National NEWSLETTER - Web Edition

September 2006

Page 3

Treasurer’s Report “Dues and Views” - Barry Mitchell

Barry Mitchell - HKVCA Treasurer Even though the summer months are quiet for most businesses, I am pleased to report that HKVCA work continues at a steady, albeit slower, pace. A number of changes have been brought about by your executive including a restated Mission and set of Goals. The new version is spelled out on our website (www.hkvca.ca) and I’m pleasantly surprised at just how involved we are currently in reaching these goals.

For example, and just from the Manitoba perspective, here are some specific activities which took place this summer and which match the goals we have laid out for ourselves:

Maintain contact with vets & widows—we have a regular monthly luncheon with the vets and widows at the Legion and last Thursday, about a dozen of us shared the sandwiches and a few laughs.
Advocate on behalf of vets & widows---we handled a few inquiries regarding the disposition of memorabilia, and attended to matters concerning our vets and VAC.
Promote the study of the Battle of HK in schools—we wrote the Manitoba Minister of Education to try and have a meeting about placing our story in the Manitoba school curriculum.
Developing materials to better tell the “Hong Kong Story”—we had a couple of meetings with a display company to determine the costs involved with upgrading the display boards which we use as part of our presentations to school children, teachers, and others.
Develop partnerships with other organizations—I have had a couple of dealings lately with the Korean War Vets Association on matters of mutual interest.
Maintain a website—the National Executive is very active in maintaining and now upgrading our award winning website.
Participating in memorial services—Manitoba had a most successful V-J Day memorial service and celebration last week, attended by almost 100 members and guests.

So, you can see that your association is not just making up theoretical tasks but is setting itself real objectives and working hard to attain them. I congratulate all who participate and make this such a purposeful organization.

This isn’t very much of a Treasurer’s report but mostly that work falls to your Regional Treasurers. They have been doing a great job in chasing you for $15.00 each year and sending in their share to the national coffers. Please respond to their requests for fees in a timely manner.

-Barry