Christmas Exchange is honoured to be chosen as the Ottawa-Gatineau Canadian Society of Association Executive’s Chapter Charity for the next two years. We will be the beneficiary of its numerous fundraising functions in 2007 and 2008. CSAE is a professional organization of the men and women who manage many of Canada’s associations, as well as those who supply the sector with essential products and services.

We are proud to be CSAE’s Chapter Charity, and look forward to working with them over the next two years as we continue to provide food and hope to Ottawa area residents

This month we will be sending our Summer 2006 Mail- out to thousands of households, agencies, and businesses in the Ottawa area. This year, our spokesperson is Sharon. Sharon has generously agreed to share her story with the public in the hopes that it will inspire more Ottawa residents to give generously to Christmas Exchange, allowing us to help more families like hers. When fire destroyed the family business, Christmas Exchange was there to help Sharon and her family get back on their feet. “I still get choked up thinking about it”, writes Sharon.

To learn more about Sharon’s story, and why she now volunteers with the Christmas Exchange, look for a letter from the Exchange in your mail box. If you are unsure whether or not you are signed up to receive our Summer Mail-out, or would like to receive any of our three annual direct appeals, please call Christmas Exchange at 613-226-6434.

On Wednesday, September 13th 2006, we held our annual Agency Meeting for the 270 community organizations associated with Christmas Exchange. This year, we unveiled our new and improved database, which will allow our agencies to refer their clients to Christmas Exchange with more speed, efficiency and ease through a secure online registry. We look forward to using this new tool with the Ottawa community as we enter our 91st fundraising campaign with the spirit of cooperation that has always driven holiday giving in the Ottawa Valley.

The Christmas Exchange Online Registry will be available via our website on a secure page reserved for our referring agencies. To register as a referring agency please click the link below.

On October 7th the Christmas Exchange will be hosting our 6th Annual Ottawa’s Biggest Bake Sale presented by TD Canada Trust at the Nepean Sportsplex from 9:30am-12:30pm. Come visit us and buy your Thanksgiving baking and don't forget to try your luck at the raffle draw with a variety of prizes to be won.

Additionally, keep your eyes peeled for VIP guests; last year both MP John Baird and MPP Jim Watson were in attendance, and rumour has it even more local personalities will be making an appearance in 2006.

Last year’s 90th Anniversary Gala was a magnificent success, introducing us to countless new supporters and patrons. Building on last years achievements, our Second Annual Gala Dinner will take place October 14th at the Ottawa Congress Centre. Hosted by A-Channel’s Sandra Blaikie and featuring entertainment by the Royal Canadian Air Farce’s Luba Goy, this year’s Gala promises to be the highlight of the season.

There are still several sponsorship opportunities available, so take advantage of this unique chance to gain unparalleled promotion while supporting a worthy cause.

Last year we had the March of the Gingerbread Men, this year it will be the Flight of the Fairy Princess as we hold our second annual Carlingwood Shopping Centre event. Be on the look out for local VIP guests at the mall for this great event.

Running on Empties, an annual fundraiser that partners with local beer stores, encourages Ottawa residents to donate their empty beer bottles to Christmas Exchange. Although ten cents a bottle may not seem like much, when the whole community pitches in, we raise enough money to provide special meals for hundreds of Ottawa families. This is a great way to clean out your basement, garage, or back porch while giving money to a great cause.

Last year, dozens of Christmas Exchange volunteers and service clubs worked at local beerstores collecting empties. If you would like to join their ranks on December 9th, please contact Susan Goddard at 613-226-6434 ext 226.

Do you have a child, grandchild, niece or nephew who is scrambling to complete their 40 hours of community service? If so, Christmas Exchange is here to help. We will provide your family member with the hours they need to graduate from high school, absolutely free of charge! With flexible hours, interesting people and celebrity guests, this is one opportunity they won’t want to miss.

Must be motivated, friendly, and willing to try new things.

Call Susan Goddard at 613-226-6434 ext 226, or e- mail her at smxmas@storm.ca to make the most of this fantastic offer before it’s too late!

Since 2000, Christmas Exchange has saved the community over one million dollars! Our duplicate check gets more sophisticated every year, thanks to the time and dedication of Christmas Exchange staff and volunteers. In fact, our database is an integral part of the seasonal assistance effort in the Ottawa Valley.

How long has Christmas Exchange been cross checking requests for assistance, and notifying local charities of duplicate applications?

a) Since 1915
b) Beginning with the Great Depression
c) 1974, when it was incorporated
d) Only over the past 6 years, since 2000

The answer to the Fund Fact can be found in the “About Us” section of the Christmas Exchange website at www.christmas-exchange.com. Submit your answer to merryxmas@storm.ca. Correct answers will be entered in a draw and have the chance to win a fun prize from the Christmas Exchange, with the winner announced in next month’s e-newsletter.

There was no winner for last month’s Fund Fact, as we did not receive any entries! Don’t be shy; send your answer to merryxmas@storm.ca. We have a prize with your name on it!