The 2016 Oak Tree Project officially launched on May 6, inviting charitable agencies from Guelph/Wellington to compete for a portion of at least $20,000 to be donated in September.
The 2016 Oak Tree project will focus on the best ideas from local charities to attract, develop and celebrate volunteerism individually and/or in collaboration with one another. The winning charity will receive a minimum of $5,000 and all finalists will receive $2,000.
“Our focus on strengthening volunteers in our community is a very personal one for us all. Our parents planted a seed in us at an early age that giving time and money is a responsibility and opportunity to build community,” said Will Mactaggart, Oak Tree Project lead and director of wealth management at the local Richardson GMP office.
The Oak Tree Project was started by the Mactaggart family as a way to give back and strengthen community. Since its inception in 2014, over 40 charities have participated and over $50,000 has been given away.
As its popularly grows, the Oak Tree Project is now a vehicle for corporate philanthropy for other companies wanting to support local charities.
The Oak Tree Project is different from other corporate giving programs as it relies on input and stories from the local community. CRA registered charities are invited to join the competition by June 6.
After that date, they will be encouraged to have friends and supporters nominate their submission by sharing impact stories at theoaktreeproject.ca.
In mid-July, the top five agencies with the most community support will be announced and will be asked to submit additional information about their idea to a panel of community judges. The winner will be chosen at a finale event in September. In past years, the winning agency has taken home over $6,500.
Contest details and specific dates can be found at TheOakTreeProject.ca.
