The GANLEY FUND for INNOVATION was launched as part of Jamaican Self-Help's 25th Anniversary Celebrations: 1980-2005. The fund is a tangible means to uphold the values and vision of John and Rosemary Ganley, the founders of Jamaican Self-Help. The Ganleys have always approached their work with Jamaican Self-Help with responsiveness, openness, and a willingness to take risks and try new projects, change direction or add to existing activities. In this same spirit, the GANLEY FUND will enable JSH to try new initiatives and innovative approaches that enhance our efforts and to respond to new or unanticipated situations, needs or ideas.

In keeping with their commitment to education & reflection, the GANLEY FUND is highlighted by the Annual Ganley Lecture, organized by Jamaican Self-Help. This very special event will bring a global voice to Peterborough and offer the community a stimulating presentation on current cultural, social, economic and/or political issues.

Jamaican Self-Help is asking Rosemary and John's friends, supporters as well as interested members of the public to consider contributing to the GANLEY FUND for INNOVATION as a special donation that recognizes the Ganley's individual and shared contribution to our community, both locally and globally.

I Would Like To Recognize John and Rosemary's Commitment To Our Community - Why Donate To Jamaican Self-Help?

In the mid 1970s, Peterborough was a stable homogeneous small Ontario city. It had a good community base of volunteers, mostly in the traditional activities of sports, youth clubs, seniors' assistance and health matters. There were a few immigrants and internationally-minded people and some interest in international assistance, often through churches and service clubs.

Into this context, John and Rosemary Ganley, a young couple with three children --- teachers and church activists--- came home to Peterborough after two years of living and working in Kingston, Jamaica. They had volunteered and been sponsored by CIDA, the Canadian International Development Agency.

Upon return, they had a sense that change was coming to Peterborough. A 'whole world' outlook would be necessary for the future, even though such an outlook would largely be lived out in local commitments. The Ganleys believed that sufficient goodwill and flexibility existed in Peterborough that people would welcome such change and participate in it. They felt there was room for a new voluntary organization; a small dynamic group which would link this region of Ontario with the small impoverished Caribbean island of Jamaica, a country they had come to know, respect and enjoy.

A group of friends and associates gathered together and began the process of involving their families, co-workers and others in the community in the newly formed "Jamaican Self-Help" (JSH).

The catalyst which interested large numbers of local citizens was Jamaica's rich culture: music, literature, dance. This led into a grasp of Jamaica's serious economic predicament. To deepen this knowledge and appreciation of Jamaica and its achievements, a talented young group of Jamaican singers and musicians made repeated visits in the late seventies the early eighties. The troupe, led by Fr. Ho Lung, volunteered to raise funds and awareness of their work among the poor of Kingston.

In 1979, the first year of JSH, $25,000 was raised in Peterborough for these projects and several Peterborough residents travelled to Jamaica to visit the communities. Jamaica was not then, and is still not now a "popular" third world country for development assistance, yet the people of Peterborough understood the need and responded generously through financial and volunteer contributions. People-to-people links were facilitated by the Ganleys early in the history of JSH; these relationships continue to provide the foundation for this community's commitment.

In 1980 John Ganley left high school teaching to become the full time voluntary Executive Director of JSH. It was a family decision which impacted family income but was cheerfully undertaken, in order that JSH might thrive.

In 1984, youth awareness trips were started and continue to this day, resulting in the exposure to Jamaican reality of over 500 youth from our region and across Canada. The Ganleys, together with other experienced and committed volunteers, have continued to dedicate themselves to maintaining the personal connection that inspire local Canadians to act.

Throughout their involvement with JSH, the Ganleys have galvanized local participation in international development and social justice concerns through leadership and their own demonstrated commitment. They have maintained an underlying belief in the power of linking people to build the solidarity needed to create a caring and just world.

The broader Peterborough community has benefited deeply form the presence of JSH over more than 25 years. JSH is a small organization with a huge reach into the community --- volunteers and supporters come from all segments of the community: teachers, students, nurses, seniors, community workers, church folk, activists. Many families in this region have members who have been a part of the JSH organization. The reach of JSH has also extended to communities across Canada - from Yellowknife to Antigonish to Edmonton to Toronto - where our youth awareness trip programme and fund-raising efforts have brought Canadians and Jamaicans together for a common purpose. As the JSH home base, Peterborough has gained a reputation as a globally aware and caring community partly due to the efforts of JSH members.

As an initiative by the Ganleys, and augmented by many volunteers over the years, these are some values which have endured in JSH: honesty, reality, simplicity, responsiveness, knowledge, focus on youth, gender awareness, community participation and a commitment to global education. JSH continues to look to our local and global community to maintain and support these values.

To contribute to the Ganley Fund for Innovation, please send your cheque earmarked "Ganley Fund for Innovation" to:

Jamaican Self-Help,
P.O. Box 1992,
Peterborough, Ontario
K9J 7X7

OR contact the JSH office to contribute by credit card or cash. JSH would like to publicize the names (only) of all contributors to this fund. Please indicate on your cheque if you would like your contribution to remain anonymous.