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CKNW Orphans’ Fund – History

The CKNW Orphans' Fund grew out of the commitment of a new radio station to become part its New Westminster community. CKNW signed on in September 1944 and Christmas the following year, it seemed like a good idea to make the season a little brighter for the children who were resident in the Loyal Protestant Home. It housed parentless children, wards of the government and those whose families couldn't care for them.

An appeal to listeners brought donations of about $1200, some of which was spent on radios so the children could listen to CKNW. From those humble beginnings grew the CKNW Orphans' Fund, using the facilities of the radio station to ask for donations from its listeners. Station sponsors became involved with promotions and events and this participation continues today. CKNW AM980, a division of Corus Entertainment, provides promotional and marketing services for the Orphans’ Fund and donates funds to cover administrative costs.

CKNW Orphans’ Fund - Fundraising Activities

Our biggest fundraiser at the beginning of every December is the annual CKNW Orphans’ Fund Pledge Day. This is a live radio/television broadcast on CKNW Radio and Shaw TV. This program is a full day of entertainment with radio and television personalities, community leaders, politicians, CKNW clients, school choirs, grateful recipients and many donors.

Our Direct Mail campaign happens every fall and builds up to Pledge Day.

Other fundraising events have included the annual herring sale, ladies bowling league and golf tournaments.

How you can help

-         Donate online, by phone or mail

-         Become a monthly donor

-         Donate stocks or bonds

-         Planned Giving – please consider leaving a gift to the CKNW Orphans’ Fund in your will

-         Special Gifts – honour a significant birthday, anniversary or birth with a donation

-         Host a 3^rd Party Fundraiser – golf tournaments, car washes, silent auctions etc….

Where the Dollars Go
      -     Adapted wheelchairs for paraplegic kids to play sports

-          Wheelchair van lifts for children

-          Computers, Braille printers and software for visually impaired kids

-          Insulin pumps

-          Speech, music, art and equestrian therapy for several children with Autism

-          Emergency dental work, hearing aids

-          Emergency transportation to medical facilities for specialized treatment

-          Adapted canoe seats for quadriplegic and paraplegic kids for a local rowing club

-          Customized walking devices that assist children with a variety of disabilities

-          This year we spent over $200,000 to send disadvantaged kids to camp

-          Annual picnic for 3500 special needs kids to attend a fun day at Playland with their peers and enjoy rides, entertainment and lunch

-          Resources for a teen eating disorders clinic

-          Outreach program to shelter homeless youth

-          Infant care monitors and incubators for several lower mainland hospitals

-         Endowments have been established at most community colleges, BCIT and the Open Learning Agency to provide bursaries for single parent students.

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Please contact us:
Applications for funding
Fundraising ideas
Volunteering through our membership program
Email: cknworphansfund@cknw.com

            Telephone: 604 331 2711
            Fax: 604 332 2722
            Website: cknw.com/orphans

Mail donations or grant applications to:

CKNW Orphans' Fund
Suite 2000 - 700 West Georgia Street
Vancouver, B.C. V7Y 1K9

* Receipts issued for all donations $20.00 and above.
 

Click here to donate online