June 17, 2006
Today we had our third meeting with our volunteer Events Advisory Board. Again, we had an amazing turnout, 13 people including directors Thanou and I (Shawn). Two of our volunteers showed up with professional video equipment and did interviews with the directors and volunteers about Jai Dee (Good Heart) Children's Fund and The Toronto Songwriters' Festival to create podcasts. We'll post them here for you when they're ready!

We spent the rest of the day in our mini-committees, then each committee presented their plans to the group. It's important to note that this charity would not exist without this team of incredible volunteers, nor would it be holding any events! The volunteers are the charity--they bring the ideas, enthusiasm, laughter, resolve and especially the "jai dee." Everything we are creating here to help these children, we are creating together.

May 28, 2006
After spending a number of evenings in clubs listening to musicians play (and listening to many more on the Internet), we finally have our full lineup for our first annual Toronto Songwriters Festival with Silent Auction on September 24. We are ridiculously excited, and we know you will be too as soon as you hear some of their music. This is a truly talented bunch. Check them out (click on our "Events" section)!

May 26, 2006
Jai Dee Children's Fund has been approved by the government as an official charity! Now we have to fill in oodles of important paperwork to send to Revenue Canada to apply for our charity number (this will take many months). It's a long process, but it's worth it. We want to make sure that our charity is as transparent as possible, and be sure to do everything right.

May 14, 2006
This past Saturday we held our second meeting with the volunteer Events Advisory Committee. It was truly inspiring. There were 11 of us in total, and everyone came forward with great ideas and committed to making them happen! It's amazing what a group of people can do together, especially when they are creating something to help others.

March 20, 2006
After a good-hearted attempt to take ourselves through the process of non-profit incorporation and charity registration, we finally decided to hire a professional to do the job. We are grateful for the help of Jasar & Associates, which will be helping us through this complex process. Becoming a registered charity will allow us to distribute tax receipts for your donations. We will keep you updated on the process.

March 18, 2006
Jai Dee Children's Fund held its first meeting with the volunteer Events Advisory Committee today. We had an amazing turnout (12 people) and it was interesting trying to fit everyone into my tiny apartment. Everyone had fantastic ideas and it was wonderful to have so many people focused on finding ways to help these children. With so many great people on board our first Annual Fundraising Party and Silent Auction on September 24, 2006 is sure to be a success...and a lot of fun for everyone involved!

February, 2006
We will be holding our first Jai Dee Annual Fundraising Party and Silent Auction this coming September 24, at Hugh's Room, to raise money for the kindergarten school. If you would like to receive updates about this event please send us an email at shawn@jaideechildrensfund.org and we'll add you to our mailing list. (I promise not to spam you or sell your email address—I’m not that tech-savvy.)

February, 2006
We've spent the past couple of months working hard to create the web site—and here it is! Please let us know what you think. We welcome your feedback.