The latest message from Owen Charters, President & CEO, BGC Canada (April 17). Full transcript below.
The daily routines are the way we mark time. I now count the weeks by when I have to roll out the garbage and recycling bins to the curb. This is a ‘thing’ in Australia, by the way—if you haven’t checked it out yet, Australians are getting dressed up to take their trash to the curb as a way to spice up the monotony of self-isolation.
And there is a silver lining in spending time with family—time that I don’t always get given the pressures of work and life when things are normal. More time with growing kids can be precious—as they say, they grow up so fast. I know that the price to be paid for this is the struggle of keeping them amused and somewhat focused on doing limited school work, but there are times where I can be more present with my children than when life is ‘normal’ and our schedule is jammed with school, work, and planned activities.
While the days may tick away feeling monotonously similar, the work days remain jammed with more and more.
More requests to government to recognize the unique nature of the sector. To understand that our incomes are not dependent on the demands of our clients—in fact, the more youth and children that show up at our doors, the more expenses we incur. But revenue does not always follow, as those that pay—donors, grants from government and others—are a different market force. We anticipate greater demand when people start heading back to work. More will be out of work, and more will be looking for the Boys & Girls Clubs model of care and support. The funds will need to be there to support us. We need a sector stabilization fund that helps essential charities like us be ready.
There are more fundraising efforts as we work to build the emergency relief fund and stay connected to vital donors. Thanking those that have already extended their generosity. Looking at the funding needs in the coming months. Our partners and sponsors have come to the table and really raised their sights, understanding the needs of Clubs in this difficult time.
And supporting our Clubs—creating new ways to do programs, keeping kids safe and connected, helping them get the resources they need, facilitating any support we can. There is an endless list of Club calls in our schedules now as we seek to understand the situation in each community and create resources to respond. This includes thinking about when we can reopen—what does that look like, how does it happen, and what precautions do we need to have so children and youth gather again?
There is a lot to do, and each day is packed with this vital work. It is a stark contrast to the odd daily routines of remaining at home, and wondering if today is the day to take the recycling out.
Stay safe, stay strong.
