Message from the President, Sofia Janmohamed, MBA, CFRE

Update: September 28, 2020

Like many of you, the team at AFP Greater Vancouver has been working furiously over the last several months to adjust to a new world, pivot operations, and re-imagine all our offerings due to the pandemic.

From our monthly minglers, Fundamentals of Fundraising, and professional development sessions to our Annual National Philanthropy Day and Giving Hearts Awards Celebrations that would have taken place in November – the landscape has drastically changed. With great challenges, however, come great opportunities. I am thrilled to share some new and exciting programming with you now.

Join us at our new “Ask Me Anything” sessions. These are sessions spotlighting a new host and new topic, every few weeks running through next Spring. It’s your opportunity to ask questions and connect with others over a 30-minute refresh break. This is free for members.

The upcoming month is a busy one. We kick off October with Ethics Month and Fundamentals of Fundraising has moved to a virtual model with sessions starting on October 22. Please visit our website to see the line up of great virtual events.

I’m most excited to announce our new digital campaign that runs through October and November – showcasing our outstanding 2020 Giving Hearts Awards nominees and the incredible nominating organizations that serve so many beneficiaries. It’s a different way to celebrate the outstanding work of our colleagues, partners and supporters, leading up to National Philanthropy Day in November. We sincerely thank our presenting sponsor RBC and our partnership with Business in Vancouver for championing our new vision. You will all see more information about our additional sponsors, the digital campaign, and our Giving Hearts Nominees very soon.

It’s truly an honour to serve as the AFP Greater Vancouver President for 2020-2022 and I want to take this opportunity to thank all the incredible volunteers serving AFP Greater Vancouver – as we are united in our most important goal – serving you – our membership.

Thank you to our members for your support. Please take some time to become familiar with all the incredible benefits offered to AFP members by visiting AFP Global. Our colleagues are demonstrating exceptional leadership and guidance for our sector. Please follow us on Facebook or LinkedIn to stay connected with our Chapter and your local colleagues.

From all of us here at AFP Greater Vancouver – we wish you and your families good health, strength through these challenging times, and best wishes as we move towards the final quarter of this unprecedented year.

As David Love, CFRE, Past President, shared earlier this year – we will get through this together.

I would love to hear from you. Please reach out anytime at president@afpvancouver.org and feel free to share your ideas, feedback, and how I might be able to help you.

Sofia Janmohamed, MBA, CFRE
President, AFP Greater Vancouver