supporting queenswood
MESSAGE TO QUEENSWOOD SUPPORTERS
March 1, 2010
Today the Sisters of St. Ann announced that their Arbutus Road properties will be sold to the University of Victoria later this year. To view the official media release issued jointly by the Sisters and UVic, click here. Many people may be wondering what this announcement means for Queenswood.
As you may recall, several years ago the Sisters of St. Ann initiated new strategic directions for Queenswood. Their intention was to make Queenswood ready for the day when their own resources could no longer support Queenwood’s operations.
Sr. Marie Zarowny, Province Leader of the Sisters of St. Ann, has assured the board that the possibility of continued Queenswood programming has been an important part of their discussions with the University. “The progress Queenswood is making towards financial independence from the Sisters of St. Ann will put Queenswood in a strong position to move forward. We are enthusiastic about Queenswood’s current program focus, and hope that it will develop long-term as a service to the community and a continuation of our legacy.”
The Board hopes that the participation and spiritual guidance of the Sisters of St. Ann will always be part of Queenswood’s ministry.
We are now in discussions with the University of Victoria with the goal of obtaining a lease of ten years or longer. We will post another update as soon as we know more about what kind of support will be required to ensure Queenswood’s future. In recent years, more and more people in Victoria have come to feel part of Queenswood. The board is confident that Queenswood’s growing community of supporters will make its future very positive.
Thank you for your support and prayers.
Blessings,
Sigurd Johannesen Kate Fagan Taylor, M.Div.
Queenswood Board Chair Executive Director
your comments and feedback are very welcome
please contact us by email at:
execdirector@queenswoodvictoria.ca
or by phone at 250.477.3822 x 222
Queenswood's charitable tax number is 856254347RR0001.
Have you felt blessed by Queenswood?
Queenswood exists because it receives generous support from individuals and organizations who believe in the value of what we do. We have been successful in gradually increasing our operational revenue, but about 35% of our total revenue comes from grants and donations
As a nonprofit charitable retreat centre, we will continue to rely on grants and donations to make our operations possible.
Specific donation areas include:
The Queenswood Legacy Fund: Queenwood is seeking major gifts to gradually replace the sponsorship of the Sisters of St. Ann with private sponsors who will support our continued operations. These may include a one-time gift, annual donations, or a gift in your will.
The Queenswood Bursary Fund: Many Queenswood retreat guests need renewal, rest and support but can't afford to pay for a retreat themselves. Our 2010 goal is to fundraise $50,000 for bursaries to directly support lower-income retreat guests. The Esther’s Dream foundation is a major sponsor of this fund, providing $10,000 toward this goal for 2010. The "Passionate Lives" evening programs also support this fund.
