World Scout Foundation and Scouts Canada host 60th Baden-Powell World
Fellowship Event in Ottawa
King and Queen of Sweden and Prince Faisal of Saudi Arabia among delegation recognizing more than 100 Canadians for their generous financial contributions to the World Scout Foundation
OTTAWA, Oct. 14 /CNW/ - The World Scout Foundation (WSF) and Scouts Canada today announced the kick-off of the 60th Baden-Powell World Fellowship Event in Ottawa. The four-day international event held October 14 - 17, 2010 recognizes more than 100 Canadians for their generous financial contributions to the WSF which supports Scouting worldwide. The event is presided over by His Majesty Carl XVI Gustaf, King of Sweden in his capacity as Honourary President of the World Scout Foundation and Her Majesty Queen Silvia of Sweden. It is expected more than $3 million will be raised for the charity over the course of the weekend.
"I am a Scout because I have seen the affect it has had on my life and the lives of millions of young people worldwide. The World Scout Foundation helps those young people to develop as leaders whose leadership is marked by a strong set of values and whose actions speaks for itself," said the King of Sweden.
The World Baden-Powell Fellowship is the vehicle for donors to contribute to the work of the World Scout Movement which strives to support Scouting in developing nations. Funds are used to run World Scout offices and recruit and train staff to deliver leader training and oversee Scouting initiatives. Particular focus this year is on Scouting programs in Africa and Southeast Asia. Over the past several years the WSF has funded initiatives such as a support program for street children in Kenya, and Food For Life - a program in South Africa that teaches Scouts how to grow food to sustain a family.
"We have been so impressed with what we have seen and heard from Scouts we have met," said Prince Faisal. "We have been touched by the heroism of the Scouts from Rwanda and Burundi who have brought Hutu and Tutsie youth together in peace camps, and with the Scouts in Salvador that have helped pacify the capital's street gangs and given young sex-workers back their childhood. Scouting trains leaders and these millions of young leaders change their communities and their world. King Abdullah and I are very proud to be associated with these young people."
To be inducted into the Baden-Powell World Fellowship, individuals and companies pledge $10,000 (U.S.) to the WSF. Prior to this year's event, there were approximately 40 Canadian Baden-Powell Fellows inducted over the last 25 years. The considerable influx of new Canadian members this year was spearheaded by David Huestis, Canadian Chairman of the World Scout Foundation. Canadian business leaders such as Arthur Irving, Chairman, Irving Oil; Charles Brindamour, President and CEO, Intact Financial Corporation; George Cook, CEO, Dominion Insurance and Maurice Tulloch, President and CEO, Aviva Canada join the ranks of The Emperor of Japan, King Juan Carlos I of Spain and Jim Turley, CEO & Chairman of Ernst and Young as members of the Baden-Powell Fellowship.
"We're very proud and honoured to be hosting fellow members of Scouting organizations from around the world as part of the World Scout Foundation here in Canada. Along with sharing with them our deep love of Canada, this is a unique opportunity for us to also showcase our many accomplishments in growing the Scouts movement in Canada," said Steve Kent, Chief Commissioner and Chair of the Board of Governors of Scouts Canada. "Despite a challenging economic climate and changing demographics that result in an ever shrinking youth population, Scouts Canada has seen consistent growth in the past two consecutive years and is entering a very exciting phase in our development with the implementation of our SCOUTING NOW Action Plan which ensures that we remain relevant and vibrant well into the 21st century."
The 60th Baden-Powell World Fellowship will take place in multiple locations around the Ottawa area this weekend. For more information, please visit: www.scouts.ca
ABOUT The World Scout Foundation
The World Scout Foundation helps the growth and development of Scouting worldwide by providing financial support for the World Organization of the Scout Movement. It does this by permanently investing capital donations from individuals, foundations, corporations, governments, and from members of the Scout Movement who want to help young people learn positive values and become tomorrow's leaders.
ABOUT Scouts Canada
Scouts Canada, the country's leading youth organization, offers exciting programs for male and female youth ages 5 to 26. Kids in Scouts have fun adventures discovering new things and experiences they wouldn't discover elsewhere. Along the way, these young people develop into capable, confident and well-rounded individuals, better prepared for success in the world. For millions of Canadians, Scouts has been the start of something great. Approximately 100,000 active members enjoy Scouts Canada's programs, which are provided by 25,000 caring and dedicated volunteers. We are members of the World Organization of the Scout Movement (WOSM), which has grown to 30 million members in 217 countries and territories.
For further information:
Michael Sznajdruk, Hill & Knowlton
Direct: 613-786-2251
Email: [email protected]
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