Charitable Donations at Allenby

In the 2009-2010 school year a Committee was put together to discuss and modify the charitable “policy” as a result of some confusion and perceived donor fatigue in the Allenby community.

Through the discussions the following became evident:

• Parents were unclear as to the various sources of “fundraising” done at Allenby Public School and who are the organizers of the different initiatives.
• Parents were unaware or uncomfortable with the allocation of funds
• Parents felt that there was a need for more emphasis on “closer to home” mentorship versus fundraising on a global level.
• Parents felt that Allenby and the TDSB fundraising should be tied more directly to the educational curriculum.

What was done?

• The APA Chair met with Principal to communicate Parent feedback
• Changed APA policy to no longer give percentage of Lip Sync proceeds to Free the Children and percentage of Pizza Lunch to Toronto Foundations for Student Success as per the parents.
• Established a relationship with Joyce PS, a school within the Ward 8 Family of Schools, to provide a mutually beneficial relationship. Joyce PS shared their technology strategy with Allenby, and Allenby donated our unclaimed Lost and Found items to Joyce, along with conducting a Winter Clothes Drive on their behalf. The Joyce School will hold a “market” so that parents can buy the clothes at nominal prices.
• Changed school communication policy in an effort to be clearer with parents as to which organization is doing the fundraising, how the funds are being used, and that participation in fundraising events is voluntary.

Today and forward

While positive changes have certainly been made, there is still some confusion over the various fundraising efforts that take place at Allenby.

For the 2011-2012 School Year, the APA, in partnership with the school, is committed to making the fundraising clearer by providing more context around each drive, the source of fundraising (see notes below), and a calendar so that each family can make their own fundraising decisions in accordance with their own values and budget.

Please remember:

• ALL requests are voluntary and anonymous.
• There are three different organizations that fundraise throughout the school year. The three fundraising sources are

1. Allenby Parent Association (APA)
   Raises funds, in accordance with Ontario Ministry guidelines, to enhance the learning experience of all Allenby students. It is inclusive, non-discriminatory and voluntary.
2. Allenby
   The school, led by the Principal, chooses to support charities on a school-wide basis that are sponsored or supported by TDSB. The purpose of these events is to engage students in organizing and fundraising, and to get the students involved in a meaningful way.
3. TDSB
   Raises funds for third parties at the discretion of the Principal. They are allowed to select from a list of “pre-packaged programs” that tie to curriculum in some manner. Will also raise funds for international crisis as they come up through “special” one-time drives.

• ALL funds are separate and used for different purposes.
• “Special” requests can come directly from the TDSB as a reaction to specific global situations and therefore can’t be predicted.