The Jubilee Fund advocates economic opportunity for all members of society, through ethical and socially responsible financing of community economic development initiatives.
The Jubilee Fund sees a future in which equitable economic opportunities are available to all members of society.
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| Mentors |
Mentoring at Northern Star Worker Co-op
"A mentorship program is designed to develop the knowledge, skills and abilities of a less experienced person through individual attention from someone with more experience and knowledge in a given area of expertise." It is important that when the Jubilee Fund loans money, it doesn’t set the project up for failure. The addition of a mentor significantly enhances the success rate of the business.
Northern Star Worker Co-op first started in 1989, as a group of fourteen volunteer north end women who met to sew blankets.
Four years ago when their funding from the North End Women’s Resource Centre was cut they formed a collective and then a co-operative which currently has five members. From their location at 211 Isabel Street, they develop and sew blankets, pillow shams, oven mitts, tote bags, shirts, parkas, etc.
In 2002, the members approached the Jubilee Fund to guarantee a loan to assist them in building up inventory for the Aboriginal Games that were to be held in Winnipeg that summer and to launch long term marketing. The Jubilee Fund was pleased to be involved as it fulfilled their mandate to invest in projects that strengthen the community.
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In addition to guaranteeing their loan, the Jubilee Fund has assisted Northern Star with its marketing and accounting needs. Once per month, the members meet to discuss sales, new marketing plans and their financial status.
Allyson Watts has been involved with Northern Star for three and a half years. She spends approximately twenty hours per month doing the bookkeeping, accounting and support work. She expresses that this is one of the best experiences she has ever had. "I feel like I am coming home when I come here. It is fun and welcoming. At the present time, there have been some serious concerns with cash flow. However, we still manage to talk and really care about each other. These women live life so much more, they are people who are doing their utmost to do something for themselves and their community. It is a real inspiration."
Allyson has been involved with the Jubilee Fund almost from its inception. In 1999, while she was working full time for Sisters of Our Lady of Missions, she indicated to the Provincial Leadership Team that she would enjoy work in the community. The Provincial Leadership Team gave Allyson the opportunity to work on Jubilee Fund activities as part of her job with the Sisters. Allyson was very much involved in the development of the By-laws, Constitution and accounting. In May 2000, when Dollphine Oguna was hired as the Fund Manager, Allyson became a member of the Board, serving as Treasurer and on the Finance Committe.
In addition to her work with the Jubilee Fund and Northern Star Worker Co-op, Allyson is also a member of Project Peacemakers, an organization that promotes Peace in the World. She has been a volunteer since she was 15 years old, when she worked with Individuals with Disabilities. Her parents are excellent teachers. Their motto is, "If you think something is wrong, don’t just complain, do something about it."
"I believe in grass roots work. The present economic structure is very unfair. I want to work and volunteer in places where I can live my passion." In 1991, she traveled to Uganda with Marquis Project, as a member of the Manitoba Council for International Co-operation. It was a learning tour, working in rural areas on CED projects. Every project clearly showed the people’s passion for their community. One particular day, Allyson became separated from her group. While trying to find her way back, she came across some women who were busy working around their huts. "It was a gift. None of us could speak in each other’s language, yet we all able to communicate. They had a strong passion for their community. The women were able to help me find my way back."
In 1992, Allyson traveled to El Salvador to meet members of a recently resettled community who had been twinned with a group of Winnipegers. While she appreciates the experience she had gained from her travel abroad, Allyson is quick to note that you don’t have to go abroad to see injustice. There is plenty of it right here.
Allyson is a self employed accountant who loves to read poetry, biographies and is greatly attracted to political reading. Her partner Lee Bushell was a childhood friend and they have been together for ten years. Allyson refers to Lee as her best friend.
John Loewen started his two year assignment with Northern Star through the Manitoba Mennonite Central Committee program in August, 2004. He views his role as increasing repeat business, developing and implementing new markets and driving sales. His first few weeks were a learning experience determining "how can I use my skills, give support and offer clarity."
When asked what he hoped to accomplish at the end of his two years, John stated "I want them to be strongly profitable by the end of my term. These women have the skills and resources to become self sustaining. The ultimate goal is that these women will make a living doing something they love doing."
John completed his studies in Conflict Resolution and International Development at the Menno Simons College. Community Economic Development is where his real passion lies.
In 1989-90, he went to Palmira, Brazil, through the MCC Serving and Learning Together program. He has chaired the Habitat for Humanity Winnipeg chapter and serves on the Governance Board for the Cycle of Hope Cyclotron.
John is a third generation member of the family business Loewen Windows & Doors Ltd. in Steinbach. He is not involved in the family business,however he does chair the C.P. Loewen Family Foundation. John and his wife Joy live in Winnipeg with their two young children Lia and Sam . His hobbies include cycling and renovations.
For more information on Northern Star Worker Co-op, go to www.northernstar.coop
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