Where did it all begin?
The 100 Men non-organization was founded in Halifax, Nova Scotia on the east coast of Canada. The first meeting was held in February of 2014, by the original group of men who gave a damn.
How do I become a member?
If you would like to become a member please click HERE!
How long do Meetings last?
Meetings are intended to be very short and will last no longer than 60 minutes; however, members are invited to socialize before and after each meeting.
Can I just forward my donation to the charity myself?
Because the goal of Vernon’s 100+ Men is to make a large donation on behalf of the whole group, the answer is no. We want to be able to support this endeavor and give $10,000+ at one time to make a large impact in our community – with each member’s donation being part of the larger donation. This is the power of individuals united for a cause! We also need to be able to track your donation so that you get credit for the donation and remain an active, voting-eligible member of the group.
Can I bring a friend to a meeting?
Yes, however they will be required to join as a member at the door. Giving a damn means making a commitment. So on arrival, your friend would need to register before being allowed in.
Can I join with a group of friends as a team?
At this time, we are not accepting team memberships, individual memberships only.
How much of my donation goes to 100 Men Who Give A Damn! - Vernon to keep the organization afloat?
Absolutely zero! We are organized and operated entirely by volunteers. We have no treasurer and we have no bank account – because we don’t collect, spend or donate anything. 100% of funds raised at a meeting go directly to the chosen charity! Every last cent!
What organizations are eligible for consideration?
In order to be considered at a meeting, an organization must be based in and serve the Vernon region and it must be a registered, not-for-profit or charitable organization able to provide tax receipts for donations. We are not considering nominations to national or international charities, programs, or organizations at this time, as the current focus is on contributing to our local community. It must also be previously established (no start-ups).
Can a charity nominate itself?
No, charities may only be nominated by a member. Our members are not just interested in nominating and donating – they want to learn about local causes. They may want to volunteer, sponsor or serve on a board or committee. They may even become a regular donor or benefactor. Our members and supporters will find out about your charity in our social media discussions and posts. So we invite eligible charities to visit our website and Like us on Facebook. By getting yourself known to our members, you will get yourself nominated. Then it’s down to the ‘luck of the draw’ which three will present on the night. Good luck.
How often can an organization be nominated?
A charity can be nominated at each meeting as long is has not been a recipient of the group’s donation in the past seven meetings (two years).
How is a winner picked at each meeting?
Members are asked to nominate a local charity, at least three weeks before each meeting. 3 eligible nominees will be drawn from a hat 2 weeks before the meeting. Each charity will have 5 minutes to tell the group, without the use of props, why they should receive the donation. If a charity declines, or is unable to present, another charity is chosen from the database. The identity of the three presenting charities is not revealed until the meeting is underway.
Once complete, all members will vote, the votes will be tallied, and the winner announced.
Are my $100 donations tax deductible?
Absolutely! Only registered, not-for-profit and charitable organizations will be sponsored by the group. Cheques are written directly to selected charitable organizations at each meeting. Tax receipts will be sent directly to each member by the winning charity.
What if I am unable to attend a meeting?
If a member cannot attend a meeting, he can send in a blank, signed cheque with a trusted friend or another member to the meeting (preferred). The surrogate member will then write in the name of the charity that is chosen on the cheque and submit it on his behalf. A friend acting as a surrogate member may not vote on behalf of the absent member.
Why do I have to give personal information?
We collect members’ information (including name, phone number, address, and email address) strictly for the purpose of maintaining our membership list and assisting charitable organizations when creating individual tax receipts. We will not sell, give, or otherwise share your personal information without your express consent, unless required by law.
Can I just hand over 4 - $100 post dated cheques, rather than attending the meetings?
Ideally no – because we want to see you at our meetings. But if you’re not a Vernon resident, or you know you’re going to miss all the meetings, contact us and we’ll see if we can help.