The Orphan Sponsorship Program (OSP) @ University of Toronto

Exciting!

Here’s a yummy chance for everyone to help make a positive difference in the lives of orphans worldwide

Come and join us at our very first fundraising bakesale for this year (2008-09).  There’ll be poster displays, information booth about the OSP, and tasty baked items available.  All proceeds from the bake sale will go towards buying gifts for the orphans and towards sponsoring orphans.  Donations to sponsor orphans will also be collected.

WHEN:  Friday, July 11th from 1pm - 3:30pm 

WHERE:  It’ll be near Jumu’ah (Friday Prayer) on University of Toronto (UofT) Campus at Hart House … It’ll be outside in the grass area next to the University of Toronto Students’ Union (UTSU) Building.          

Location of UTSU:
12 Hart House Circle
(north of King’s College Circle, across from Hart House and University College, building in the middle)
Toronto, Ontario M5S 3J9 Canada

UTSU is labeled ‘SO’ in the map:                                                                                http://rrs.osm.utoronto.ca/map/f?p=110:1:12138785371723912869::NO:::

If anyone would like to donate to help sponsor orphan, would like to donate bake goods for the bake sale, help out on the day of the event, and/or for more information please contact:  osp.uoft@yahoo.ca

See you there! 

The Orphan Sponsorship Program (OSP) was launched in 2003 with the aim of making a positive difference in the lives of orphans around the globe. Masha’Allah in just over 4 years the OSP has fundraised over $200,000, allowing us to sponsor 100 orphans from 17 different countries (and hope to sponsor even more Insha’Allah)

We are now accepting applications for volunteers interested in becoming a part of the new OSP committee (OSP 2008-2009)

The committee commences from April 2008 until April 2009 and will aim at bringing about an awareness of the situation of orphans around the world and also fundraise in order to re-sponsor the orphans we are currently sponsoring.

The following are the volunteer positions available. If interested, kindly email us:

- Your name & contact information

- Program/year of study.

- Committee position(s) are you interested in (you can mention multiple options as in the event a position is already taken up, you could help out in another).

- Why you would like to help out OSP.

- A brief history about yourself and related experience you may have.

- “If you were not chosen as a committee head, would you still help OSP?”

- Any other relevant information you think necessary/helpful to your application.

If you may have any questions or would like to know more about the OSP, feel free to ask us: osp.uoft@yahoo.ca

Orphan Sponsorship Program (OSP)

Our aim:
To bring about awareness of the situation of orphans all around the world. At the same time fundraise to sponsor orphans on an annual basis, there by giving them a better life and future.

Our achievements:
- Currently in it’s 5th year, OSP has fundraised over $200,000 enabling us to sponsor 100 orphans from 17 different countries (spanning 4 continents) Masha’Allah.

- Encouraged and aided other student groups and committees from various Universities and high schools, to start similar orphan sponsorship initiatives.

- Educated students and the community about the plight of orphans by means of information booths, poster displays, emails, talks and seminars.

- Came up with a orphan profile/update template for some Govt. of Canada registered charities to utilize which will enable donors sponsoring orphans to obtain detailed information on the orphans they are sponsoring (not only our orphans but this will also benefit individuals and other organizations sponsoring orphans as well)

Our goals:
- Keep re-sponsoring the orphaned children we are currently sponsoring, on an annual basis. Insha’Allah (God Willing) if possible, to help out even more orphans at a maintainable, manageable and reproducible pace (With no special treatment/difference according to country, culture or background “We all are One”

- Bring about awareness at UofT and in Canada about the situation of orphans by means of organizing events such as lectures, information booths, displays, seminars, etc.

- Build a rapport with the children that we are sponsoring by means of communicating with them with letters, greeting cards, etc.

- Encourage/aid other associations, groups and organizations to start a similar orphan sponsorship campaigns.

OSP 2008-2009’s committee positions and task outline:

Note, requirement for all committee positions:

- We are looking for Highly Dedicated individuals who are willing to make the time for a worthy cause.

- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills (to interact with donors, volunteers, other associations and registered charities).

- Easily accessible (Frequently check your email) and able to punctually respond via email (to volunteers, donors and charities).

- Regularly attend OSP committee meetings.

OSP Head Coordinator
Oversees the entire program, ensuring all tasks are carried out effectively and efficiently Communicating and Interacting with donors, fellow committee members, other student and community groups, media, registered charities, etc. Documenting everything. Overall, being the 1st and last line of action for OSP (Preference will be given to individuals who have had previous experience working with OSP and/or extensive experience working in a similar initiative).

Executive Assistant
Arranging meetings, taking minutes of the meeting. Organizing and maintaining a hardcopy database of the orphan profiles and updates at the office. Emailing/responding to necessary individuals (charities, speakers, interested donors/volunteers etc) Helping out in various OSP tasks as/if needed.

Donor Liaison
Scanning profiles and updates of orphans in order to maintain a softcopy/online database. Work with webmaster to maintain OSP website. Keeping a rapport with donors (sponsoring an assigned orphan on an individual basis) and sending them annual updates on the specific orphan assigned to them. Interacting with charities if needed (with regards to profiles/updates on orphans or tax receipts for donors)

Orphan Liaison
Maintaining a regular rapport with the orphans being sponsored by means of organizing various events and initiatives (for eg. sending letters, greeting cards, gifts, pairing students with specific orphans to maintain pen pal contact with. Organizing initiatives that involve international students to visit the orphans while visiting their home countries).

Advertising Coordinator
Advertising OSP and OSP related activities (fundraiser, awareness events, fundraising, volunteer drive, etc) on UofT campus and in Ontario. Various methods include: flyers, posters, emails, info booths/displays. word of mouth, etc.

Treasurer
Responsible for various financial obligations related to OSP. Documenting all financial information. Accumulate all donations, keep detailed financial records (cash, cheque and paypal donations) Ensure donations are deposited. Come up with various fundraising initiatives for OSP.

Awareness Coordinator
Organize events and initiatives aimed at educating UofT and the Ontario community with regards to the situation of orphans around the world and also social/international issues that lead to children being orphaned. Events include: Lectures, seminars, documentary filming, organizing video updates on the orphans we sponsor and information booth/displays.

- Fundraising Coordinator (aka Business Liaison)
Organizing various initiatives/events related to fundraising. Events include organizing a fundraising dinner, charity auctions, etc.
Forming an OSP information package and communicating with various business in the GTA, asking them to donate to OSP.Overseeing the annual OSP fundraising dinner (in collaboration with the dinner coordinator)

Collections Coordinator
Overseeing collection of donations on UofT campus (at iftars, Friday prayers, various events at University of Toronto, placing and overseeing donation boxes at various locations on campus). Following up with volunteers collecting donations and forwarding it to the treasurer.

 Volunteer Coordinator
Finding volunteers to help out with various events/tasks for the OSP. Maintaining volunteer database. Working with fellow committee members and assigning volunteers as required. Coming up with initiatives aimed at finding volunteers for OSP. Keeping a rapport with OSP volunteers.

OSP Webmaster (Non committee position):
Setup and maintaining an OSP website. Regularly update website as required (with notices of upcoming events, latest updates, updates from orphans, etc.) Maintain online database of orphan profiles/updates (in collaboration with OSP Donor Liaison)

Interested applicants, apply by March 10th 2008 at osp.uoft@yahoo.ca

The Orphan Sponsorship Program (OSP) was launched in 2003 with the aim of making a postive difference in the lives of orphans around the globe. In just over 4 years, the OSP has fundraised over $200,000, allowing us to sponsor 100 orphans from 17 different countries!

What: OSP Dinner
When: Thursday March 6, 2008 from 6:30 - 9:30 pm

Where: Minto Plaza, Ballroom (2nd floor), 38 Elm Street, M5S 3A6 (Dundas subway)
http://maps. google.ca/ maps?q=38+ Elm+St,+Toronto, +ON+M5G,+ Canada&output=html

How much: $15 per person (all proceeds from the event will go towards sponsoring orphans)

The dinner aims to provide great food, good company of friends, games, prizes and our dynamic guest speaker, Dr. Mohamad Alameddine (Director of International Development and Partnerships at University of Toronto)

So come on out, bring your friends and family and join us on this occasion! For more information or to purchase tickets, please email us at osp.uoft@yahoo.ca or call 416-817-0413.

TICKETS ARE LIMITED, SO HURRY BEFORE THEY’RE GONE!

The Orphan Sponsorship Program (OSP) invites you to join us at the Mini-Bazaar!

Event: Mini Bazaar
Date: Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Time: 11 am - 5 pm
Location:
Sidney Smith Lobby, Table 2
100 St. George Street (St. George Street and Willcocks Street) Near St. George Subway Station

If you’re looking for a chance to decorate your hands with henna … if you’ve been searching for ages for that perfect bookmark … or if you simply wanna enjoy mouth-watering snacks. Come out and visit us at the Mini Bazaar. It’ll be a fun-filled time and a chance to make new friends

And its also your opportunity to make a difference in the life of an orphan! …
(Donations will be collected to sponsor orphan children from around the world)

We’re currently looking for volunteers for the bake sale, henna artists and for helping out at the booth.

For more information/to volunteer contact:

Asma Challiwala (asm_ic@hotmail.com)

Asna Ahmad (asna_ahmad@hotmail.com)

What event gives you a chance to earn good deeds, have fun with your friends, win cool prizes, eat free food AND
puts a fuzzy feeling in your heart. If you guessed
the Second OSP Sisters Greeting Card Signing Soiree, you’re right!!!

The OSP Sisters Greeting Card Signing Soiree brings together sisters from across campus to decorate greeting cards for orphan children from across the globe.

Come and help put a smile on a child’s face, hang out with your sisters and release some of that post mid-term exam stress.

What: OSP Sisters Greeting Card Signing Soiree

When: Thursday, Nov 1 from 5:00-8:00 pm

Where: Anthropology Building Rm 124 (behind Bahen

Centre at Russell and Huron St)

http://wireless.utoronto.ca/stgeorgemap.gif

Warning: Be prepared to leave with a smile on your face

***Please RSVP to: Soofia Farooq (soofia_farooq@hotmail.com)
before Oct. 29 to help us make the appropriate arrangements.

Urgent Appeal; We are still quite short of sponsoring all 100 orphans, so please spread the word and donate generously

Donate any amount that you can. Donations can be in the form of:

1) Cash: At the iftars and Jumu’ah prayers (Hart House) at Iniversity of Toronto, St. George Campus, during the month of Ramadan.

2) Online via Paypal (To donate click here and then on ‘make a donation)

3) Cheques payable & addressed to:

Orphan Sponsorship Program
University of Toronto, St. George campus
21 Sussex Avenue, Suite 405
Toronto, Ontario, M5S 1J6

Note: Tax receipts will be issued upon request

For further information, see the post below or contact: osp.uoft@yahoo.ca

In the Name of God, Most Gracious, Most Merciful

‘By the end of 2003, there were an estimated 143 million orphans aged 0-17 in 93 developing countries’ (UNICEF, 2004). More than 16 million children were orphaned in 2003 alone. Due to recent events such as wars, tsunami, earthquakes, etc these numbers have no where to go but up.

In 2003, the Orphan Sponsorship Program was launched, aiming to bring awareness to the situation of orphans around the world and fundraise to sponsor orphans, trying to do what we can in the hopes of giving these kids a better life & future. The orphans are sponsored through Govt. of Canada registered charities and the donation covers education, health, food, shelter and other basic necessities for the orphans.

Since then, our efforts have simply been blessed

- Accumulatively, for the 4 years of OSP’s existence we’ve fundraised over $144,000!

- This has enabled us to sponsor 100 orphans from 17 countries, spanning 4 continents (for a full list of countries see below)

Our success is truly a blessing, but now the challenge is even greater as we require around $44,000 to re-sponsor all 100 children for another year BUT with your help, we can do this Insha’Allah!

The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “I and the person who looks after an orphan and provides for him, will be in Paradise like this,” putting his index and middle fingers together. [Sahih Al- Bukhari, Volume 8, Book 73, Number 34]

.So please help out and make a difference in the life of an orphan!

Countries we’re sponsoring from and how much it costs to sponsor an orphan for a year:

(the differences are due to the differences in the cost of living in different countries)

It costs $360/year to sponsor an orphan from: Afghanistan, Kashmir, Bangladesh, Somalia, Sudan, Pakistan, India, Kenya, Sri Lanka, Sierra Leone, Guyana & Indonesia.

It costs $720/year to sponsor an orphan from: Palestine, Lebanon, Bosnia,

It costs $420/year to sponsor an orphan from: Egypt, Burkina Faso,

Donate any amount that you can. Donations can be in the form of cash, checks or online (click here and click on ‘make a donation) Please make your checks payable & addressed to:

Orphan Sponsorship Program
University of Toronto, St. George campus
21 Sussex Avenue, Suite 405
Toronto, Ontario, M5S 1J6
Note: Tax receipts will be issued upon request

For further information, to help out and/or donate

please contact: osp.uoft@yahoo.ca or visit: www.ospuoft.wordpress.com

Donors Can:

- Sponsor a child either on their own or form a group with friends/family members and accumulatively sponsoring the orphan(s) on an annual basis.

- Receive tax receipts for their donations (upon request).

- Be assigned an orphan, receive their profile and then annually be updated on the child’s progress.

- Donors who are assigned an orphan can also keep in touch with child by sending them letters, greetings cards, etc, to them.

-Arrangements can be made via the registered charity to visit and meet the orphan (or the orphanage/regional office in general) Note: The individual donor must bear the expense of his/her trip to visit the orphan.

-Any donor (even those who do not wish to be assigned to a particular child) is welcome to view profiles and updates on all the orphan children that OSP are sponsoring.

- Be a part of the OSP, by becoming a volunteer, join the OSP annual committee and/or by simply spreading the word to family, co-workers and friends. We need to re-sponsor 100 (and Insha’Allah more) orphans, so we need all help that we can get!

Jazakum Allahu Khairan (May God reward you for your efforts)

Hi everyone,

Welcome to the academic year 2007-2008!!!.

The Orphan Sponsorship Program (OSP) is all geared up for its annual fundraising campaign that aims to re-sponsor the 100 orphans we are currently sponsoring (from 17 different countries) and hopefully sponsor more kids!

You are invited to an upcoming event taking place this week. RSVP to attend (as we need to make arrangements for sufficient food)

If you’d like to know more about/volunteer/donate to OSP then please see our previous posts on the blog or feel free to email us at osp.uoft@yahoo.ca

Orphan Sponsorship Program (OSP) at the University of Toronto invites
you to:

ORPHAN CARD SIGNING SOIREE

When: Friday Sept 7th, 3-5 pm
Where: Bahen Centre, Room 2159
40 St. George Street (College and St. George)
Near Queens Park Subway Station
Who: Ladies only

OSP aims to keep a rapport with the children we are sponsoring, by signing and sending greeting cards (along with gifts!) to them.

Come and join us for a delightful afternoon of FREE
food, fun, and a chance to put smiles on the faces of orphan children from
around the world.

For more information, email osp.uoft@yahoo.ca

RSVP: Please email us by Sept 3rd to confirm your attendance.

NOTE: This event is free to attend

Salaams (Peace) and Hello,

The Orphan Sponsorship Program is still accepting donations during the period of summer so please do spread the word and donate generously.

Donations can be in the form of:

Online donations: via paypal (click on the link in the online donation post below, go to the OSP link and click on ‘make a donation’)

Cheque: Made out to :Orphan Sponsorship Program, MSA UofT and please mail it out to the office address below.

NOTE: During summer we are experiencing some delay in receiving our mail so there may be a delay in depositing the cheque. Please do bare with this. Once we do get the cheque, we will deposit it as as soon as possible.

Jazak Allahu Khairan and thank you