Over the years they've been in existence, the Airdrie and District Victims Assistance Society has been a great, silent partner in the community, but this year they plan to make some noise.

Faced with growing caseloads of victims of crime and tragedy in the area, and less and less sustainable funding, ADVAS will be focusing more on raising funds to help them continue the great work they're doing.

Fund Developer Conor Tapp said the 1:1 campaign held in December proved to him, and others in the organization, that if they get the word out, they will receive supports.

"The community was very generous to us. We set an ambitious goal but it would have included some government support and big corporate support. In terms of individual support we received above our target from individuals in Airdrie and district and we're very appreciative of that."

Tapp said because of stable funding for ADVAS in the past, they were content to work in the background and accept the fact that people didn't need to know they were there. That has changed and now ADVAS will work harder to get the word out about the things they are doing in the community.

According to Tapp, ADVAS's programs will not change but the Board of Directors and Executive Director will be looking at how they're spending their money, as well as raising more. Tapp said they run their programs in a very lean way but want to see if there are other ways to save. However, fundraising will become more of a necessity in the future.

Tapp sais they're reaching out to all levels of government to make them aware of the work of ADVAS. They will continue to seek out supportive members of the community, both individuals and the businesses. Right now, the two Boston Pizza locations in the city are holding their Heart Campaigns which run until Valentine's Day. The money this year will benefit ADVAS. Tapp is hoping that more of the business community will catch the vision of the restaurants.

"It's so important for any non-profit or charity to have the support of the business community. This (the Heart Campaign) is perfect for ADVAS because we are grassroots, we are community. We need those businesses who are engaging with the community and really being a true partner to us and helping to tell our story."

Tapp said the 1:1 campaign was a great start to show the community what ADVAS does to help the victims of crime and tragedy, now they hope to build on that.

"You'll hear us talking more about how we can support one another. That includes self-care but also how can we respond to our friends and family members who might be hurting because they were a victim."

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ADVAS to focus on raising funds to help meet increasing caseloads in 2020 - DiscoverAirdrie.com