About the Squadron Sponsoring Committee

 

 

The Squadron Sponsoring Committee (SSC) is a not-for-profit charity established to run the business of supporting 52 Squadron. It is not part of the Canadian Forces. It consists mainly of parents/guardians of Cadets enrolled in our Squadron. Every parent/guardian who has a Cadet in the program is automatically a member of the SSC. The SSC is responsible for generating funds to meet the Squadron’s many financial needs. At present, the annual cost to run our Squadron is about $100,000 each year. This is raised through donations and fundraising events such as casinos, silent auctions, bottle drives, fundraising programs, donations and a bike-a-thon.

 

 

 

In addition, the SSC organizes volunteers for non-Cadet based activities. We support the Squadron by:

 

• Running the Canteen during parade nights

• Assisting Cadets in preparation for Scholarship Boards

• Providing volunteers for Cadet activities as directed by the CO

• Renting, purchasing and maintaining band equipment

• Maintaining the Squadron headquarters

• Sponsoring Citizenship Tours

• Recruiting activities, as well as advertising and promoting the Squadron and the Cadet program

• Providing facilities for optional training events that may include catering

 

SSC meetings are open to all parents and are held once a month on a Tuesday night at 6:45 pm in the library of Harold Panabaker Junior High School. Meeting dates will be announced in the calendar. The meetings generally last about two hours and cover the general operation of the Squadron. We strongly encourage all parents to attend these meetings as a wealth of information is shared about Cadet functions, the progress being made toward special activities and initiatives, date or schedule changes, and opportunities to ask questions and gain a better understanding of the program. Please consider sending at least one parent/guardian to take notes.

 

The SSC, as a registered charity, must annually elect an executive volunteer board of directors. These individuals work on behalf of all parents in roles defined by the SSC’s By-laws. The executive works in partnership with the military side of the squadron represented by the Commanding Officer and staff, and the Air Cadet League. The executive meets one Tuesday a month at 6:45 pm at Harold Panabaker Junior High School and provides progress reports at the parent meetings. Any parent is welcome to attend the executive meetings, dates for which are published in the calendar and updated on the website. As well, parents are encouraged to run for a director position at the Annual General Meeting, typically held in May of each year.

 

Although the efforts of the Committee seem large, many volunteer parents share it. We strive to make most fundraisers into fun events for parents and Cadets alike. Considering the opportunities provided free to your Cadet, the effort is a small one. Please come out and see what you’re missing!

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