1. National Capital Industrial Soccer League February 26, 2008

2. The Snowsuit Fund’s Mission We will, to the best of our ability and through the skills and dedication of our volunteers and employees, strive to provide community based support of children in need with integrity, empathy, compassion and sensitivity. We will be a catalyst for the provision of warm snowsuits for the less fortunate youth of the National Capital Region.

3. Why Do We Exist?  Being properly dressed to face our harsh winter weather means that children in the community can play outside, wait for their school bus and go to school.  Kids are more active and healthier.  Kids are not singled out for the way they dress.  Kids can enjoy a Canadian winter.  Kids can be kids!

4. Who Are We?  The Snowsuit Fund is an Ottawa-based charity that raises funds for the purchase and distribution of new snowsuits to needy children, 15 years and under, in our community.  We serve both Ottawa and Gatineau residents.  We do not receive government funding – we rely entirely upon the generosity of groups and individuals like yourselves.  In addition to distributing new snowsuits to qualifying families, we collect gently used winter outerwear for the “working poor”.

5. How Do We Work?  In order to receive a new snowsuit, families must be referred to us and undergo a means test.  For families receiving social assistance (Ontario Works, Disability), a $10.00 service fee is applied for each new snowsuit.  The Fund is managed by a volunteer Board of Directors.  We have one full-time employee and 8 seasonal employees.  We purchase new snowsuits directly from Canadian manufacturers who generously provide us with well-made clothing at excellent prices ($35 average)‏.  We take great care in operating a well-managed and fiscally responsible organization: Approximately 90 cents of every dollar raised goes to snowsuit distribution!

6. Who Do We Serve?  Most clients are referred to us:  Ontario Works/Disability  Schools  Shelters  Referral Agencies & Churches  We take great care to rigorously screen our clientele, thus ensuring that those who are truly in need benefit from our services.  We treat all clients with respect and dignity, and have staff and volunteers who provide service in more than eight different languages.

7. How Can You Help?  Volunteer:  In 2006/2007, 201 volunteers logged 2,600 hours.  Donate Funds:  Cash donations allow us to use our purchasing power to get the best deal possible on quality winter outerwear. Donations can be made at the Depot or through our website, as well as any local Canadian Tire store or Bank of Montreal location.  Donate Clothing:  We will gladly accept all sizes (adults and children) of gently used winter outerwear. Local Canadian Tire stores and Browns Cleaners locations also collect on our behalf.  Knit:  Donations of knitted articles (hats, mitts, etc.) are always welcome and appreciated.

8. How Do We Raise Funds?  Community-based fundraising  The Snowsuit Fund Royal Ottawa Golf Club Charity Classic  The Canadian Tire Snowsuit Fund Gala  Direct Mail campaign  The Canadian Tire Snowsuit Fund Radiothon on Rogers radio

9. It Takes a Village…

10. Thank you for sharing your warmth with a child.