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Archive for the ‘Charity’ Category

Giving where you live begins with local organizations

Wednesday, October 26th, 2011 by Dan Cooper

Featured in the photo: Margaret Anderson, Paula Gardin, Chris John, Dan Cooper

My team and I support a number of organizations, everything from minor sports teams to major campaigns that will have a significant impact on the quality of life we enjoy here in the Oakville and Burlington areas.

One of the most rewarding organizations I have had the pleasure to be connected with is the Ian Anderson House. The cancer hospice is playing a critical role in our society by offering a quality of life and dignity for those who are terminally ill. It is Ontario’s first in-resident cancer hospice and offers without charge, quality end-of-life palliative care by trained medical professionals.

Last month I sponsored the Fill The House benefit concert at Oakville Centre for the Performing Arts which featured vocal impressionist Chris John and jazz vocalist and Oakville native Paula Gardin. The fundraiser provided a fantastic evening and I thank the generosity of those who attended for supporting this very worthwhile cause.

Located on the Oakville and Mississauga border, the hospice has six large private bedrooms with ensuite washrooms and large windows, each with an attached bird feeder and overlooking the garden and grounds.

Residents have access to the entire house, which includes a large country kitchen, living room, sun room and covered patio. In addition, the House was carefully designed to ensure that beds and wheelchairs can be taken out on the patio and to the garden.

The Sanctuary Garden, at the back of the property, has greatly enhanced the grounds of the hospice and is much enjoyed by residents, families and visitors alike. The garden features paths for wheelchair and bed access, seating areas, a gazebo, a pond and a Memory Wall. Joshua’s Creek runs through a ravine along the back of the Garden.

Residents at Ian Anderson House receive round-the-clock individualized programs of care in partnership with the Community Care Access Centre which augment the hours of nursing and support provided by the hospice’s trained professional staff.

True to the philosophy of hospice, Ian Anderson House offers care to its residents without charge. Their operating cost, which allows them to provide the high quality 24-hour care that is necessary at the end-of-life, is currently $1,800 per day. In order to offer the medical care and the number of staff that is expected and necessary in a hospice environment, they must currently raise an additional $600,000 a year for annual operating costs.

In order to continue to offer their exemplary care and support, without charge, they rely on the generosity of individuals, service clubs, foundations, local businesses and on fundraising events such as the Fill The House benefit concert.

Building a stronger community means supporting great causes such as the Ian Anderson House. I encourage all of you to give back to the community in any way you can; whether it is with money or time or both. Your efforts and contributions help make our community stronger and a better place in which to live.

For more information about Ian Anderson House, visit their website www.ianandersonhouse.com.

Dan Cooper is an award-winning broker with Royal LePage Real Estate Services Ltd., Brokerage – the Number 1 Royal LePage Team for Canada in 2009, 2007, 2005, 2002, 2001, 2000 and 1999. He can be reached at 905.338.3737, direct line at 905.849.3303 or through his innovative and interactive website at DanCooper.com. Be sure to catch the Dan Cooper Real Estate Series on DailyWebTV.com. For his free booklet How To Sell Your House For Top Dollar – Fast! or his Guide to Oakville Real Estate, please call The Dan Cooper Team.

Posted in Burlington, Ian Anderson House, Oakville, Oakville Centre for the Performing Arts | No Comments »

Public service is a commitment to giving back to the community

Wednesday, October 12th, 2011 by Dan Cooper

Featured in the photo to the left: Kevin Flynn & Dan Cooper. Featured in the photo to the right: Tim Hudak & Dan Cooper.

Congratulations to Oakville MPP Kevin Flynn on his re-election in the provincial election last week, as well as the first-time election of Progressive Conservative Jane McKenna in Burlington. I don’t know Jane, but I’m confident she will do well for her riding. I know Kevin and he is a strong representative for Oakville. I also know members of the other parties, including PC Leader Tim Hudak, and they are good people.

What these people have, regardless of their party affiliations, is a strong conviction to serve; to embrace the responsibility of being a citizen. It can be a thankless job at times, it can be challenging and long hours, and I’m certain there are many rewarding moments. But above all, it is a commitment to fulfill a civic duty that goes beyond what many of us are prepared to give.

Their service is admirable, and yet, we need to remind ourselves that we can all contribute to make our community a better one. That involves taking the time to vote, which we did last week, to ensure we have an MPP who will represent us best. But, our obligation to our community goes far beyond simply casting a vote of course. It also means supporting local causes, giving back to the community and taking a stand on political and environmental issues that impact our way of life.

We have a very vibrant community and there are so many opportunities for everyone to get involved in some fashion and at any level. Whether it’s giving your time, donations or both, we need to follow the lead of our elected officials and give something of yourselves to help make ours a better society. My team and I have chosen a number of wonderful local causes to support; everything from Big Brothers Big Sisters of Halton, the Oakville Hospital Foundation, the Oakville Centre for the Performing Arts and, more recently, Ian Anderson House to name a few. It’s all about “giving where you live” and I encourage everyone to get involved – maybe not at the level of our elected officials, but certainly enough to help improve your community.

There is much work to be done in the Oakville and Burlington areas. On the provincial level, we have two strong members who belong to the governing party and that means our voices will be heard at Queen’s Park. Again, congratulations to the successful candidates, and for the rest of us – let’s keep working to make ours a better community.

Posted in Big Brothers Big Sisters, Burlington, Community, Ian Anderson House, Jane McKenna, Kevin Flynn, Oakville, Oakville Centre for the Performing Arts, Oakville Hospital Foundation, Tim Hudak | No Comments »

Filling the house in support of Ian Anderson hospice

Thursday, September 29th, 2011 by Dan Cooper

Featured in the photo: Margaret Anderson, Paula Gardin, Chris John, Dan Cooper.

Update:

There are only a few tickets remaining so you will need to act fast. To purchase tickets please click on the Oakville Centre link below or call the box office at 905-815-2021 in support of this most worthwhile cause.

http://www.oc4pa.ca/boxoffice.htm

It’s going to be a great night for a great cause at the Oakville Centre for the Performing Arts Saturday. If you are in the mood to be entertained by world-class performers and, at the same time, help a very worthy local non-profit organization, then order your tickets now. They are going fast.

The headliners are vocal impressionist Chris John and jazz vocalist and Oakville native Paula Gardin.
With the uncanny ability to mimic a wide variety of voices, Chris honed his talents for impersonation through years of training and performing on stage, film and television. His credits include, leading roles in A Chorus Line, Guys and Dolls, Grease and Leader of the Pack. What sets Chris apart is his unique ability to mimic a wide variety of artists. It’s truly amazing.

Paula’s powerful voice and passionate performing style have engaged many audiences whether it be live theatre or smoky jazz clubs. As a songwriter she has been able to communicate her life experiences to an even wider audience through several genres of music which include jazz, pop and Latin. Her debut album A Little Rain Must Fall evokes emotional responses from all walks of life.

Tickets are only $55 for what will be a lively evening of entertainment and fun. The cause is the Ian Anderson House. If you are unfamiliar with the very valuable work this terrific organization is doing, let me fill you in. Ian Anderson House is one of the most rewarding organizations I have been connected with and I am proud to be the lead sponsor and one of the organizer’s for Saturday’s concert. The cancer hospice is playing a critical role by offering a quality of life and dignity for those who are terminally ill. It is Ontario’s first in-resident cancer hospice and offers without charge, quality end-of-life palliative care by trained medical professionals.

Located on the Oakville and Mississauga border, the hospice has six large private bedrooms with ensuite washrooms and large windows with attached bird feeder and overlooking the garden and grounds. Residents have access to the entire house, which includes a large country kitchen, living room, sunroom and covered patio. In addition, the House was carefully designed to ensure that beds and wheelchairs can be taken out on the patio and to the garden.

Building a stronger community means supporting great causes such as the Ian Anderson House. My team and I support a number of organizations, everything from minor sports teams to major campaigns that will have a significant impact on the quality of life we enjoy here in the Oakville and Burlington areas.

A giving and caring spirit makes our community stronger – a place in which we can all be proud to live and raise a family. How we treat those in need, how we support charities and organizations that are making a difference, shape our community’s character and reputation. Today we enjoy one of the most desirable locations in Canada in which to live – because we have built a safe and caring community. I encourage all of you to give back to the community in any way you can; whether it is with money or time or both. Your efforts and contributions help make our community stronger and a better place in which to live.

For more information about Ian Anderson House, visit their website www.ianandersonhouse.com.

Posted in Burlington, Ian Anderson House, Mississauga, Oakville, Oakville Centre for the Performing Arts | No Comments »

Golfers swing BIG for Big Brothers Big Sisters

Monday, July 4th, 2011 by Dan Cooper

I’ve been a huge supporter of Big Brothers Big Sisters over the years. For the past two years I have held the Dan Cooper Celebrity Invitational Golf Tournament at Glen Abbey in support of BBBS Halton. And on June 14th, I participated in the 18th annual Golf Classic for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Hamilton and Burlington.

The tournament at Copetown Woods Golf Club attracted more than 100 golfers to raise money for a great cause. I can’t say enough about the tremendous work this organization does for the youth in our communities. So many young people need a mentor, and the BBBS branches are matching adults who will give their time and energy to help our leaders of the future.

The day was magnificent. We had good weather, great companionship and generous sponsors who donated some outstanding prizes. For example, every par 3 had a contest with prizes that included golf clubs, vehicles and more. The generosity of the business community in this area is overwhelming and goes a long way to helping charitable and community organizations such as BBBS do their invaluable work.

Radio sportscaster Al Craig was on hand to act as master of ceremonies and welcomed everyone to the evening portion of the event. Good friend Matt Dunigan, who has been a celebrity guest at my tournament, had also graciously given his time to be the celebrity guest at the Hamilton and Burlington tournament. He also happened to win it as well. Little Brother Justin and his Big Brother Greg gave a great talk to further inform the attendees about the value of mentoring relationships.

The day was not just about guys and golf….it was about the importance of mentoring and how it can make a positive difference in the life of a child. Every day Big Brothers Big Sisters’ agencies across Canada facilitate life-changing relationships that inspire and empower children and youth to reach their full potential. Mentoring makes a positive difference not only in the life of the child but in the life of the volunteer and community. Studies show that mentoring helps children stay in school, avoid risky behaviour, and experience first-hand the importance of helping others in their community.

Participation in agency events, like the Golf Classic and the Dan Cooper Celebrity Invitational provide funds needed for trained staff to carefully screen volunteers and match them in long-term, safe mentoring relationships, while providing necessary ongoing management and support for volunteers, children and families. Big Brothers Big Sisters relies on community support to help create a future where every child who needs a mentor has a mentor.

Whether it’s in the form of time or money there is no more important investment we as individuals can make than in helping children realize and share their full potential. I’ve often said it in this column that anything you can offer – time, money or services – helps to make our communities the best places to live, work and raise our families.

Dan Cooper is an award-winning broker with Royal LePage Real Estate Services Ltd., Brokerage – the Number 1 Royal LePage Team for Canada in 2009. He can be reached at 905.338.3737, direct line at 905.849.3303 or through his innovative and interactive website at DanCooper.com. Be sure to catch the Dan Cooper Real Estate Series on DailyWebTV.com. For his free booklet How To Sell Your House For Top Dollar – Fast! or his Guide to Oakville Real Estate, please call The Dan Cooper Team.

Posted in - Dan Cooper Celebrity Invitational Golf Tournament, Big Brothers Big Sisters | No Comments »

Support a great cause by supporting my team

Monday, June 27th, 2011 by Dan Cooper

Featured in the photo from left to right are Dan Cooper, Jim Cuddy of Blue Rodeo and former Edmonton Oilers defenseman Paul Coffey.

Every year I put my mind and body through a gruelling event to raise money for an incredibly important cause. I’m about to participate once again in the Joe’s Team Triathlon in support of The Princess Margaret Hospital Foundation on July 9th. We participate in teams and I’m proud to have two Oakville/Burlington residents going through this challenge with me – Craig Radford and Alex Moore.

Last year there were about 550 of us who swam, cycled and ran at Lake Joseph, Muskoka and together we raised more than $1 million to support critical cancer research funded by the Foundation.

Yes, cancer can be beaten, and with your help, I would like to make a significant contribution to the fight. Please go to my website and make a pledge. Log onto www.dancooper.com and simply follow the links to the Joe’s Team form. Even a small donation goes a long way. Collectively we can make a difference in someone’s life. So be generous, give what you can and together we can accomplish something significant and fulfilling.

Cancer is an insidious disease that touches all of us. We all have a family member, or relative or friend who has been stricken with this horrible illness. The triathlon is a key challenge in the Joe’s Team Fundraising Campaign, which raises money for the Foundation. The background is that in 2004, Joe Finley began a difficult fight with cancer, but despite the physical and emotional toll of an extremely aggressive cancer treatment (or perhaps, some say, because of it), Joe fulfilled a life-long objective in August 2006 – he completed his first triathlon.

Crossing the finish line was just the beginning for Joe. Teamed up with The Princess Margaret Hospital Foundation, Joe created “Joe’s Team,” an innovative cancer fundraising initiative that has in four short years already raised more than $3 million. The need to conquer cancer in our lifetime is urgent and important. Right now, two in five people will hear these words in their lifetime: “You have cancer.” Those words will transform their life and the lives of their loved ones forever. The Princess Margaret Hospital Foundation at University Health Network raises funds for research, education and the enhancement of patient care at Canada’s leading cancer research hospital, The Princess Margaret and its research arm, the Ontario Cancer Institute. To learn more about The Princess Margaret Hospital Foundation visit our website at www.pmhf.ca.

Where does your money go? Funds raised by Joe’s Team benefit The Joe’s Team Fund supporting The Princess Margaret Hospital Head & Neck Translational Research Program, a leading international research team of 28 dedicated clinicians and scientists whose vital research leads to potential new drugs, radiation and individualized treatment options that are more effective, less toxic, and will increase a patients quality and length of life.

Our support helps researchers and clinical staff to have tremendous impact on the lives of patients and provide the basis for scientific breakthroughs in other human malignancies including head and neck, lung, breast and colorectal cancers. With the support of Joe’s Team, The Princess Margaret’s translational research program will significantly advance its understanding of the development and progression of head and neck cancer.

I can’t describe the feeling I get when I know I’ve done something that will change the lives of others for the better. That’s the best gift of all.

Again, please visit my website and support a great cause.

Posted in Joe's Team Fundraising Campaign, Triathalon | No Comments »