Korle-Bu Foundation President’s Report (part 3)
Communications
Skilled communication at a cutting edge world class level requires professional expertise. Our board recognizes the critical need to capture the incredible story of KBNF as it unfolds. Credibility for our foundation internationally is vital to major donor base and networking developments. KBF is grateful to AHA, KBF PR firm, for their steady hand of leadership in communications and public relations. Ruth Aberley and Paul Holman recognize the critical elements required to progressively and effectively reach the masses. They manage our informative website www.kbnf.org, uploading insightful new material provided by members of our team including blogs, revisions, updates, notices, u-tube video and photos up to 5 days / week.
Analysis of our website productively is measured monthly. In all respects, the website is steadily accessed more frequently and repeatedly, and more pages are read and more donations given through the website than ever before. Principle readership comes from Canada, followed by the USA, Ghana and lastly the UK. We certainly look forward to our readership literally exploding in the year(s) to come.
Our facebook site www.facebook.com/KBNF.org was launched last July. It has a lively welcoming appearance. AHA manages the updates weekly and “likes” are slowly growing monthly. Wikipedia is planned for this spring and twitter is expected to be launched when resources are available.
Considering the economic climate, timing is everything and funding consultant hours is prudently managed. We express appreciation to Christina Chiu for taking on the Executive Assistant consultant role while volunteering many more hours than ever could be reimbursed financially. Taking on computer work with an expertise eluding the board saves us many hours that we can reallocate to other priority foundation work.
Christina handles all of our publication work, finding the most cost efficient publishers and most contemporary methods of disseminating foundation news. Christina manages the constant contact account and designs the newsletters and notices for Marj. Approximately 2,000 readers receive our mail. Response to our news on Patrick Ali, a Sierra Leonean struggling with quadriplegia struck a chord with many of our foundation friends and readers. It is reassuring that the percentage of recipients opening our mail is well beyond the average readership for most organizations.
Our brochure is now available on our website for individuals to copy and print, while an informative postcard is being designed from the brochure layout for cost effective handouts. Publication and mail out of newsletters along with a donation slip and return envelope continues to be a worthwhile fundraising strategy. Donor recognition and certificates are being planned. Personal phone calls to our donors and supporters over the years expressing our appreciation for their support are also another avenue that is considered a priority this year.
Thanks… and keep it coming!
Thanks . . . and keep it coming!
Morning family and friends! Thank you so very much for your financial support! Every time Christina informs me that another donation has come in or I receive mail and there’s another cheque, my heart leaps for joy! We are well over half way there now with the funds needed to support the electricity needs for the outgoing hospital equipment to Ghana. Keep it coming, friends! Every contribution brings us closer to sufficiently fulfilling this need.
For those that may have missed the previous emails, KBNF’s 18th container was fully loaded last Thursday and Friday in Victoria and will leave Vancouver’s harbor for Ghana early this week.
KBNF has been on a mission to provide the suitable power converters to support superb electrical tools, surgery equipment, hospital beds, machines and equipment being shipped over to Dr. Gladstone Kessie’s 100 bed Mt. Olives Hospital in Techiman, Brong Ahafo Region of northeastern Ghana. Ghana’s voltage is 220-240 Volts compared to Canada’s 110-120 Volts. We need a minimum of 20 electric power converters to ensure that the electrical equipment being sent can be effectively put to use. After some considerable team research, the suitable converters chosen have the capability to handle any 2 machines simultaneously.
In partnership with The Compassionate Warehouse, the 40 ft. container was chock-a-block with donated hospital supplies, furnishings and equipment including 20 wonderful electric / manual beds, with nary an inch of air allowed between anything. Brenda, Diane and I stood in awe as we watched Dell’s team pack the container like they were painting a masterpiece. It was a gift of exceptional planning, effort, and execution.
We are preparing a 2nd container for Mt. Olives in May, providing another load of excellent beds, dental equipment, and everything not ready to be loaded this time round including the converters. I would be remiss if I didn’t express our appreciation to Diamond Delivery for their faithful diligence and promptness in picking up equipment and supplies from around Vancouver and delivering wherever Brenda informs them it has to go.
Sponsor a converter and save lives!
Just one example of how lives can be saved . . . Imagine a child struggling to breathe. Can you picture how desperately helpless the staff and family would feel when their loved one is choking and there’s no access to equipment? Suction machines are critical for basic patient safety. Electricity is required. Because of your partnership, we can address this issue.
WE NEED YOUR HELP. . .
Your support is what gives KBNF the ability to extend our hand in partnership with Ghana and West Africa.
Either on-line via our website: www.kbnf.org or by phone or mail.
Thank you everyone!
ANNUAL FUNDRAISING DINNER DANCE-GPSF
Below is a guest blog post by Leticia Otchere-Darko M.D., Director, Offsite Anesthesia Services, at the University of Mississippi Medical Center. KBNF Board of Director Paul King and I are sure looking forward to seeing everyone in the new year. This will, once again, be a great event.
An image from last year's fundraiser.
Ghana Physicians and Surgeons Foundation Annual Fundraising Dinner Dance
You are cordially invited to the annual fundraising dinner dance by the Ghana Physicians and Surgeons Foundation to be held on April 20th, 2013. This dinner dance immediately follows the 11th Annual Conference for Ghanaian Health Care Professionals which is sponsored by the Ghana Physicians and Surgeons Foundation. This event will take place in Atlanta from the 19th to 21st of April, 2013.
The theme is: “HIV and Cancer Disease Burden in Africa: A Tale of Two Epidemics.”
Venue: W Hotel Downtown, Atlanta.
For more information please visit www.ghanaphysicians.org.
Korle-Bu Neuroscience Club – Victoria
We are always so pleased to hear of university students eager to support our neuroscience projects in West African. Our University of Victoria students are raising interest and awareness on behalf of KBNF. Join Bernard Osei, President of KBNC, and our KBNF family in extending a big congratulations to our dear students for all these wonderful developments!
Ghana Mission Post 11 – Patrick Update
Patrick had his plastic surgery on his infected pressure sores Friday afternoon. It required significant skills by the plastic and reconstructive surgeons. He is now receiving intravenous antibiotics. Patrick is convalescing on the 6th floor of the Surgical Block, and being cared for by very kind nurses. Megan is so very appreciative. And for all of your support, it is greatly appreciated.
