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"The world may be divided, but the girls of the world are not."
– Janice, 36th WAGGGS World Conference delegate
Message from the Chair of the Board and CEO
2017 was a year of discovery, building and change at Girl Guides of Canada–Guides du Canada (GGC). As we embarked on a significant revitalization we reflected on where we have been as an organization and, more importantly, what we need to do as we move forward.
GGC has always been all about the girl. In 2017 we built the foundation that will ensure we continue to meet the needs of girls across Canada well into the future. Central to this was the commitment to our new Vision: a better world, by girls – and Mission: to be a catalyst for girls empowering girls – the two guideposts that will keep us accountable to truly being girl-driven.
Being a catalyst is a huge responsibility with endless potential. As we entered 2018 with a new three-year strategic plan, we embraced this responsibility confident we can achieve the goals we have worked together to put in place. This would not have been possible without the commitment of our supporters and volunteers – the donors, partners, volunteers and Guiders who are the catalysts that ensure every girl can be everything she wants to be. We thank you and hope this report gives you a sense of pride in the amazing achievements your support helped to make happen in 2017.
Pamela Rice
Chief Commissioner
Jill Zelmanovits
Chief Executive Officer
The GGC Board of Directors from left to right: Robyn McDonald, Alexandra Russell, Brenda Abrams, Madeleine Deschenes, Pamela Rice, Sarah Govan-Sisk, Sunita Mathur, Melissa Martin, Jill Zelmanovits, Krysta Coyle, Kathy McKay. Missing, Candice Lys.
Welcoming our Guiding Ambassador
In November we welcomed Krysta Coyle as our new Guiding Ambassador and Director-Guiding Experience to the Board of Directors. As Guiding Ambassador, Krysta oversees membership growth, program delivery and member experience – the very heart of Guiding. She collaborates with girls and volunteers to make sure we're offering innovative, inclusive and empowering programming and serves as spokesperson for the organization.
Krysta has been a girl member, Guider, District Commissioner and represented Guiding at the United Nations. An inspiring role model for girls and women interested in the field of STEM, Krysta recently completed her Ph.D in Pathology, with a focus on breast cancer research.
Year of Listening to the Experts - Girls
We have always been all about the girl, so as we embarked on our journey of change we went straight to the experts – girls. Girls told us they want choice. They want a voice – one that's heard. And they want to be able to take action in the areas that are meaningful to them. Here are highlights from our year of listening.
In April, 150 Ranger-aged girls from across Canada gathered in Toronto for our "un-conference", Ignite. Inspire. Innovate. This was an opportunity for girls to discuss the issues that truly matter to them and share what they want from GGC and from the world. What we learned played a big part in informing the development of our new strategic plan and, moving forward, the focus of our thought leadership.
The National Youth Council is the voice of girl members at GGC's national decision-making table. It is comprised of Ranger-aged girls from across Canada, and a Chair who sits on the Board of Directors. The Council's inaugural year clearly demonstrated the positive impact of girl engagement. Highlights include:
- A program for girls and adults to interactively explore the meaning of girlled, facilitated at the AGM in June.
- Recommendations to the Board of Directors – focused on the strategic areas of marketing and merchandising – which translated into "quick wins" for GGC.
- Development of a nation-wide online forum, fostering increased communication and engagement among GGC's national and provincial youth forums.
Madeleine Deschenes, Kianna Benson, Andrea
Chakma, Nerissa Kassis, Emily Vandermeer,
Carolyn Huang, Emily Lints, Lauren Hill, Nayah
Mang, Shelan Emre, Carena Binder, Hari
Ilangomaran, Sophie McCafferty.
Survey commissioned by GGC through IPSOS.
"Guiding has taught me the extremely important lesson of believing in yourself.
Believing that my opinions and my thoughts are just as valuable as anyone else's.
Being a woman is not something to be silent about, but rather to embrace."
– Tapanga, scholarship recipient
International Day of the Girl
In October, we celebrated International Day of the Girl by embracing the opportunity to release the results of a survey that highlights the key challenges confronting girls in Canada. Aligning with what we learned at Ignite. Inspire. Innovate, the issues girls identified focus on unrealistic expectations, harmful social norms and stereotypes, and how society perpetuates these messages to girls.
FOUNDATIONAL YEAR - BUILDING FOR THE FUTURE
From the beginning of Guiding it has been girls in the lead – they
set their goals and chose their adventures. We have reflected on
where we've been as an organization and what we need to do to be
relevant well into the future. We talked with thousands of girls, their
parents and their Guiders – and know it is imperative to keep pace
with the changing needs of girls today and tomorrow.
Our extensive consultations informed the foundational blocks of
our revitalization. They will ensure girls have voice, choice and the
opportunity to take action in the areas that are meaningful to them.
2018 - 2020 STRATEGIC PLAN
In December we launched our new three-year strategic plan. Every step of the planning process was all about the girl. Building from the foundational framework, it is comprised of four strategic priorities. Supporting these priorities are nine strategies that are actionable and measurable. This is the blueprint that will ensure GGC is in a position to support girls' voices and choices – and to ultimately be the catalyst to empower every girl to be everything she wants to be.
Grow & retain membership
Exceptional, girl-led programming & delivery
Represent today’s girl & woman
Become operationally excellent & nimble
HIGHLIGHTS FROM 2017
2017 was an action-packed year at GGC, with girls across Canada enthusiastically participating in expanded opportunities
to take the lead, discover themselves and explore what matters most to them. Here are a few highlights of what girls in the
driver's seat can accomplish.
429 girls and 115 adults
took part in travel experiences in 28 countries – including
Ecuador, Costa Rica and the World Centres in Switzerland,
Mexico and England. GGC also participated at the UN
Commission on the Status of Women in New York and the
36th WAGGGS World Conference in India.
In addition to core programming, girls
participated in many specialized programs
and challenges. We kicked off the year with
the launch of our Mighty Minds Challenge,
a mental health program designed to help
girls navigate the challenges they face daily.
Throughout the year, girls also participated
in unique programs such as International
Women's Day, Earth Day, Space Week and a
celebration of Canada's 150th.
"Mighty Minds helps us learn about the myths
of mental health – and empowers us to help
break the stigma, develop resiliency and the
confidence to discuss issues in a safe and
inclusive environment."
– Hari, Ranger
GIRLS FIRST – READY, SET, GOING FORWARD
2017 was a year of consulting, planning – and creating – as we prepare to launch our all new girl-driven program in the fall of
2018. Girl members across Canada told us what they want, from content and topics, to the types of skills they want to learn. The
program will be agile and flexible, encouraging self-discovery and exploration. Girls will be in the driver's seat as they shape their
Guiding journey, supported every step of the way by Guiders – the catalysts committed to empowering them to discover all the
powerful things they can achieve.
228
Girls First Champions came on board to support Guiders as we
transition to the new program
11,726
girls and Guiders participated in Girls First test units
MOMENTUM – POSITIONED FOR 2018
With the foundational framework established and the launch of the new Strategic Plan, we were well-positioned to enter 2018 and begin the
implementation of the strategies and actions that will revitalize GGC.
National Operations
The summary financial statements are derived from
the complete audited financial statements, prepared
in accordance with Canadian accounting standards
for not-for-profit organizations as at and for the years
ended December 31, 2017, and December 31, 2016.
The complete audited financial statements of Girl
Guides of Canada–Guides du Canada National
Operations are available online at www.girlguides.ca.
Statements of Operations
Years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016
| REVENUE |
2017 |
|
2016 |
| Membership Fees |
$5,779,800 |
|
$5,687,730 |
| Fund Development |
$3,628,177 |
|
$3,845,780 |
| Net Investment Income |
$1,565,757 |
|
$942,002 |
| Sundry |
$982,879 |
|
$383,210 |
| Net Merchandising |
$848,660 |
|
$744,175 |
| Real Property |
$697,680 |
|
$8,662 |
| Canadian World Friendship Fund |
$204,110 |
|
$193,297 |
| Camp |
|
|
$2,839,532 |
| Total REVENUE |
$13,707,063 |
|
$14,644,388 |
| EXPENSES |
2017 |
|
2016 |
| Girl Empowerment Programs |
$3,263,340 |
|
$4,132,453 |
| Volunteer Support and Engagement |
$1,757,023 |
|
$1,639,616 |
| Marketing |
$2,095,780 |
|
$2,489,020 |
| Fund Development |
$1,240,329 |
|
$1,365,044 |
| Governance and Administration |
$2,360,444 |
|
$3,364,894 |
| Canadian World Friendship Fund |
$204,110 |
|
$193,297 |
| World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts |
$114,091 |
|
$116,235 |
| Total EXPENSES |
$11,035,117 |
|
$13,300,559 |
2017 Revenue
 |
42% |
Membership Fees |
 |
27% |
Fund Development |
 |
11% |
Net Investment Income |
 |
7% |
Sundry |
 |
6% |
Net Merchandising |
 |
5% |
Real Property |
 |
2% |
Canadian World Friendship Fund |
2017 Expenses
|
30% |
Girl Empowerment Programs |
|
16% |
Volunteer Support Engagement |
|
19% |
Marketing |
|
11% |
Fund Development |
|
21% |
Governance and Administration |
|
2% |
Canadian World Friendship Fund |
|
1% |
World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts |
THANK YOU
VOLUNTEERS
Week in and week out, our over 20,000 dedicated adult members were there for the girls – encouraging, supporting and celebrating their
accomplishments. By sharing their expertise and taking an active role in Guiding, they are catalysts for girls developing the skills and
confidence to be everything they want to be. They truly help bring our Mission to life.
DONORS
Thank you to all who donated to GGC in 2017, whether you gave as an individual, organization or anonymously. Your belief in girls in Canada empowers
them to take the lead in their lives – and supports our Vision: a better world, by girls.
INDIVIDUALS
Honour Circle
Pamela Rice
Signature Circle
Christine Burton
Elaine Paterson
Investor’s Circle
Alan Burns
Janet Mann
Susan Patten
World Friendship Circle
Margaret Baldwin
Tracy Burton
Beverly Burton
Isabell
McDorman
Don Peddle
Chief Commisioner’s Circle
Shirley
Byrnes
Lynn Glenn
Sarah Govan-Sisk
Allen Heinrichs
Constance Isherwood
Nancy Kelly
Geraldine Kelter
Donna Leonard Robb
Marjory Patterson
Rosalyn Schmidt
Laura Walsh
C. Joan Woodland
Elizabeth Wynne
Supporter’s Circle
Jason Anderson
Jennifer Ayotte
Kathy Breadner
Susan Cameron
Joan Cavers
Jennifer Cessford
Dianne Chandler
Gayle Chiasson
Marian Clark
Glena Clearwater
Barbara Coish
Majella Coleman
Barbara Cook
Linda Crawford
Mary Crocker
Margaret Daugherty
Joan Ellis
Trinda Ernst
Wendy Fitch
Tara Gaertner
Shanali Gayadeen
Jean Halliday
Ann Harwood
Elizabeth Hill
Bonnie Hunter
Eric Jordan
Ann Kertesz
Kathleen Kompass
Hilda Lawson
Ann Lowe
Deirdre MacIntyre
Lyn Mariner
Margaret Martin
Jan McCaghren
Heather McCance
Karen McGregor
Jennifer Moorlag
Stacy Newcombe
Patricia Nykor
Deborah Parker
Lauri Paul
Siobhan Peck
Helen Perry
Dawn Quast
Joelyn Ragan
Elizabeth Renfrew
Marina Rispin
Elizabeth Rouw
Patricia Russell
Cynthia Stevenson
Madge Twolan
Anna Vandendries-Barr
Mary Vincent
Dorothea Weiland
Marie Wetmore
Linda White
Paul Wong
Jill Zelmanovits
1910 Society
Christine Burton
Mary Rae Cafferty
Margaret Christenson
Caron Currie
Margaret Daugherty
Denise Dhalian
Janice DiBattista
Wendy Fitch
Candace Gaudet
Joyce Hannaford
Anna Harbridge
Bobbi Hoadley
Mary Jane Howie
Darleen Jubb
Geraldine Kelter
Barbara Kent
Kerry Lee
Donna Leonard Robb
Lorna LeRoy
Lynn Maclean
Kathleen Marentette
Dyana McLellan
Elaine Paterson
Cheryl Pearce
Helen Perry
Marlene Purvey
Joelyn Ragan
Rosalyn Schmidt
Daphne Sebag-Montefiore
Sharon Tokar
Madge Twolan
Margaret Utgoff
Evelyn Williams
ORGANIZATIONS
Calluna Inc.
McGowan Russell Group Inc
Miniature Enthusiasts of Toronto
Qualico Developments Winnipeg Ltd
The Benevity Community Impact Fund
Boiler Inspection & Insurance Company of Canada
PROGRAM PARTNERS
Our commitment to girl-driven programming wouldn’t be possible without the support of content experts. It was a privilege to partner with leading
non-profit organizations, foundations and government agencies on program development in 2017.
Thank you for the generous support of the Rice family and the new Rice Family Diversity and Inclusivity Fund. The Rice Family Fund will support
Indigenous girls in joining Guiding by removing barriers and building inclusive practices, where they will experience safe space and belonging,
create lasting friendships and memories and develop the skills and passions needed to be everything they want to be.
To donate or find out how you can support GGC, visit girlguides.ca or call 416-487-5281 ext. 218
The Journey has begun - stay tuned