This year the Children’s Aid Foundation will be
saying goodbye to one of our valued volunteers, Fiona St. Clair. Since 1997,
Fiona has been instrumental in planning and executing the travel packages that
are such an exciting part of the live auction at our annual Teddy Bear Affair.
A former partner of Seagram Pearce Travel who has traveled
to over 100 countries in the past 40 years, Fiona has the knowledge and
expertise to be able to say “this is what you should do,” in any given country
around the globe which is a real benefit to those she helps with their travel
plans. “As a small independent travel company, we didn’t have the money for
cash donations but we could participate in corporate giving in a way that could
really benefit the Foundation,” said Fiona. “I had skills that I could offer
that have translated into real dollars in a way that is different from sitting
down and opening a chequebook.”
Since the sale of Seagram Pearce Travel in 2001, Fiona has been able to have more input into the original design of the packages
that she has created for the Foundation. During Fiona's tenure more than $1 million has be raised through the incredible trips at the Teddy Bear Affair.
When asked what her favourite part of working with the
Children’s Aid Foundation has been she replied, “It’s the people that I have
worked with, both the staff and the board and the people who buy the trips.
They support the Foundation. They’re committed to the Foundation. It connects
so beautifully.”
In her 13 years with the Foundation, Fiona has been able to
become involved in a few different aspects of the Foundation. She acted as the
coordinator of our Holiday Card program and more recently, has donated her own
artwork for the silent auction at some of the Foundation’s fundraising events.
Fiona donated one of her digital paintings to the Women’s Golf Classic in June
2009 and after receiving positive feedback, donated another three to this years
Teddy Bear Affair in November.
“I’m privileged to have had the opportunity to work with an
organization that is so supportive and appreciative of its volunteers without
losing sight of what they’re raising money for,” said Fiona. The Foundation is
thankful for the incredible contributions of such dedicated volunteers as
Fiona. She turned her passion for travel and helping people have unforgettable
experiences into an opportunity to help children in need.
While the Foundation will be sad to see Fiona go, she
has already lined up a replacement in Roger Kershaw, who we know will continue
to provide the exciting and high quality travel packages that the Teddy Bear
Affair guests have come to expect. “I will miss being here,” said Fiona. “It
has been a privilege to see the results of ones expertise evolve into something
that promotes positive change for kids.”
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