A number of thank-you cards are arriving at 14 Wing Greenwood, following the recent issuing of 25 donation cheques worth $40,000 to local non-profit groups and programs doing great work in the community.
The wing’s Combined Charities tallied up its 2022 National Workplace Giving campaign efforts, funds raised from raffles, craft sales and special events, payroll allotment, casual dress Fridays and the marquee December Festival of Trees. The $40,000 cash total doesn’t include another $5,500 in new, warm socks; non-perishable food and toiletries provided to food banks, Christmas hamper programs and outreach support groups.
Financial donations included $1,000 each to eight local school food programs, $2,500 to animal welfare groups, $3,000 to the Greenwood Military Family Resource Centre, $2,000 to the veterans’ unit at Soldiers Memorial Hospital, $3,000 to Special Olympics and sport support funders, $5,000 to health and dental causes, and $7,500 to family and children’s non-profits.
“The 2022 campaign goal was $30,000 – so this was fantastic,” said 14 Wing Commander Colonel Jeff Davis, as base volunteers wrapped up the last details of their work. “All of this will be well used in the community.”
Planning for 2023 is well underway, with a new volunteer chair, treasurer and secretary joining the leadership team, and unit reps from across the base getting ready for September to December events, but also in-the-works tie-ins to the 2024 100th anniversary of the Royal Canadian Air Force. Combined Charities Chair Master Corporal Sandi McLean says the Annapolis Mess, Winter Carnival and the base’s RCAF 100 committee are all teaming up to put creative ideas, big-ticket events and Defence Team and community involvement front and centre.
Follow 14 Wing Combined Charities on Facebook for all the details on special events, community contributions and opportunities to help 14 Wing personnel meet Combined Charities’ motto, “Locally, we make a Difference.”
September through December is the National Workplace Giving Campaign and, here at 14 Wing Greenwood, Combined Charities is ready! Unit rep volunteers are working on a number of ways Defence Team members – and community supporters – may win, have fun and help meet Combined Charities’ motto, “Locally, we make a Difference.”
Park Like a Boss – the wing commander’s on-base parking spots (except HQ) are up for raffle for lucky winners November, December and January! All funds stay with units raffling their spots to support Combined Charities activities. Units set their own ticket prices and determine whether it’s three prizes or one three-month prize. Contact your unit rep to win!
Dress with a Difference Fridays – toonie Fridays mean you may dress in civvies, September through December. Make sure your unit rep collects your weekly coin.
Dress up for Work – October 31, 14 Wing personnel may wear their Halloween best to work (keeping in mind dress regulations and safety). Donate $2 to $5 as your treat to Combined Charities!
Crafters’ and vendors’ event – save the date for November 18, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Greenwood Community Centre. Eighty tables of décor, holiday ideas, handmade goodies and more! Vendor gift baskets up for raffle: 10 tickets $5. Admission $2 (includes door prize ticket). If you would like to volunteer to help vendors move in/ out (8 a.m. to 9:45 a.m./ 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.), help at the admission/ ticket table (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.), contact sara.white@forces.gc.ca
December Megachit – civvies and ball hats every day of December! Get your Megachit for just $25 from your unit rep (must be signed to be legit).
Festival of Trees – save the date for December 9 at the Greenwood Mall. Unit and community trees, decorated and prized, will be up for public raffle between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Tickets 10 for $5. Contact your unit rep to help with your theme, prize and decoration ideas, and to volunteer with your tree at the mall.
December 13 50/ 50 – Head to the Annapolis Mess for Christmas bingo – last year’s 50/ 50 prize was over $600! Bring change for Combined Charities’ 50/ 50 (1 ticket $2, three tickets $5).
