Get out. Look in. - Outward Bound Canada

ANNUA L REPORT 2015
Get out. Look in.
EST. 1969
REMARKS FROM SARAH WILEY, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
& PAMELA FRALICK, CHAIR, BOARD OF DIRECTORS
2015 was a memorable year for Outward Bound Canada, with close to 4,000 participants taking part in over 12,000 student
program days, and approximately 60% receiving funding through a combination of bursaries, scholarships, and program
subsidization provided by our generous donors.
In the last five years, we’ve grown both in size and in complexity. We now impact the lives of four times as many individuals as we
did in 2010, and deliver twice as many student program days.
We launched year-round urban programs in two of the country’s largest cities, and expanded our Women of Courage and Veterans
programming to more regions across Canada, thanks in no small part to an increase of over 200% in donations, grants and funds
raised. This expansion included the first-ever Women of Courage course in Atlantic Canada.
Successful fundraising initiatives kicked off in January with our Reach Beyond Expedition to Mt. Kilimanjaro, and continued in the
spring – in support of our B.C. programs – with the exhilarating Dare to Leap event atop Vancouver’s Shaw Tower. We launched
Outward Bound Canada Challenge Events, which aim to support our charitable programs through peer-to-peer fundraising, as
well as collaborated with board members and sponsors on a number of brilliant events, including A Night of Adventure: The 2015
Kurt Hahn Award Dinner in Calgary. This celebratory evening, held at Shaw Court in downtown Calgary, honoured the passion and
dedication of Outward Bound staff and supporters, and recognized long-time supporter and alumnus W. Brett Wilson as the 2015
Kurt Hahn Award recipient.
Thanks to the significant support and talent of our agency of record Grip Limited, and the generosity of sponsor Shaw
Communications, we were able to launch our first-ever Outward Bound Canada TV spot and have it air across the country,
helping us reach a larger national audience than ever before.
For the fourth year in a row, Outward Bound Canada was able to close out the year with a surplus. In addition to 2015’s year-end
surplus, we have been able to begin building a sustainability reserve to help us secure a solid financial future for the organization.
None of these tremendous successes of 2015 would have been possible without the hard work, passion and dedication of Outward
Bound Canada’s board of directors, volunteers, donors and staff. New leadership within the Board of Directors has seen Pamela
Fralick step in as Chair, taking over for outgoing chair Susan Dallhoff; an enormous thanks to Susan for providing significant guidance and leadership to the organization during a time of transition. We welcomed four new, dynamic members to the board, and
launched a new Governor’s Council to engage former Outward Bound Canada board members and key stakeholders as invaluable
advisors. We expanded the organization’s day-to-day support structure with the creation of strategic staff positions and a centrally
located – and generously donated! – national office space in downtown Toronto.
As we look ahead to 2016 and beyond, we welcome a a bold new vision that will lead the organization into 2017 and through to
2020, and look forward to celebrating Outward Bound Canada’s 50th birthday with a splash in 2019!
Sustainability will continue to be a major focus for Outward Bound Canada moving forward, allowing us to work effectively and
efficiently in order to foster purposeful relationships with our various stakeholders. We intend not only to survive, but to thrive.
The theme of our 2012-2017 strategic plan is to build organizational resilience, and we believe we have achieved this. We now aim
to move ourselves further along the sustainability continuum in order to maximize Outward Bound Canada’s significant potential.
Much like our participants, as they come out the other side of an impactful Outward Bound Canada adventure, we have taken on
challenges, nurtured successes, and built up our resilience, and now – armed with knowledge, experience and resiliency – we are
prepared to soar!
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
OUTWARD BOUND CANADA 2015
Pamela Fralick – Chair
MA, ICD.D, President and CEO, Canadian Cancer Society
Mark Porter – Chair, Human Resources Committee
Executive Vice President, People & Culture; WestJet
Susan Dallhoff – Past Chair
President and CEO of Strategic Leverage Partners Inc.
Wendy Blain – Human Resources Committee
Principal, Bendale Business and Technical Institute
Lori Cammerota – Treasurer; Chair, Finance Committee
CEO & Strategic Coach, Open Doorz Strategy
Ella McQuinn – Human Resources Committee
Principal, McQuinn & Co. Consulting
John Terry – Secretary
Partner, Torys LLP
Edyta Pacuk – Human Resources Committee
President, MarchFifteen Consulting
Hazel De Burgh – Chair, Risk Management Committee
Compliance & Risk Mitigation Solutions
David Reeve – Fundraising Committee
CEO, InvestorCOM Inc.
Anne Fitzgerald – Chair of Foundation & Fundraising Committee
Chief Legal Officer, Cineplex Inc.
Justin Walford – Finance Committee
GM and VP, North America; Icebreaker
John Gulak – Vice-Chair, Risk Management Committee
Vice President - Legal and Fun, Prairie Merchant Corporation
Jeff Horvath – Member at Large
Principal, Tsuut’ina First Nation High School
Dan Gormley – Fundraising Committee
Partner, Goodmans LLP
Sarah Wiley – ex-officio
Executive Director, Outward Bound Canada
Katherine Pollock – Chair, Governance Committee
Partner, Fasken Martineau DuMoulin LLP
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
OUTWARD BOUND CANADA
FOUNDATION 2015
Anne Fitzgerald - Chair Lori Cammerota – Treasurer
Susan Dallhoff
GOVERNORS’
COUNCIL
Jamie Anderson
Susan Dallhoff
George Fowlie
Pamela Fralick
Bart MacDougall
Robert Safrata
DONOR & RECIPIENT PROFILES
KILEY
W. BRETT WILSON SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT
“In August of 2015, I embarked on an OBC 21-day sea kayaking expedition along the West Coast,
an experience that never would have been possible without the W. Brett Wilson Scholarship. On
the West Coast Discovery trip, I saw breathtaking sights, explored the ocean and coastal rainforest,
all while improving my kayaking and leadership skills. Along with likeminded and new friends, the
experience was challenging both physically and emotionally, but I was rewarded with a life-changing
adventure. I am now confident in the skills I learned and am inspired to continue to explore more
of what nature has to offer. I am leading Girl Guides in my community and am passing on skills and
stories to inspire a new group of explorers. Outward Bound helped me realize I am a leader and the
experience motivated me to take on significant leadership and volunteer roles in both my school and
community. I would not have been able to do any of this without the generosity of Brett Wilson
and the amazing Outward Bound team. To everyone, I say thank you. I will never forget the impact
Outward Bound has had on my life and the incredible trip of discovery and exploration that I was so
fortunate to experience because of the time and generosity of others.”
BURSARY SPOTLIGHT
THE STUART HORNE BURSARY
Stuart Horne was born in 1931 and raised in Shipley, Yorkshire, England. Like many of his family, he
was destined to remain content there for the rest of his life; however, a confluence of unintended
events - combined with his adventurous and ambitious spirit - pushed him, without any support, to
be educated and then prosper in his adopted Canada. Stuart emigrated to Canada at the age of 17
where he lived for the rest of his life. Canada provided a transformational and enabling experience
where he was able to fulfill his potential. The Stuart Horne Bursary honours his life experiences.
Thanks to the generous support of the Stuart Horne Bursary, hundreds of students have been able
to participate in Outward Bound expeditions across Canada. Its mission is to provide economic
assistance and an array of educational, adventurous, and transformational experiences across
Canada to teenagers and young adults from the UK who may never before have had either the
option or the chance to participate in such an amazing opportunity. The Stuart Horne Bursary also
provides scholarships for teachers who have helped these youth in their endeavors.
ANNE FITZGERALD
BOARD MEMBER AND DONOR
“I love outdoor adventure and am a huge fan of the work done by all of the Outward Bound schools
internationally. What resonates most with me is that the organization provides one of the best
opportunities for individuals to get to know themselves and find internal strength of which they
may not have been aware. In my experience, Outward Bound trips provide an opportunity for
immediate experiential growth, and experiential growth leads us to the sort of knowledge that is
never lost. Anyone can learn something by reading about it, but experiential knowledge sticks for
life. One of my most notable Outward Bound experiences was when I was 18, and participated in
a one-month trip on an island off the coast of Maine. During my first-ever three-day solo, where I
had a small island to myself, I came to realize how active the human brain can be in travelling down
a rabbit hole of hypothetical fear! Learning to quiet my own mind such that I felt safe and calm is a
skill that I use on a daily basis. The trips and experiences offered by Outward Bound Canada provide
a rare opportunity for the combination of adventure, personal challenge and deep connectivity
with other human beings. I count my lucky stars to be part of the Outward Bound community!”
VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT
DENISE HOLLWAY
While living in Northern Ontario in the early 2000s, Denise was peripherally aware of
Outward Bound Canada. Then her children went on expeditions, and she quickly noted how
“the values of the organization were in line with what the programs offered.” When the family
moved to New Brunswick, her children continued taking OBC courses and eventually even
became instructors. During this time, Denise opened her home by welcoming a number of
instructors to stay while working on OBC courses. Denise’s initial first-hand experience with
OBC was on a Guest Expedition in support of the Atlantic Outward Bound program in New
Brunswick in 2007. By 2009, she had the opportunity to instruct one of the Women of
Courage courses in Burk’s Falls ON. “I believe that Outward Bound’s focus on compassionate
support so individuals can succeed is very important. It is the stories of transformation that I
hear from instructors just after a course that really move me.” Denise has been the driving
volunteer lead in developing a more robust Women of Courage program in New Brunswick.
Her passion, enthusiasm and unwavering commitment have been inspirational and appreciated
by all participants, supporters and staff. Thank you, Denise!
CATE AND TONY WOODWARD INDIVIDUAL DONORS
“We first got involved with Outward Bound through our son, Taylor, who did a one-month
summer experience and then attended Outward Bound Canada College for a semester. Going
into Outward Bound, Taylor was a defiant teenager. By the end of the semester, he was
confident, self-reliant and motivated. Clearly, Outward Bound is important to us because of
what it did for Taylor and ultimately our family. We believe it can do the same thing for others.
Where other things had failed to resonate with Taylor, Outward Bound really struck a chord.
Teaching kids to take ownership of their own lives is what Outward Bound does best.”
Hear more about Taylor’s experience through the Looking In: Stories of
Outward Bound Canada series online at outwardbound.ca/lookingin
CORPORATE DONOR SPOTLIGHT
RBC
In the summer of 2015, 11 First Nations youth from across the country took part in Outward
Bound Canada wilderness expeditions as part of the RBC Aboriginal Youth Scholarship
Leadership Program. Designed to develop leadership skills, as well as to foster connections
with the environment and with other young leaders, this unique program is just one way in
which RBC has helped to transform young lives through its long-standing partnership with
OBC. RBC also funds transformative leadership and resiliency-building Outward Bound
urban programs for Aboriginal youth in Vancouver and Toronto, and for the past two
decades has been one of OBC’s most generous and loyal providers of youth bursaries. “RBC
is proud to partner with Outward Bound Canada in providing transformational experiences
in the natural world for vulnerable youth, especially Aboriginal youth,” says Jamie Anderson,
Deputy Chairman, RBC Capital Markets. “It’s part of our commitment to helping ensure that
all young people have a chance to reach their someday.” RBC’s total contribution to Outward
Bound Canada now stands at more than $1 million. That translates into lots of ‘somedays’ for
lots of deserving young people. Thank you, RBC!
FUNDRAISING EVENTS
A NIGHT OF ADVENTURE: THE 2015 KURT HAHN AWARD DINNER
On the first evening in October, at the beautiful headquarters of Shaw Communications
in Calgary, Outward Bound friends and supporters came together for A Night of
Adventure: The 2015 Kurt Hahn Award Dinner.
This year’s celebration, emceed by Global Television anchor Gord Gillies, honoured
Outward Bound Canada benefactor and champion W. Brett Wilson, winner of the
2015 Kurt Hahn Award, and also recognized adventurer and long-time instructor
Laurie Skreslet, as well as founding board members Art Rogers and Mike Perry.
With the generosity of Presenting Sponsor and Host Shaw Communications, Summit
Sponsor CMH Heli-Skiing and Summer Adventures, table sponsors and over 120 guests,
the event raised $92,000 for Outward Bound Canada’s charitable programs for
youth-at-risk, Aboriginal youth, women survivors of violence and military veterans.
Over a third of the evening’s proceeds were generated through the silent and live
auctions. The latter drew some spirited yet friendly competitive action, ably
managed by board member and evening auctioneer Mark Porter, as guests vied for a
number of unique experiential prizes – including dinner with W. Brett Wilson, a guided
hike with Laurie Skreslet, a ride in the Global News helicopter and an amazing alpine
adventure with CMH Heli-Skiing and Summer Adventures.
Guests also heard from Karmin McKay, an alumnus of OBC’s Veterans’ Program, and
had a chance to try their hand at some Outward Bound adventure activities. The evening
wound down with a fireside sing-along (complete with smores!) led by folk band Bards of
a Feather – a fitting finish to this not-soon-to-be-forgotten Outward Bound celebration.
PEER-TO-PEER EVENTS RAISED OVER $100K FOR CHARITABLE PROGRAMS
Outward Bound Canada’s peer-to-peer fundraising had a very successful year, as
enthusiastic alumni and supporters reached out to their networks to raise over $100K for
our life-changing charitable programs.
In our annual Reach Beyond Program, now in its fourth successful year, 12 intrepid souls
travelled to the heart of Africa and summited Mount Kilimanjaro, the world’s highest freestanding mountain, and together raised over $88,000. Top individual fundraiser Anne
Fitzgerald raised an incredible $41,500 for Outward Bound’s charitable programs.
In a brand new initiative, our fundraising champions put themselves to the test
physically and mentally in three Challenge Events: Reebok Spartan, a mad and muddy
obstacle course race; Storm the ‘Scarpment, an adventure race combining paddling,
trail-running and mountain biking; and Wilderness Traverse, a 24-hour, team-based test
of stamina and navigational skills in the Canadian Shield.
Besides achieving impressive physical feats, Challenge Event participants also realized
some incredible fundraising feats. Top individual fundraiser Tracey Iann raised $2850, and
the three-person team of Muck Dynasty, captained by Brandon Ashmore, brought in over
$4200. Together, Challengers generated more than $21,000 for Outward Bound Canada.
CONDENSED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION
As at December 31 * rounded to nearest thousandth
ASSETS
2015
2014
1,020
790
875
30
42
46
1,050
832
921
604
382
470
Deferred course fees
158
186
232
Other current liabilities
123
122
95
Total Liabilities
885
690
797
Invested in capital assets
30
42
46
Unrestricted
135
100
78
Total Net Assets
165
142
124
1,050
832
921
Course fees
1,690
1,587
1,593
Contributions, grant and bursaries
1,329
975
882
Donations, fundraising and other
578
434
458
3,597
2,996
2,933
2,751
2,141
2,338
823
837
565
3,574
2,978
2,903
23
18
30
Net assets, start of year
142
124
94
Net assets, end of year
165
142
124
Cash and other current assets
Capital assets
Total Assets
LIABILITIES
NET ASSETS
Deferred grants and bursaries
TOTAL LIABILITIES & NET ASSETS
2013
CONDENSED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
For the year ended December 31 * rounded to nearest thousandth
REVENUES
Total Revenues
EXPENDITURES
Program
Administration
Total Expenditures
Excess of revenues over expenditures
Outward Bound Canada financial statements were audited by Hilborn LLP. A copy can be found on the website outwardbound.ca.
THANK YOU
We are proud to work with our generous supporters who are inspired
by our mission and driven by our purpose of offering life-changing
programs that nurture, motivate, and unlock potential.
Summit: $100K+
The Horne Family
Charitable Foundation
Peak: $50K - $99K
Bart MacDougall
Alpine: $25K - $49K
Expedition: $10K - $24,999
Jamie Anderson
Assiniboine Lodge
Greg Brophy Charitable
Foundation
Canadian Wildlife Federation
CGOV Asset Management
Alexander Christ
Cineplex Entertainment
City of Toronto
CMH Heli-Skiing and
Summer Adventures
Anne Fitzgerald
George & Susan Fowlie
Koerner Foundation
MacDougall, MacDougall
& Mactier Inc.
Icebreaker, Merino Clothing Inc.
TELUS
The Calgary Foundation
W. Brett Wilson
Adventure: $5K - $9,999
Marion MacFarlane
Organix Foundation
David Reeve
Rob Safrata &
Jaqueline Koerner
Nora Stevenson
The Molson Foundation
Tides Canada Foundation
- Ayalik Fund
Toronto Star Fresh Air Fund
Tory’s LLP
David Wiley
Aqueduct Foundation
- Savoy Pitfield Family Fund
BenefAction Foundation
- Tarlee Enterprises LT Fund
Heather Briant
David Burke
Calabash Bistro
Patrick Daniel
Bob Foulkes
Liana Frenette
Coleman Leggitt Trust
John & Barbara Poole Family Funds
at Edmonton Community
Foundation
Mark Porter
Prairie Merchant
Corporation
Debra Ross
Keg Spirit Foundation
Saint John Community
Foundation
TBT Engineering Limited
Mary Thomson & Jan Ruby
Vancouver Foundation
Grace Vidal-Ribas
Sarah Wiley
Anonymous (1)
Journey: $1,000 - $4,999
Angoss Software
Dr. William Barnes
Ian Beatty
Peter Bissonnette
Anne Brayley and Nanette Sanson
Wendy Blain
Val & Dick Bradshaw
Colleen Campbell
Canoe Financial
Bibiana Cujec
Dauntless Developments Ltd.
Brian Dawson
Dentons Canada LLP
Tony Dilawri
Eagle Energy Trust
Empire Custom Homes
Fitzgerald Family Foundation
James Flom
Pamela Fralick
Pierre Gautier
Gary German
Daniel Gormley
Robin Gourlay
The Grad Family Foundation
Bruce Hogg
Denise Hollway
Chris Hunter Memorial Fund
at Edmonton Community Foundation
Terry Knight
Judy Lynne
Bill Maclagan
MarchFifteen Consulting
Jim McGill
Ella McQuinn
Michael Meighen
Colleen Moorehead
Muriel McQueen Fergusson
Foundation
Nemar Limited
Lynn O’Connor
Lynda Palazzi
Lynn Patterson
Katherine Pollock
Dawn Porter
Keith Prosser
Ritcher Family Foundation
John Rogers
David Ross Education Trust
Royal Canadian Legion 256
- Stoney Plain, AB
Royal Canadian Legion
Branch 127
Pointe-St-Charles, QC
Gerarda Schouten
Jim Shaw
James Stanford
Steve Stavridis
Allan and Shirley Taylor
Tony and Caley Taylor Family Fund
at Toronto Foundation
John Terry
Ted & Vera Mogtanong Vanderschot
Holly Wagg
Steve Wilson
David Wong
Cate and Tony Woodward
Anonymous (10)
IT ONLY TAKES ONE MOMENT
TO CHANGE A LIFE.
LEARN MORE & DONATE AT OUTWARDBOUND.CA
Monthly Donors:
Trail: $500 - $999
Jolanda Abersbach
Almaguin Campground
Array Marketing
Bob Atkinson
Billy Gruff Silviculture
Helen Burstyn
CIBC
Rod and Kira Dales
Susan Dallhoff
Samuel Duboc
Gael Eakin
Donalda Edgar
Beth Gilbert
Katherine Grant
John Gulak
Jennifer Hall
Bob Henderson
Krystyna Hoeg
Gordon Howe
IYIG Huntsville
Mackie Research Capital
Aleishia MacKinnon
Deborah & Kip Martin
Kurt and Else Maurer Fund,
held at Vancouver Foundation
McCormick Canada
Bonnie McGraw
Maria Milanetti
Michelle Morin
Carolyn Mulder
Patrick Murphy
Jennifer Neubeck
Veronique Poirer
Shelly Potter
Heather Preston
Catherine Processor
Larry Sheppard
Daryn Sutherland
Kieron Sweeney
Michelle Sweeting
T4G Limited
Debbie Taylor
Kathleen Taylor
Lisa Titian
Jiil Wagman
Justin Walford
Warner Bros Entertainment
Alison Wiley
Andrew Wilkes
Bill Young
Anonymous (17)
We deeply appreciate
our monthly donors.
Jennifer Blunt
Lindsay Cornell
Jody Harmon
Sarah James
Stacey Kay
Marie Christine Lamontagne
Denise Loco-Pyrce
Sarah Mckinnon
Gerarda Schouten
Justin Walford
Abigail Whitney
Anonymous (1)
Bursary & Scholarship Donors:
Lifetime Visionary Donors:
Thank you to the following donors for making OBC
experiences possible for those who need them most.
We are grateful for the significant contributions of the donors who
have supported OBC with cumulative gifts of $50,000 or more.
Bishop’s College School The Bart MacDougall
Scholarship Fund
Neil Falkner Legacy Fund
David Frenette Memorial Fund
Stuart Horne Bursary
Chris Hunter Memorial Fund
at Edmonton Community
Foundation
MarchFifteen Consulting
Ian Parsons Memorial Fund
Pharmascience
RBC Foundation
David Ross Education Trust
Rothsay Netherwood School The Lorna Bethell Scholarship Fund
Tarlee Enterprises Ltd. Fund
Mark Taylor Legacy Fund
TBT Engineering
The Peter Cundill Foundation
Tides Canada Foundation
- Ayalik Fund
Toronto Star Fresh Air Fund
Vancouver Foundation
W. Brett Wilson
Anonymous (1)
Jamie Anderson
Alexander Christ
George & Susan Fowlie
Government of Nunavut,
Department of Finance
Bob Henderson
Holiday Retirement
HRJ Consulting Ltd.
Bart MacDougall
RBC Foundation
John & Maureen Rogers
Shaw Communications Inc.
The Calgary Foundation
The Horne Family Charitable Foundation
The J.W. McConnell Foundation
The Molson Foundation
The Ontario Trillium Foundation
The Rimell Family Foundation
The W. Garfield Weston Foundation
Mary Thomson & Jan Ruby
Toronto Star Fresh Air Fund
True Patriot Love Foundation
Vancouver Foundation
W. Brett Wilson
WHERE YOU
CAN FIND US
OUTWARDBOUND.CA
info@outwardbound.ca
PHONE
1 888 OUTWARD (688-9273)
Outward Bound Canada is a registered not-for-profit charitable educational organization. Charitable #89251 1692 RR0001