Networking key to successful new partnership
Monday, March 03, 2008 -- Camille Jensen
A new partnership with the Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) has created many benefits for the Prism Centre for Audiology and Children's Rehabilitation, including a local RBC branch offering to help with volunteering and fundraising.
Donna Litwin-Makey, executive director at the Prism Centre, says the initial relationship with RBC first started with a simple networking call by Michael Grail, chair of the Prism foundation.
Grail knew RBC had funding available to support local programming and thought the Prism Centre would be a perfect candidate.
Working with the staff from the local RBC Chatham, Grail completed an application that resulted in new funding for increased social work hours and funding for psychology assessments.
To celebrate the new money, the Prism Centre held a kick-off barbecue, inviting RBC staff to tour the centre and see the services offered.
The event featured a talk from Paul Rosen, goalie for Canada’s national sledge hockey team. Rosen joined the national sledge hockey team at age 41 after having his leg amputated. Unable to play regular hockey Rosen became the oldest rookie to join the sport and is considered one of the world’s top sledge hockey goalies.
Litwin-Makey says having Rosen speak at the event really got the staff from RBC engaged in what the centre does.
The sledge hockey connection also inspired some of the RBC staff’s children, who have offered to help volunteer with the Prism Centre's sledge hockey program.
Since the initial relationship, the two organizations have continued to work together creating a joint committee to coordinate and plan new fundraising initiatives.
“They’ve jumped right in with a lot of enthusiasm,” says Litwin-Makey on the partnership with RBC. “They’re planning hotdog barbecues and an August golf tournament.”
RBC staff have also offered to help volunteer at the Festival of Giving, an annual fundraising event that benefits the Prism Centre.
Tonya Gifford, community relations manager at RBC, says they’re passionate about helping the centre. Believing the centre an integral aspect of the community, Gifford says the programs are fantastic and help improve the quality of life for many children and families.
Thrilled about the new relationship, Litwin-Makey says RBC has a great program that encourages staff to support their communities.
“There is a lot of philosophy and principles behind the organization that believes if the community is doing well its great for everyone."
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