child UK
Virgin United
Artists
Adam Lambert
Al Webster
Alexisonfire
Alice in Chains
Allie Hughes
Alyssa Reid
Amanda Mabro
Amy Millan
Amylie
Anastasia
Andrew Cole
Annie Blanchard
Apollo Effect, The
Arcade Fire
Arkells
Artist Life, The
Ashes
Bahamas
Balconies, The
Band of Horses
Barlow
Basia Bulat
Bedouin Soundclash
Billy Talent
Birds of Wales
Brandon Flowers
Brian Melo
Broken Social Scene
Buck 65
Canadian Tenors
Chantal Krevizauk
Chinatown
City & Colour
Colin Moore
Colorsound
Coppertone, The
Courage My Love
Courtney Wing
Creature
Crush Luther
Crystal Math
Cyndi Lauper
Dane Hartsell
Darrin Pfeiffer
Dave Clark
Dave Martel
Dave Matthews
David Marin
David Martel
Dean Lickyer
Deftones
Done With Dolls
Down With Webster
Dustin Bentall Outfit, The
Eva Blue
Everlea
Faber Drive
Flash Lightnin’
Florence K
Francis d’Octobre
Gentleman Reg
Gentlemen Husbands
Ginger St James
Gord Downie
Gordon Ball
Great Lake Swimmers
Heartcore
Hey Rosetta
Hidden Pony
Hole
Hunter Valentine
Iggy Pop
illScarlett
Jason Bajada
Jason Kenemy
Jeremy Fisher
Jeremy Taggart
Jesse Cook
Jesse Labelle
Jets Overhead
Jill Barber
Jim Cuddy
Jimmy Eat World
Johnny Reid
Johnstones, The
Jon and Roy
Josh Trager
Junction, the
Kate Miller Heideke
Kate Todd
Keane
Ketch Harbour Wolves
Kevin Smith
K’naan
KO
Ladies of the Canyon
Leif Vollebekk
Liam Titcomb
Lights Off
Linkin Park
Littlescream
Lost In The Trees
Low Level Flight
Make Your Exit
Manu Milatari
Mark Berube
Mary Harmer
Melissa Auf der Mar
Metric
MGMT
Michael Bernard Fitzgerald
Michael Buble
Michou
Midway State, The
Misstress Barbara
Mittenz
Moby
Mookie and the Loyalists
Neil Peart
Nour Haik
October Sky
Organ Thieves, The
Our Lady Peace
Owen Pallet
Paper Lions
Parlovr
Patrick Krief
Paul Cargnello
Pearl Jam
Peter Katz
Phoenix
Raine Maida
Random Recipe
The Reason
Rex Goudie
Rich Aucoin
Robyn Dell’Unto
Ron Hawkins
Ruby Coast
Rush
Saint Alvia
Sammy Hagar
Sandman Viper Command
Sarah Harmer
Sarah MacLachlan
Sass Jordan
Schomberg Fair, The
Sebastien of Simple Plan
Self Cynic
Shane Murphy
Shiloh
Silver Starling
Silversun Pickups
Simple Plan
Stars
Steve Earle
Still Life Still
STM
Stone Temple Pilots
Taylor Swift
Teenage Kicks
Tegan & Sara
Ten Second Epic
Terra Lightfoot
The Altobeelays
The Caretakers
The Constantines
The Dears
The High Dials
The In & Outs
The National
The New Cities
The Shuffle Demons
The Sunparlour Players
The Weakerthans
The Wooden Sky
theset
Thornley
Three Days Grace
TIME
Tokyo Police Club
Tom Morello
Tommy Youngsteen &
The Millionaires
Ubiquitous Synergy Seekers
Winter Gloves
Young Artists For Haiti
Yukon Blonde
489 College Street, Suite 500
Toronto, Ontario M6G 1A5
Toll Free: 1.866.WARCHILD
warchild.ca