MESSAGE FROM MCRC'S EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR AND BOARD CHAIR
This AGM report is for the year 2020……the year of the pandemic. No other year has been like this where the words “new normal”, “pivot”, “virtual”, “curbside”, “mobile”, “zoom meeting” and many more have become our regular working vocabulary.
One of the most repeated phrases has been the “silver lining” of the pandemic. Those things that we have learned, things we have re-developed for the better. The new innovations and ideas and the issues that collectively and collaboratively we have addressed as a community.
The story below was created by one of our staff and we believe it best describes the “silver lining” of 2020.
MCRC and the Silver Linings
2019 was a great year for MCRC and we were sad to see it go. But 2020 was off to a great start, and our excitement was beginning to grow!
Our programs were bustling and we had plans for so much - from events and new programs, community engagement and such.
But then something happened that was a surprise. People started getting sick, and it was happening world-wide.
The virus was a bad one, and it was spreading really quick All of a sudden, everything stopped. We were told to stay home, and we did.
Our programs were closed and our doors were locked. Our staff were working from home – thank goodness for laptops!
Everything was different, and it was all out of sorts. But we were doing our best to keep going, of course.
Our community needs us, so what could we do, besides stay in touch, stay connected, and work together to get through?
We all felt afraid, but we kept being strong and we all pulled together to help each other along.
So maybe we couldn’t get together and run a program in a room. But it didn’t mean we couldn’t still see each other and engage over Zoom.
We had the technology in our hands to keep working from home. We couldn’t talk in person, but we had email and cell phones.
We pivoted our programs from in person to online. Plus, we made it all work on a really tight timeline.
We were looking to our community to see what they need, so we introduced Curbside and THRC even distributed PPE.
We are happy to present our 2020 scorecard and hold strong in the belief that what we have accomplished this year will help us further navigate the pandemic and the road to recovery.
Sincerely,
MCRC's 2021 SLATE OF BOARD DIRECTORS
Chairperson: Tiffany Stewart
Vice Chairperson: Vanessa Di Pietro
Treasurer: Naresh Bansal
Secretary: Stephenie Gillingham
Director: Clarence Chong
Director: Mike Cluett
Director: Lexi Hambides
Director: Carlene Lou-Hing
Director: Laura Muraca
Director: Khadijah Taseen
Director: Masroor Mufti
FINANCIAL
CUSTOMER
In April of 2020, MCRC's Executive Director, Rebecca Barrows-Vrankulj, recorded the following video message for our community and families.
STAFF
In April of 2020, shortly after the onset of the pandemic, MCRC's Executive Director recorded this message for MCRC staff.
VOLUNTEERS
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, MCRC had a limited amount of volunteer opportunities available in 2020.
New Initiatives
In 2020, MCRC took on a lot of new initiatives in response to the pandemic. We found new ways to continue to provide essential services and meet the changing needs of our community.
FUNDRAISING
In 2020, MCRC fundraising efforts were focused on our Empowerment Programs. MCRC's Empowerment Programs are free, accessible programs and services designed to meet the unique needs of girls and women in our community. Empowerment Programs include the Infant Food Bank, Period Poverty Initiative and She Can!
In July of 2020, MCRC held our first annual All 4 Her 5k event. While our original intention was to host an in-person event, we pivoted to hosting a virtual race in response to COVID-19. Our first annual 5k was a huge success, with over 170 participants and with total funds raised over $17,000!
Empowerment Programs
Early Years, Child and Family Services
Licensed Child Care
The Halton Resource Connection
Organizational Supports
(Human Resources, IT, Finance, Communications, Facilities & Systems)
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