AGM Update: Snowshoe Grant Vote and Key Documents

We have some exciting developments and time-sensitive matters to discuss regarding our upcoming Annual General Meeting (AGM) and a grant opportunity.

Firstly, we'd like to apologize for any duplicate information in this email, but we've received some new information that requires your attention.  Additionally, we want to bring your attention to the ongoing events for National Forest Week: Canada's Forests; Supporting Biological Diversity happening from September 17-23.

Grant Opportunity: Enhancing Winter Outdoor Experiences with Snowshoes

We have the opportunity to apply for a grant with a deadline approaching this Friday, September 22. The grant is focused on "Enhancing Winter Outdoor Experiences" and specifically aims to provide snowshoes for Saskatoon's Afforestation Areas which will allow groups, families, and classrooms to apply for the use of the snowshoes in the afforestation areas. To proceed with the grant application, we need a quorum vote from the Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas members on the snowshoe concept. If we obtain your approval, we'll proceed with the application - see the attached pdf for a draft grant theme or proposal.

Please reply to this email or contact us at friendsafforestation@gmail.com today (before Friday Sept 22) to express your support or any concerns regarding the snowshoe project.

AGM Documents and Agenda

Several important documents related to the AGM are attached here:

1. AGM Minutes: These minutes pertain to the fiscal period from August 1, 2021, to July 31, 2022.

2. AGM Agenda: This agenda covers the fiscal period from August 1, 2022, to July 31, 2023.

3. Draft Financial Statements: These statements include the Balance Sheet ending on July 31, 2023, and the Profit and Loss (Income Statement) for the period from August 1, 2022, to July 31, 2023. Please note that our official financial statements will be finalized by our accountant, Bryce Groenwold of Groenwold and Partners.

AGM Highlights

Our AGM promises to be an informative and engaging event. We have a lineup of speakers who will share their insights and contributions:

• Rakhshan Shahzad: Assistant Coordinator at Let's Talk Science at the University of Saskatchewan for the Million Tree Project, will speak on the reforestation project.

• Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas: We will provide a brief overview presentation of the environmental protection and educational programs implemented over the previous year.

• Caitlin (Experienced Fundraiser): Caitlin will provide to the board of directors a plan of action for a nonprofit fundraising strategy to support our environmental protection and educational programs in the afforestation areas.

• Board of Directors Elections: We will conduct elections for the board of directors.

This fits in perfectly with the AGM theme  "Charting a Greener Future: Unveiling the Path to Sustainability." You can find more details and RSVP for the AGM in the agenda or on Eventbrite: AGM Event Link.

The 2022-2023 Annual Report is still in draft phase, and it will be out soon.

Volunteers:

For our volunteers, we are working on a volunteer overview with a volunteer PDF form to supplement a listing made previously. We value your contributions immensely, and we encourage you to participate in our group events or reach out to arrange a suitable time for meetings via phone, Zoom, or email.  You are also welcome to attend meetings and join in the conversation if desired.

Board Members:

For our board members, a brief overview of roles and the direction of the Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas nonprofit charity will be soon forthcoming. The AGM offers the opportunity to address the charity mission, purpose, and goals and set in place the upcoming board of directors.

Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area Natural Area Management Plan Information Sessions:

Additionally, we invite you to attend the virtual discussion and meeting for the pilot master plan being developed by the City of Saskatoon and WSP for the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area Natural Area Management Plan Information Sessions. The "Tell Us What You Think" virtual session is scheduled for the evening of September 21. Please email us for the link at friendsafforestation@gmail.com if you're interested in having a voice.

National Forest Week: Volunteers Needed!

As we gear up for our AGM and the snowshoe grant application, it's crucial to remember the ongoing events for National Forest Week. This week Sept 17-Sept 23 is dedicated to celebrating Canada's forests and their crucial role in supporting biological diversity - please help to spread the word. Volunteers are still needed for these events, and your participation would be greatly appreciated.

To find out more about the event dates, times, and locations, please visit FriendsAreas.ca. If you can spare some time to volunteer during this important week, kindly email us at friendsafforestation@gmail.com. Your contribution will make a meaningful impact.

Newsletter:

Please see our latest newsletter

Thank you for your dedication and support of the Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas. We look forward to your participation in the AGM and your valuable input on the snowshoe grant application.

Kind Regards,

Julia Adamson, Chair, Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas