Weekly News Recap: December 30, 2016

Former Wham! singer and massively successful solo vocalist George Michael died "peacefully at home" at age 53. Frank Griffin/Photoshot

This is our last issue of 2016. It has been an interesting year. On behalf of ViTrēo, we hope that 2017 is filled with prosperity, love, and understanding.

Philanthropic personalities

Fans mourn George Michael as charities praise his philanthropy video George Michael was a larger than life personality but his philanthropy was, at his request, quite the opposite. Over the course of his life, he quietly gave everything from a $10,000 tip to a barmaid for nursing school to millions of pounds to U.K. charities like the Terrance Higgins AIDS trust and Childline. RIP Mr. Michael. (12/27/16)

News

CANADA: Food Bank Canada recommends creating a national basic income to curb the “unacceptably high” reliance on food banks Food Banks Canada, a national umbrella organization, has released its HungerCount2016 report on food bank use in Canada and includes numerous recommendations, the most crucial of which is the creation of a nation-wide Basic Income. CANADIAN STORY (12/26/16)
Former CEO concerned about future of northwestern Alberta dinosaur museum So are we. ALBERTA STORY (12/26/16)
The Magic of Christmas matches increased demand with increased donations "The Magic of Christmas, which delivers toys and holiday cheer to those in need in Calgary, said demand is up this year, but so too are donations." CALGARY STORY (12/24/16)
Donald Trump vows to shut controversial Trump Foundation "Mr Trump's statement on Saturday said that 'the foundation has done enormous good works over the years in contributing millions of dollars to countless worthy groups, including supporting veterans, law enforcement officers and children. However, to avoid even the appearance of any conflict with my role as president I have decided to continue to pursue my strong interest in philanthropy in other ways.'" (12/24/16)
This Calgary great-grandmother is empowering women by teaching them to sew With the help of needles and thread, a Calgary great-grandmother is working to empower woman across the globe. Sewing Seeds International is the brainchild of entrepreneur Sylvia Rempel. The non-profit teaches women how to sew so they can better support themselves and their families. Slivia Rempel and her family founded the Canadian sportswear company Sun Ice. CALGARY STORY (12/24/16)

Life and career hacks

5 Donation Page Blunders That Kill Fundraising Response Rates Clear and cogent advice. (12/29/16)
13 Things You Should Give Up If You Want To Be Successful “Shipping beats perfection” is one of my favourite quotes from this article. (12/26/16)
Vibrant Colors For Apps and Sites Monotones, duotones, and overlays: three great colour techniques to add to your design arsenal. (12/18/16)

Books to read

The Top Tech Books of 2016 (Part I) All great choices here but if you were to pick one to start with, I would go with ´Weapons of Math Destruction´ by Cathy O´Neill. Big data is playing a role in increasing inequality and we need to better understand that. (12/27/16)
The Top Tech Books of 2016 (Part II) Part II. (12/28/16)

Trends and shifts

Community Philanthropy’s Global Movement to #ShiftThePower This is an emerging counterpoint to 'big philanthropy'. (12/22/16)
GoFundMe's Biggest Cause Yet Is Becoming The Most Powerful Force In Philanthropy This is serious money. In 2016, GoFundMe reached a major milestone: $3 billion given over its platform. (12/22/16)

Large gifts

Pupils will be taught bagpipes thanks to £500,000 donation Depending on your point of view, this is either fantastic or horrific. (12/29/16)
Editorial: KeyBank’s $1.2 million donation moves Canalside carousel closer to its KeyBank announced it will match Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo’s $1.2 million state challenge grant, made in October, for the construction of a building to house the vintage 1924 carousel. Canalside is a historic redevelopment district within Buffalo, New York that was once the western terminus of the Erie Canal. Today it has become a rich site for development, revival, and activity in Buffalo. (12/27/16)
Telus makes $5 million donation to Child Health BC Initiative To help commemorate the holidays, Telus recently announced a $5 million donation to Child Health BC Initiative through the BC Children’s Hospital. The donation will go towards enhancing access to health tech throughout the province. Children who are in need of paediatric treatment can get it through advances in telehealth being implemented through the initiative. Telehealth refers to technology that connects patients to a readily available, remote health care team. Thank you Telus and Merry Christmas! BRITISH COLUMBIA STORY (12/26/16)
One Republic have made a huge donation to help families of Berlin attack victims One Republic has committed $100,000 to victims of this terrorist attack. (12/22/16)
Rockets Owner Makes Huge Donation to Charities Houston Rockets owner Leslie Alexander is donating a total of $4 million to eight undetermined charities in the Houston area. (12/21/16)

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