March 2nd, 2021
NEWS RELEASE: Extend-A-Family Waterloo Region achieves accreditation from Imagine Canada
Extend-A-Family Waterloo Region is pleased to announce that we have been accredited by Imagine Canada for excellence in nonprofit accountability, transparency and governance. With this achievement, we join a growing community of more than 250 organizations dedicated to operational excellence.
The Standards Program is a Canada-wide set of shared standards for charities and nonprofits, and is designed to help organizations strengthen their operations in five fundamental areas: board governance; financial accountability and transparency; fundraising; staff management; and volunteer involvement.
“We are honoured to receive this accreditation from Imagine Canada as we celebrate 40 years of service to the community,” says Al Mills, Executive Director of Extend-A-Family Waterloo Region. “The accreditation from Imagine Canada recognizes EAFWR’s commitment to meeting the highest standards for the people we support, their families, networks and the broader community. It also reflects our ongoing commitment to our community, donors, and stakeholders that we operate with the utmost responsibility and accountability.”
“Earning the accreditation, especially in these changing times, shows remarkable resilience, and a strong commitment to innovation and excellence.” says Bruce MacDonald, President and CEO of Imagine Canada.
Bruce MacDonald joined EAFWR’s Board of Directors meeting in January to share his congratulations, “This accreditation program is a demonstration of trust that the Board and the staff at Extend-A-Family Waterloo Region are doing everything possible to demonstrate the highest levels of good governance, transparency and accountability.”
“It’s been a lot of hard work for the staff at Extend-A-Family and for the Board,” says Liz Hedley, Chair of the Board of Directors. “It’s been a privilege to be involved in the accreditation process and we look forward to our relationship and our partnership with Imagine Canada moving forward. Thank you on behalf of the Board of Directors of Extend-A-Family Waterloo Region.”
About the Standards Program
The goals of Imagine Canada’s Standards Program are to increase organizational excellence and transparency of charities and nonprofits, to build resilience and to strengthen public confidence in individual organizations and the sector as a whole. To earn the accreditation, organizations must meet 73 standards in financial management and accountability, fundraising practise, board governance, staff management, and volunteer management.
Peer-review Process and Compliance
Our policies and procedures in the five areas of compliance were evaluated by a group of volunteers from the sector, and were found to be compliant with the Standards Program. Accredited organizations are required to complete full re-accreditation on a five-year basis. Compliance during the accreditation period is monitored regularly and requires organizations to submit evidence demonstrating selected standards are being met.
About Extend-A-Family Waterloo Region
Extend-A-Family Waterloo Region was founded in 1981 by parents of children with developmental disabilities, as a way to build friendship and nurture community in Waterloo Region. As a local not-for-profit who serves 2,000 adults and children with developmental and physical disabilities, EAFWR champions an inclusive community for all by working with people with disabilities, their networks and the broader community. Learn more at www.eafwr.on.ca.
For further information, please contact:
Allan Mills, Executive Director
Extend-A-Family Waterloo Region
226-808-9243
allan.mills@eafwr.on.ca
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