Leading by example

“Ciao!”

With this greeting Franco Veglio of Ferrero Canada launched the chocolate makers fund raising campaign for the Brantford General Hospital Foundation last week. Called the Ferrero ‘Your Gift Is Good For Life Appeal', the plan is to raise one million dollars that will be used to enhance the care and treatment our patients receive at the Brantford General Hospital .

The Ferrero appeal looked like it would capture the interest of local residents right from start. Three days before the official launch, the September issue of Vibrant magazine featured the story about Ferrero and Franco's 35-year career with the company that is headquartered in Alba Italy and now boasts facilities throughout the world. Following the weekend magazine story, when foundation staff returned to work on Monday morning there were telephone messages and emails from readers of the magazine saying, “sign me up!”

Since the official launch the momentum is starting to grow and based on the very early results from the first week of the campaign, Ferrero's project looks like it may be successful.

“The campaign appears to be creating some buzz,” said Crystal Godwaldt, coordinator- public affairs & development, for the foundation. “The enthusiasm for the chocolates and annual chocolate parties is outstanding.”

The Ferrero fundraiser is very unique and very simple. The goal is to sign up 1,000 people that will each pledge to donate $250 each year for four years. At less than seventy-cents a day this is a very affordable way for many people to support the hospital.

Crystal explained how Ferrero is sweetening the deal to motivate people to join the appeal. “Every donor that joins up will receive a beautiful Ferrero gold-coloured gift bag absolutely filled to the brim with sweet, world-famous chocolates made by Ferrero. Then, each subsequent year during the 4- year pledge, Ferrero will provide another gift bag each year to everyone! Of course every donor will also receive an income tax receipt for each of their four $250 donations.”

Flights to Rome

But there is more! Each year all the donors to the Ferrero ‘Your Gift Is Good For Life Appeal' will be invited to attend a special chocolate party with lots of decadent Ferrero chocolates and other surprises. At the very first chocolate party someone will win a flight for two to Rome next summer from Patrick Luciani and Travelonly.

The money raised from the appeal will be put to good use. As David Neill, president of the BGH foundation said, “The ever-advancing medical technology, coupled with ever-increasing patient needs, means that community generosity and philanthropy are needed now more than ever for the Brantford General Hospital .”

The Ferrero company understands the good that comes from assisting others. In Ireland they gave product to the less fortunate and those in need. During the Balkans war Ferrero sent chocolates to the residents affected by the war- the elderly and the children. Assisting the Brantford General Hospital is important because it affects everybody in our community.

A hospital is only as strong and vibrant as the donors that support it. If you would like to join the Ferrero ‘Your Gift Is Good For Life Appeal' contact Crystal Godwaldt at 519-751-5544; extension 2472 or send an email to cgodwaldt@bchsys.org . Your first installment of delicious, decadent Ferrero chocolates will be on their way- just in time for the upcoming holiday season.

Gary Chalk is senior executive director- public affairs & development for the Brant Community Healthcare System. Brantford General is a regional health centre providing primary, emergency and specialized services. The Willett, Paris, is a multi-service health centre providing urgent care, primary and community outreach programs.