Emma Levez
Northern News Services

NNSL (Aug 07/98) - How much support do corporations give to non-profit groups in Yellowknife? According to a number of those organizations, many are more than generous.

"We get corporate support in many different ways," says Carla Bullinger, former executive director of the NWT Literacy Council. The organization receives a number of non-cash donations for different events they hold.

"Everyone contributes," said Bullinger. She emphasized that they appreciate all donations. "Businesses give what they can," she said. "That's what makes events successful and helps organizations to do what they do."

Bullinger estimated yearly donations ranged between $50,000 and $100,000.

At Northern Addiction Services, staff occasionally ask for support for particular projects.

"When we do seek support, most companies are more than prepared to assist. It's partly a reciprocal relationship," said executive director, Don Irwin. "We try to buy locally, and we look for service locally as well."

Like the literacy council, NAS receives gifts in kind and Irwin estimated the range of donations to be between $10,000 and $12,000 per year.

Jerry Vandenbilche is the president of AIDS Yellowknife. As the head of a small non-profit group, he was enthusiastic about their association with corporate companies.

"We have a great relationship," he announced. "We don't ask a lot, but whenever we do ask we're helped.

He quoted BHP, Diavik and NWT Power Corp as the major supporters of AIDS Yellowknife.

"Lots of the smaller companies in town help us out too," he added.

Lydia Bardak, former executive director of the NWT Council for Disabled Persons, indicated that they also find the corporate community very supportive.

"It always amazes me how supportive small businesses in Yellowknife are," she said.

She said yearly donations amount to about $40,000. "We have noticed a small decrease in donations with the increase of franchise businesses in town."

Graham Nichols, who works in external affairs at BHP said the company tries to emphasize activities with broad support within the community.

"We try to help organizations not otherwise readily provided for by government programs, but those that do fill a niche," he said.