March 3, 2010

I'd start with 'Hello', but I think it would be more appropriate to start with 'I'm sorry'.

I have been unable to do any work for the Brochet Exchange for the past 18 months, and many calls, inquiries, letters and emails have gone unanswered during this time.

I am sorry for the extra work and concern that has been caused by this unresponsiveness.

I would like to offer a brief explanation, and I sincerely hope that somehow this message makes it to those who should be hearing it.

In 2008 we ran the Brochet Exchange summer program. We hired two employees to implement the program, and we had 7 volunteers from various Presbyterian Church's. During the 2008 program, I gave birth to our third child, Tobi Christine Ansems. Some challenges in the program became more than I was capable of managing, and I called on a previous volunteer and employee of the Brochet Exchange. She handled the challenges and managed the conclusion of the summer program.

At that time I decided... I became aware, that I did not have the capacity to do what needed to be done with the Brochet Exchange. Since that summer, we have been collecting correspondance with the intention that as soon as time is available, we will be able to respond to everyone, and then begin working with the Board of Directors towards modifying the program to meet the changing needs of all who are involved.

During our time of inactivity, we failed to file the tax return within the 'penalty-free' time frame. We knew that this would mean paying a $500.00 fee when re-applying, but at that time, we knew that making that payment was more feasible than taking the time needed to prepare the forms.

When we were finally able to submit the return, we were not surprised to be faced with the penalty. But, I was surprised to find that our program was denied re-registration. The Revenue Agency prepared a very well researched list of reasons that the activities of the Brochet Exchange summer program are not charitable in nature. I certainly disagree with this assessment. I found that the author of the rejection notice did not have a clear understanding of what our program does, and this lack of understanding caused innaccurate conclusions to be drawn.  The Agency offered a period of time in which we could appeal... but I do not have the time to enter into that discussion.

For now, it is my intention to update our funders and explain this change in our organization. I suspect that in a year or two, when I have time to revisit this program, it will make sense to create a new organization that will meet the charitable standards of the day.

Angela Johnston