MEDIA COVERAGE of Orphan Sponsorship Program at University of Toronto (OSP)

January 11, 2009

OSP’s achievements, work, and updates have been featured in various media (i.e. many newspapers/magazines, radio, etc.) locally, nationally, and internationally.

The OSP has come a long way and is currently sponsoring over 130 orphans annually from over 20 different countries, spanning 4 continents.  This is a blessing, but also a challenge to continue, thus we need to spread the word to ensure OSP’s continued success of sponsoring the orphans year after year, Insha’Allah (God Willing).  Such features in media helps the OSP by letting others know (We’ve been getting donations from all over Canada and outside of Canada)

If you’re interested in reporting OSP’s achievements, work, and updates in media, contact us at osp.uoft@yahoo.ca

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- OSP at UofT in Toronto Star newspaper on August 4, 2008:

http://www.thestar.com/Comment/article/472010

- OSP at UofT in Islamic Horizons magazine of July/August 2008 issue on pages 46-47:

http://www.isnawebpaper.com/webpapers/isna0807/multi/index.html

- OSP at UofT in MSA Link magazine of Fall/Winter 2008 issue on pages 10-11:

http://www.msanational.org/files/msalink/msalink_fall-winter-08.pdf

- OSP at UofT in The Weekly Voice magazine of September 6, 2008 issue on page 7:

http://www.weeklyvoice.com/site/downloads/Voice_September6_08.pdf

- OSP at UofT in The Muslim Voice magazine of September 2008 issue on pages 26-27 and back cover:

http://issuu.com/tmvmag/docs/tmv142?mode=embed&documentId=080907021555-e80f672a545a42059902699fc163a6ee&layout=grey

- OSP at UofT in Pakistan Link newspaper of October 10, 2008 issue:

http://www.pakistanlink.com/Community/2008/Oct08/10/07.HTM

- OSP at UofT in The Muslim Voice magazine of Winter 2009 issue on pages 4-5:

http://issuu.com/tmvmag/docs/tmv151?mode=embed&documentId=090125202800-e9654f19979b46328823d7053f45a41a&layout=grey

- OSP at UofT in Muslim Link Ottawa newspaper of December 2005 issue on page 6:

http://www.muslimlink.ca/downloads/05dec.pdf

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OSP at UofT has also been featured in the following newspapers/magazines:

- The Ambition

- Muslim Free Press


EXCITING UPDATES of OSP at UofT

January 9, 2009

By:  OSP at UofT Team

1) Four More Sponsorship Countries

*** OSP at UofT list of sponsorship countries has increased from 18 to 22 as four more countries have been added to the list which are:  Chechnya, Ethiopia, South Africa, and Iraq ***

For full list of sponsorship countries, further detailed information about ways to donate, how much it costs to sponsor an orphan for a year, and donor services Click Here

2) Orphans Received Our Cards & Gifts


The OSP at UofT organizes regular events aimed at sending greeting cards, letters, gifts, etc to the orphans to keep in touch with them.  In 2007 and in 2008 we had greeting card socials where students and donors designed and signed cards to send to the orphans along with gifts.  It was a pleasant surprise for the OSP, when we received cards and letters back from a number of the orphans, thanking us for the card, gift and asking the students to keep corresponding with them! We will be having similar events this Winter 2009 and Spring/Summer 2009.


- Below are some pictures of some OSP sponsored orphans with our cards and gifts.


pic12 pic21 group-picture1 pic3

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3) Visiting the Orphans

Sarah Khan, studying Human Physiology at University of Toronto and currently the OSP’s Treasurer, had visited Pakistan during the summer holidays 2008 and during this trip, she at her own expense, took out the time to personally visit the orphans that OSP is sponsoring from there.  She met them at their school located in an underprivileged rural village.  Her first-hand experience of visiting the village and exchanging conversations with the children not only allowed her to further comprehend the obstacles the orphans face on a daily basis but also increased her ambition to continue supporting the needs of orphans worldwide.  She added:  “It was really amazing to see OSP’s fundraised donations at work, helping the orphans receive their educational needs which helps them acquire the necessary skills for a better life, employment and financial security in their future.”


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(Picture of Sarah Khan, the OSP Treasurer, visiting the orphans in Pakistan)


**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**


CLICK HERE to Watch OSP Members’ Orphan Visit Videos


Upcoming OSP at UofT Meeting- Sept 23rd

September 19, 2008

Everyone is welcome to attend upcoming OSP General Meeting taking place at:

 

Date: Tuesday, September 23rd, 2008

 

Time:  Starts at 5:15pm

 

Location:  33 St. George Street – International Student Centre (ISC), Asia Room, 3rd Floor

 

(St. George and College at UofT Campus, near Queens Park subway)

 

See the map for the meeting’s exact location (marked as CU, known as Cumberland House on the official UofT campus map):
http://rrs.osm.utoronto.ca/map/f?p=110:1:17512535245286187488::NO:::

 

The Orphan Sponsorship Program (OSP) at the University of Toronto (UofT) in its 5 years of existence has fundraised over $205,000 – which is unheard of in student fundraising initiatives! This year, we are sponsoring 120 orphans from over 17 countries, spanning 4 continents. It would now cost over $50,000 to re-sponsor all the orphans for an additional year and this can only be possible with YOUR help!

 

For more information to volunteer and/or donate contact:  osp.uoft@yahoo.ca , www.ospuoft.wordpress.com


Join Us at OSP at UofT Bake Sale Fundraiser!

September 15, 2008

Sumptuous sultry cakes, cocoa-powdered cupcakes, brownies oozing with chocolate…and so much more! Yours to discover at…

OSP at UofT Bake Sale Fundraiser!

When: Tuesday, September 16, 2008 during Iftaar (free dinner to break the fast) around 7:30pm on UofT Campus
Where: Multi-Faith Centre Main Hall, 2nd floor

(Koffler Institute, 569 Spadina Ave. Toronto M5S 2J7)

See map for exact location (Koffler Institute marked as KP):

http://rrs.osm.utoronto.ca/map/f?p=110:1:10756918541393012025::NO:::

Directions:
- Use the TTC and get off at Queens Park subway, then take the street car to Spadina street. From there, walk to Russell street.

- Or get off at Spadina Subway and take the street car going to Spadina and College. Get off the stop as you reach Russell street (at the crescent/round-about)

All proceeds go towards supporting the Orphans of the Orphan Sponsorship Program (OSP) at UofT.

The OSP at UofT is currently annually sponsoring 120 orphans from over 17 countries.

Contact: osp.uoft@yahoo.ca to volunteer for the event, donate, or help to bake goodies for the bake sale.

OSP site: www.ospuoft.wordpress.com


OSP at UofT Invites You to: Semi-Annual Orphan Greeting Card Signing Event

September 1, 2008

(Pictures of some orphans sponsored by OSP at UofT)

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

SEMI-ANNUAL ORPHAN GREETING CARD SIGNING EVENT

Session 1 (FOR EVERYONE)

When: Friday Sept 5th (10am – 2pm)

Where: At OSP-MSA tables/booth during Clubs Day
King’s College Circle (Near Queens Park Subway Station)

Session 2 (FOR LADIES ONLY)

When: Friday Sept 5th (3pm – 6pm)

Where: Bahen Centre (BA), Room 2155
40 St. George Street (College and St. George)
Near Queens Park Subway Station

On the official UofT campus map, Bahen Centre is marked as BA                                                                                                                                                                          http://rrs.osm.utoronto.ca/map/f?p=110:1:12138785371723912869::NO

The OSP at UofT aims to maintain a rapport with the children we are sponsoring by signing Greeting Cards and sending Gifts to them, and we want you to be a part of this wonderful relationship!

Come and join us for a delightful afternoon of Fun, a chance to win Prizes, and to put smiles on the faces of orphan children from around the world!

There’ll be poster displays, information booth about the OSP, and henna application available. Donations to sponsor orphans will also be collected. All proceeds will go towards sponsoring orphans.

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.  In 5 years of OSP’s existence, we’ve fundraised over $200,000, allowing us to annually sponsor 120 orphans from over 17 countries, spanning 4 continents.

For more information, email: osp.uoft@yahoo.ca and visit the site: www.ospuoft.wordpress.com

RSVP: Please email us by Sept 4th to confirm your attendance.

NOTE: This event is free to attend

(Some greeting cards that were sent to our sponsored orphans last year)

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Orphan Sponsorship Program (OSP) at University of Toronto (UofT): HELP SPONSOR AN ORPHAN – CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS THIS RAMADAN

August 23, 2008

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]

Would you like to make the most of Ramadan (Month of Fasting) by making a positive difference in the life of an orphan and Insha’Allah (God Willing) to be in Paradise with the Prophet (Peace be upon him)?

Here’s your chance …

The Orphan Sponsorship Program (OSP) at the University of Toronto (UofT) in its 5 years of existence has fundraised over $205,000 – which is unheard of in student fundraising initiatives Masha’Allah (God has willed it)! This year, we are sponsoring 120 orphans from over 17 countries, spanning 4 continents. It would now cost over $50,000 to re-sponsor all the orphans for an additional year and this can only be possible with YOUR help!

The OSP at UofT is looking for dedicated volunteers to fill out various OSP committee positions which include the position of OSP Advertising Co-Coordinator. There are many general volunteer positions also available, so contact us as soon as possible and make a positive difference in the lives of orphans. Please also spread the word, encouraging others to donate to OSP, which is vitally important to OSP as well.

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

For further information, to volunteer and/or donate, contact: osp.uoft@yahoo.ca or www.ospuoft.wordpress.com

OSP at UofT


WAYS TO DONATE to Orphan Sponsorship Program (OSP) at University of Toronto (UofT)

July 28, 2008


MAKE A POSITIVE DIFFERENCE IN THE LIVES OF ORPHANS WORLDWIDE!
Donating Online to OSP at UofT via PayPal is fast, easy, and secure! Simply press ‘make a donation paypal button’ above to be directed to the paypal website to make online donations to OSP at UofT. If you would like a Canadian tax receipt for your donation, kindly include your full name and mailing address.

Donate any amount that you can.  Donations can be in the form of cash, cheques or online via PayPal.  Tax receipts will be issued upon request.

For further detailed information about ways to donate, how much it costs to sponsor an orphan for a year, countries of sponsorship, and donor services Click Here.
Zakat can be used to sponsor orphans.  Please identify your donation as “Zakat” when donating.

If you have any further questions, feel free to ask us at osp.uoft@yahoo.ca

Check out this Site for the latest updates, news, and events of OSP at UofT.

THANK YOU!

We are dedicated to maintaining the privacy of our donors and ensuring that their donations reach their intended recipients.  Therefore, please note the following when making your donation:
  • Donations to the OSP via PayPal are only sent to msa.exec@utoronto.ca and no one else.
  • Cheques should only be sent to our Sussex office address.
  • Only correspond with OSP committee members on the OSP Committee List and no one else.


Orphan Sponsorship Program (OSP) at UofT BAKESALE FUNDRAISER!

July 7, 2008

Exciting!

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

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: 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:::

So come on out … bring your family and friends … and join us for a good cause!

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! :D


Be part of OSP – Advertising Coordinator & Off-Campus Representative

March 25, 2008
There are 2 OSP committee volunteer opportunities currently open which you could try out for;

1) OSP Advertising Coordinator:
This is a vital committee position and for further details on OSP and Advertising Coordinator task outline can be found at:
http://ospuoft.wordpress.com/2008/02/18/osp-2008-2009-committee-positions-open-make-a-positive-difference-in-the-life-of-a-child/

If interested to apply, could you kindly email us:
- Your name and contact information
- Program and year of study
- Brief history on yourself and any related volunteer experience.

2) OSP Off-Campus Representative:
(Multiple people can apply for this position)

We’re looking for dedicated individuals to represent OSP at various different locations/campuses/schools/cities/provinces, etc.
(For eg. a representative in the Scarborough area, for Mississauga, London, Ottawa, Waterloo, Brampton and also the area you live in :)

This position is very flexible as the task depends on whatever you could do to help OSP out and that can range from:
- Contacting community centres/associations in those areas to advertise/fundraise for OSP.
- Help organize a Bakesale/fundraiser or simply arrange for a donations box to be kept for OSP in your respective area.
- Arranging other University campuses/high schools etc to fundraise for OSP and/or organize OSP events (OSP has given talks in a high-school to encourage students to donate, similarly we’ve aided other campus groups to start the own programs)
- Or simply just letting people in your area know of OSP (via email/word of mouth)
If interested in any of the positions, kindly apply ASAP (preferred by March 27th)

If you have any questions, feel free to ask.

Orphan Sponsorship Program (OSP)
University of Toronto (UofT)

OSP 2009-2010 Committee Positions Open (Make a positive difference in the life of a child!)

February 18, 2008

The Orphan Sponsorship Program at University of Toronto, St. George Campus (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 5 years the OSP has fundraised over $250,000, allowing us to sponsor over 130 orphans from 22 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 2009-2010)

The committee commences from April 2009 until April 2010 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

- Your education background (year/program 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 at University of Toronto, St. George Campus (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 6th year, OSP has fundraised over $250,000 enabling us to sponsor over 130 orphans from 22 different countries (spanning 4 continents) Masha’Allah.

- Encouraged and aided other student groups and committees from various Universities, high schools, and community organizations 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 an 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 2009-2010’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 Friday, March 6th, 2009 at osp.uoft@yahoo.ca

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OSP committee volunteer opportunity that is currently open which you could try out for,

OSP Off-Campus Representative position
For more details about how to apply and task outline for this position, CLICK HERE