Spreading the Word: Public Affairs and Development

Over the year, the Public Affairs Branch actively publicized CMCC activities, products and services and worked to increase attendance levels at both Museums, while the Development Branch developed and implemented strategic fund raising programmes for priority projects, therefore enhancing the CMCC's profile in the external environment and fostering an institutional commitment to development.

Public Affairs

In September 1995, the Museum held its fourth annual Open House. More than 17,000 people responded to the open invitation and took advantage of free admission and a varied programme of activities organized at the CMC, the CWM and Vimy House. The Branch was also very active in the inauguration of major exhibitions, coordinating a gala evening for the opening of Imperial Austria: Treasures of Art, Arms and Armor from the State of Styria, and a number of other public openings that drew large crowds.

Thanks to the generous participation of private-sector sponsors Digital Equipment of Canada and The Life Network, during the first quarter of 1996, the Corporation presented fifteen shorts, featuring works from the CMC's collections and their creators. The shorts were broadcast on The Life Network.

New communications products were developed this year, including an electronic staff bulletin, eye-catching lure brochures for both the CMC and the CWM, This Week at the Museum, the Visitors' Guide, and the Canada Hall brochure.

Communications at a glance

• 4 calendars of events (distribution of 650,000 copies)
• 8 exhibition openings
• 35 tourism collaborations
• 16 press conferences
• 9 publicity campaigns
• 11 special events
• 7 new products
• 18 different promotional activities
• 116 official visits
• 587,456 words edited
• 104 press releases

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Development

Major Achievements

• The 400 CMC Friends made generous contributions over the year. These included a donation to the Canada Hall and sponsorship of various activities. The Friends organization was restructured to strengthen its fund raising capabilities and support.
• The Friends of the Canadian War Museum launched a major fund raising campaign entitled Passing the Torch. The funds will be used to expand and upgrade facilities. A key feature of the upgraded facilities will be outreach to all Canadians through multimedia interactive technology.
• The 500-strong CMCC volunteer corps helped complete 157 projects and donated 31,218 hours of time. This represented a financial contribution of over $500,000 to the Corporation.

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