BMG News

Please visit us frequently to find out about BMG's latest development on:

• Partnerships
• Social change initiatives
• Insights
• and more

May. 10th 2012 - 2012 Summer Internship Competition

The summer internship completion was a new experience for us.  We believed that by putting out a challenge to students around an area that we are passionate about, that we would get a positive response.  And that we did!    We received over 25 proposals and had the difficult task of narrowing it down to 5 teams that would compete for internships we were offering.    The presentations were inspiring to say the least.  The biggest disappointment was not to be able to offer everyone an internship.   

What made the day even more special was the support and commitment from our panel of judges who worked hard to review the material, ask key questions and then make the difficult decisions as to which team would come out on top.

But it goes further than that.   We want to extend a very special and heartfelt thank you to each and every one of you that took the time from your busy schedules to attend the event, to support the students and the cause and to network and encourage the students to continue with their passion to make a difference.  Without your presence we could not have given the message to the students that they can depend on you being there to guide them when they need your support.   It will make all the difference.

The need to raise and to continue to raise awareness around the issues and challenges that First Nation people face must not stop at one event or one project.  We need to build the momentum so that true change will happen.  It is through partnership and commitment from people like you, that the world will continue to become a better place for all.

(You can catch the highlights from this even on our facebook page)

Feb. 24th 2012 - 2012 Summer Internship Program

Barnes Management Group is very excited to introduce an amazing and unique internship program. Rather than having a traditional interview process, we will be asking those who are interested to form their own team (teams of 2 - 3), conduct research and analysis based on the 'case' (in the links below) and submit a proposal to us.

We will be reviewing and short-listing the submissions. Short-listed teams will be invited to present the proposal to us in person (think Dragon's Den!). A panel of judges, consisting of Barnes Management Group consultants and project stakeholders, will then select and reward internship to the winning team.

This is your opportunity to shape your own internship experience!

Download the case and submission instruction here:

link 1: http://www.barnesmanagementgroup.ca/file_depot/0-10000000/0-10000/22/folder/3621/BMG_Internship_CaseContent1.pdf

link 2: http://www.slideshare.net/barnesmanagementgroup/bmg-summer-internship-program

For FAQ regarding this internship, please visit our Internship FAQ section.

Jan. 27th 2012 - Building Safe and Loving Homes for Children

Housing shortages, sub-standard housing and crowding have hit a crisis level in the James and Hudson Bay region.  This means that when children come to be placed in foster care, many of them are sent nearly 1,000 miles from home, to foster homes in southern Ontario – willing local foster families simply cannot accommodate them in overcrowded homes.  The trauma and devastation this separation is causing is shocking and hard to contemplate.  Our friend – Payukotayno James and Hudson Bay Family Services is trying to change that – their story.

On March 14^th, our dear friend, an inspiring philanthropist and a winner of Free The Children – NHL – NHLPA All-Star World Changer (http://www.freethechildren.com/allstar/) – Wes Prankard (http://northernstarfish.org) will be camping out with 100 other good-hearted kids (or adults) to raise awareness and funds to build safe and loving homes and to keep the children of James and Hudson close to home, where they belong. 

Stay tuned on Jan 29^th during the 2012 NHL All Star Game in Ottawa for hear about Wes’ commitment to this cause!

To sponsor a camper or to make a contribution

Dec. 22th 2011 - Update on Christmas Miracle in Attawapiskat

Nov. 25th 2011 - A Christmas Miracle for Attawapiskat at TBDC

It is great to see TBDC is doing their part!

Nov. 24th 2011 - A Christmas Miracle for Attawapiskat

Since my letter went out a few days ago, the response has been overwhelming.        Many calls and enquires are coming from people that heard about it from friends or other social media venues.   There is an incredible outpouring of concern and a genuine desire to do something, no matter how small.  The letters that people are writing to the community  are heart warming and demonstrate so clearly that people care and want to demonstrate caring in ways that are respectful and supportive to their neighbours in the North.

People wishing to make a donation to this project are now able to send their donations, directly to the organization that services the community.    Please ensure that if you send a donation, you clearly mark on the envelop.......... the Attawapiskat Christmas fund.      The address to send your donation to is Payukotayno Child and Family Services of the James and Hudson’s Bay Coast,   P.0.  Box 189,   50 Bay Road,   Moosonee, Ontario    P0L 1Y0

Thank you for your outreach and your support.  Every response, every gift will make a difference.

David Barnes, President - Barnes Management Group

Nov. 21^st 2011 - Create a Miracle this Christmas

To my Friends and Colleagues

The Christmas season is fast approaching and I have to be very honest that it is not my most joyous time of the year.    For sure I enjoy seeing my family, having some wonderful food with friends and relaxing a little from my everyday life.   But I do find it hard to just envelop myself in all these  warm and cozy feelings when I start to think about  people,  other Canadians , who  do not enjoy the same privileges that I do.     There are First Nation peoples living in isolated communities with deployable conditions.  If you go to the to the following link, you will read first hand what I am talking about.  http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/charlie-angus/attawapiskat-emergency_b_1104370.html

Many of you know, and some may not, that in the last several years I have devoted a great deal of my working life to working in partnership with our First Nation Peoples in the James and Hudson’s Bay community.    I have to say I have gained more personally from this work than they have probably from me.   We are doing some interesting and useful work together and before too long you will hear  much more about it, I promise.    But, now, I want to talk about something else.

A week ago the Toronto Business Development Centre  asked if I would do a presentation on my work with First Nations to their staff.     They listened to my stories and heard my message that change will only occur, one person at a time and only through relationship.   Our First Nation Peoples in the North live in third world conditions, often without any hope.  My message is that we need to share our resources, our talents, our friendship with our fellow Canadians who share this land with us, yet live in conditions that we would find intolerable.  I tried to explain that it will take more than government action to make a difference.   That it will take people like you and me  who care enough to take a stand .  

As a result of the meeting the Toronto Business Development Centre decided to ask their staff to contribute to a Christmas fund.  I consulted with my partners in the North and a decision was taken to support one community this year.  We chose the community of Attawapiskat which is located on the James Bay Coast.    We  decided to show we care by collecting books and board games to share with the community of 2,000,  along with some money for a community feast,  a feast where people could come together to enjoy an evening on a very cold night with some new books and games that all could enjoy.  A community feast is  an important event in the life of a Northern Community.

The day following the presentation  a friend sent me a link to an article in the Toronto Star about this same community.  The Chief was asking for help.  I have attached the article for your review.   Given the dire nature of the situation there I knew that the efforts of the Toronto Business Development Centre would not be enough.   After consulting with my colleagues at Payukotayno Child and Family Services  in James and Hudson Bay,   I have decided to extend the offer of partnership to my friends, colleagues and friends of friends.  To people who care enough to make a miracle happen this Christmas.     It comes down to people helping people.    That came home to me when I approached a large book seller in the city who said that they do not donate books, only gift cards and even that has been cut back.      Rather than giving up,   I am sending this message out to you to ask you if you would like to make a difference in the lives of fellow Canadians who find themselves living in third world conditions in our own Province.

This small initiative will not change much, but what it will do is to show our fellow citizens of Attawapiskat what we care.  We care enough to do something. 

So here is what I am asking.  It is very simple.

1. Read the attached article so you get a little better understanding of what it might be like for a child living in this community.  Or a parent trying to do the best they can for their children.
2. Consider making a small donation to allow us to buy a book, a  board game,  some warm clothes  or some money  to host the community feast.    The feast will be provided by hiring people in the community  to prepare and serve the meal.
3. AND THE MOST IMPORTANT GIFT OF ALL.   To write a letter addressed to the community, telling them that you care and that you will do whatever it takes to support them.   In your own words let them know that you care enough to want to partner with them to make a difference.  If you are not comfortable writing a letter,  do whatever feels right to you to show that you care.

If you are interested in supporting this project we need you to act fast.    This is not a well organized campaign.  It’s an initiative from the heart, knowing and believing   we can make a difference.   We will put together a team to buy the gifts the week of December 6^th and have them delivered  to the community.    Payukotayno Child and Family Services will make sure that the gifts, letters and money for the meal will be carefully organized.  

So here is the plan:

If you are interested:

1. Write a letter to the community that comes from your heart to let them know that they are not alone, that we care. Send it to the BMG address below or to my email.
2. Do an e-transfer of a small donation to me  at  dbarnes@barnesmanagementgroup.ca   The security word  for all transfers should be   “ hope “   That will keep it simple.
3. Send this on ASAP to your friends and work colleagues by writing your own letter and asking them to do the same.

I promise to acknowledge every receipt of a gift and letter and to ensure that your letters and donation reaches the community.

I promise to let know you how we plan to work with our partners to launch a campaign to eradicate third world conditions within our own country, by building the power of partnerships.

Please join with me and my colleagues at BMG, along with our partners at the Toronto Business Development Centre and  Payukotayno Child and Family Services in Moosonee.

Can we create our own miracle this Christmas to show that we care?

David Barnes, President - Barnes Management Group dbarnes@barnesmanagementgroup.ca