Call to Action

August 6, 2024

Hello Friends and Fellow Wise Owls,

This is our Hail Mary attempt to Save the Wise

As we make our final push in our campaign to Save the Wise, we need your help more than ever. Thanks to your incredible support, we've raised approximately $70,000 of our $200,000 goal since May. These funds have been crucial in addressing immediate issues and pushing towards sustainable operations.

The Wise Club parted ways with management in July. We knew that the there had been a lack consistent record keeping, staying on top of financials and follow through. Since then, our volunteer board  has learned the full scope of work that wasn’t being done and the significant impact this has had on the financial and operational health of the Wise. 

The unknown issues that have come to the forefront of the board’s awareness, increased the urgency and shortened the timeline to Save the Wise. Despite hours of time investment, our volunteer board does not have the capacity on it's own, and needs help before the clock runs out.

Here’s What We Need from You:

1. Securing Financing: We are seeking assistance to secure financing against our assets, allowing us to manage our debts and continue our growth. Our revamped business model is set for success, but we need financial stability to move forward. However, a failure to stay on top of the books and ensure standard operating procedures were in place and maintained since the Wise Club reopened after Covid, has contributed to many challenges we face today. One of the main challenge rests in the lack of financial statements. Putting together the previous years’ statements have been exceedingly difficult and time consuming. Which brings us to our next ask. 

2.  Financial and Administrative Experts: We urgently need committed volunteers with expertise in finance or administration to join our board or finance committee. This role is crucial for navigating our current challenges and securing the necessary financing.
   At this point, we are a working board and an initial time commitment will be a necessary investment.

3.  Spread the Word and Support: Continue sharing our membership and donation links. Because of the massive support from our community, we’ve been able to keep operating as we work towards solutions to keep this valuable resource in the hands of the community.

4. Help Us Tell Our Story: Share why you love the Wise with a sign, a video, or just a simple share on social media. “Save the Wise,”  email your friends and family. Your voice helps amplify our message and engage the community.

Please help our campaign go viral by using #savethewise, #eastvan #supportlocalart and tagging the following accounts on Instagram and elsewhere 

@vancityreynolds @sethrogen @thatkevinsmith @jennykwanmp @vancouverfdn @nikisharma.bc @nardwuar @dailyhivevancouver @music_canada @michaelbuble @hollyhocklife @tidescommunity @cityofvancouver @liveatthebowl 

The Wise, not just an arts and cultural venue, but a valuable community hub. Together, we can ensure that the Wise not only survives but thrives.

Thank you for everything you’ve done and everything you continue to do. Let’s Save the Wise together!

From the bottom of our hearts, 

THANK YOU!!

The Board and Staff of the Wise Club

www.wisehall.ca

media@wisehall.ca