What exactly IS the
Jerry Forbes Centre for Community Spirit?
As well as a year
round home for 630 CHED’s Santas Anonymous and the Christmas Bureau the JFC
will house approximately twenty other Edmonton charities who will enjoy synergy
and obvious cost savings from working together.
Check out these
FAQ’s.
What are the
building details?
-quality
construction for sustainability
-accessible to all citizens
-shared reception,
mail/copy room, training and meeting spaces
-140 ‘free’ parking
spaces
-accessible by
Edmonton Transit
-70,000 sq ft
-40,000 for office
space
-30,000 for
workshop/warehouse
How does the
Financial Model work?
The Jerry Forbes Centre
Foundation was registered in Jan of 2012 under the Societies Act of
Alberta.
The unique
financial model ensures that no rent is charged to the tenants. Expenses
are shared by all tenants providing financial savings and providing a long-term
quality home.
How will the tenant
selection process work?
First off 630
CHED’s Santas Anonymous will now have a properly set up; warm; secure;
comfortable home for the 25,000 toys given out annually. The Christmas
Bureau and Santas are ‘natural’ partners and now the two operations will anchor
the facilities and connect with several Edmonton charities.
A formal selection
process is in place to ensure transparency and alignment with the centres goals
and is overseen by a Tenant Selection sub-committee. Go to our website or send us a note to space@jerryforbescentre.ca for inquiries.
Tenants will be
asked to measure the impact the Centre has on programs in key areas of
organizational effectiveness, capacity building, volunteerism, and financials.
With a shortage of
affordable space in Edmonton, having so many organizations expressing interest
in sharing space has given us confidence that market demand will ensure our
Centre’s operations sustainability.
When will the
tenants be named?
We are still
raising money through our Capital campaign and do not have a firm ‘shovel in
the dirt’ date so it is difficult for current Public Service agencies to fully
plan a move and unveil their plans. Once we have a firm launch date we
will update this section of the FAQ’s and proudly name our tenants.
How will the
synergy work?
When you have a number of community groups operating in
one city ‘often’ there is duplication in service or overlap in the
operations. By working together under one roof there will be obvious
savings for each group and by brainstorming and understanding each others roles
this will be a huge benefit to all groups who will truly understanding the
unique problems we face in our city and how to work out proper solutions
together.
We expect to be able to share volunteers and staff who
have expertise in areas such as finance, governance or human resources; one
person could assist so many agencies.
It is expected, that
more than one organization in the Centre will have mandates to build capacity
and make the Voluntary sector deliver better programs together in
Edmonton. This organization(s)
together with external agencies will teach us better business practices by
having ‘guest speakers and experts’ visit the Jerry Forbes Centre and hold
workshops.
Are there other
Centres like this around Canada?
Yes – many very
good ones in Calgary. Vancouver, Saskatoon, throughout Ontario and even more in
the U.S. We have visited several
and continue to learn a great deal from the current operators to help make
Edmonton’s centre a world class operation.
Who are the current
supporters and how can new donors give?
The City of
Edmonton; The Province of Alberta; Suncor Energy Foundation; Christmas Bureau
of Edmonton; 630 CHED Santas Anonymous; Synergy Projects; Edmonton Singing
Christmas Tree; Kinsmen Club of Edmonton; Rotary Club of Edmonton South, Myers
Norris Penny; Belay benefits Inc; Chubb Insurance Co/Lloyd Sadd Insurance; Edmonton
Motor Dealers Association (EMDA): Fyra Ventures; Gord Whitehead Productions;
MCG Restaurants.
There are several
ways to donate. Make an immediate impact with a cash donation; or a
Corporate/Employer matching program.
Make a pledge over time. Make a planned gift through
wills, bequests, and other charitable investment vehicles which we are happy to
discuss.
If your company is looking for a worthwhile cause to
support – consider the Jerry Forbes Centre.
What is your Capital Campaign Goal?
Our Capital Campaign goal remaining is $3.5 million
dollars. We have support from many
community groups, individuals and amazing support from the Government of
Alberta and the City of Edmonton making our community campaign a very achievable
one.
Are there naming
opportunities?
Yes. There are
several and in almost ‘any size’ from small to large. The building
exterior; volunteer workshop; front atrium; training room; volunteer lounge;
boardroom; staff café lounge; south outdoor garden space; north outdoor
garden/entry; there’s an artwork program; various office areas and we are open
to discussing any of these and other options by contacting Debbie Walker – at
780 440 6359 or Debbie@jerryforbescentre.ca
Can I volunteer to
help?
Yes. There
are several ways to help out. They include wrapping/delivering gifts
through 630 CHED’s Santas Anonymous; volunteering for the Christmas Bureau of
Edmonton for their hamper assembly or delivery. You may even find
your company would like to run a fundraiser on our behalf. Please connect with us at
info@jerryforbescentre.ca
Once the Centre is
up and running there will be several other opportunities throughout the
year. The Centre will have
an online directory of services and volunteer opportunities to support all the
20 plus organizations calling the Jerry Forbes Centre home.
How else can I
help?
Very simply –
spread the word.
Follow us on
Twitter @jerryforbescntr – Like us on Facebook – check our website out at www.jerryforbescentre.ca - and continue to check this blog
for updates on all activities.
What is the Jerry
Forbes Centre construction ‘time line?’
Plans are being
built as you read this with constant updating after discussions, assessments,
and input from highly regarded construction experts in the City of Edmonton.
In May of 2013 we hope to have the work tendered. In
June 2013 the groundwork begins. In September of 2014 the construction
should be finished and we will open the brand new Jerry Forbes Centre for
Community Spirit.
Please help “Build the Spirit.” Join us in making
this legacy project a reality
CONTACT:
Debbie Walker
780 440 6359
Jerry Forbes Centre
Foundation
5204 84 Street
Edmonton Alberta
T6E 5N8
