Campaign Results
The total amount received in the 2001 Pillars campaign is $230,000. Although somewhat below last year’s results, and taking into account several unexpected donations totalling $29,000 in 2000, the Board is satisfied that in light of all the events that took place during the last 12 months, we have had a successful financial year.

The generous response of our community over the past two years, along with additional income from our endowment fund, as well as support from community foundations, has enabled Pillars to continue to support the organizations that have come to rely on us as a major source of funding for their operations.

In addition, we have been able to respond favourably to the Diocesan priorities as detailed for us at this time last year by Bishop Anthony Mancini: we made significant contributions to the Faith First Program, to the Priests’ Retirement Fund, and to World Youth Days 2002 in the Diocese. In all, $378,300 was distributed to 33 organizations and/or groups during our fiscal year, which runs from July 1 to June 30.

On-going English Catholic Community Needs
Pillars will strive to continue to meet the priorities as presented to us by Bishop Mancini. The Faith First Program for children has met with much enthusiasm in many of our parishes, and as an extension of this effort, a need has arisen to provide a faith transmission opportunity for adults. World Youth Days has also generated an enthusiasm amongst our young people, and amongst the many volunteers who became involved in the events. Pillars must be prepared to respond if called upon to assist in the funding of both adult faith programs and any new youth initiatives drawn out of the experiences of World Youth Days.

As well, Pillars is committed to remaining responsive to the needs of our priests and seminarians for their formation and well-being in all aspects of their lives. Our close association with the Diocesan Priesthood Guild is at the foundation of our organization.

Restructuring of The Pillars Trust Fund Inc.
In last year’s Pillars Report, we advised that we were in the process of establishing a separate Pillars Foundation whose only mandate would be the management of the investment portfolio. We have since been advised by the government taxation department that we are not eligible for a tax number for this separate entity, and the Board has decided to continue to do business under one organization only, i.e., The Pillars Trust Fund Inc.

Celebrating 30 Years of Continuous Service
This year marks 30 years of continuous support to our English Catholic Community. We remember fondly and with gratitude the vision of Bishop Leonard J. Crowley who, in 1972, called together the first Board of Pillars and encouraged the laity to take responsibility for the needs of the community. We have striven to be faithful to that vision. Our Case for Support details much of our 30-year history, from our first campaign of $75,000 to support three organizations, to our present commitment to the community. I take this opportunity to thank all those faithful donors who have journeyed with us through all or some of those 30 years.

Appreciation
Pillars Trust is a community-based, volunteer organization, and the Board of Directors is an active, hands-on-Board. I thank Bishop Anthony Mancini for his availability, participation and support, and assure him of our prayers as he shoulders so many responsibilities in the Diocese. I thank the members of the Board for their willingness to participate in the initiatives and activities undertaken to make Pillars a viable institution in the community. I also thank all the volunteers who help us carry out our campaign, particularly all those who participate in our annual Phonathon.

The dedication of our Campaign Manager and Administrator – Richard Brisebois – knows no bounds. On behalf of the Board and of the community, I extend our appreciation for his commitment, his good humour and his omnipresence. He makes us all look good!

Lastly, I wish to extend our appreciation to Samson, Belair, Deloitte and Touche whose members have served on the Board since 1972 and who provide us with great expertise and also with hospitality – especially at the time of the Phonathon and for our annual all-day meeting.

Jean Mackinnon
President, The Pillars Trust Fund
June 2001 -