March 26, 2008

All media is invited to attend our annual gifting luncheon on Monday April 14th at 11:30AM at Crown Isle. Please RSVP Peter Gibson at 250 792 1205 or pgibson@mountwashington.ca

Comox Valley Community Foundation Grants top $117,000

The Comox Valley Community Foundation at its Board meeting on March 25th approved $66,000 in grants to the following organizations in the community. The Black Creek Community Association received $2,000 for an upgrade to a highway sign celebrating its 50th anniversary. $1,200 went to the Black Creek Halbe Hall for a handicapped upgrade to their restroom. The Canadian Red Cross in Courtenay received $2,000 for an upgrade to washer and dryers. New bleachers to a value of $7,000 will be available for the Comox Valley Fall Fair. $7,000 was given to the Comox Valley Food Bank for a walk in cooler. The Comox Valley Ground Search and Rescue received $3,868 for additional initial vehicle response equipment. The ComoxValley Transition Society will be able to do backyard improvements to a value of $3,606.75. Courtenay Fish and Game will be constructing a timber frame float to the value of $16,000. A Community dock will be built by the Denman Island Residents Association for $6,000. The Hornby Island Athletic Association will receive $10,000 for indoor exercise machines. The Tsolum River Restoration Society will have a $1,000 for additional help in the pink salmon enhancement project. $6,000 will be given to YANA for apartment refurbishing.

On April 14th, representatives of these community-based organizations will be attending a special luncheon hosted by Crown Isle to receive their cheques. Special thanks to Crown Isle for donating the lunch and space.

In the past year the Foundation has also awarded $5,800 in scholarships to local students. Interest payments totaling $22,843 to the Comox Valley Community Arts Council, Courtenay and District Museum, Filberg Lodge and Park Association, Hornby Island Community Association, North Island College Foundation, Saint Andrews Trust and the Comox Valley Youth in Philanthropy Endowment were paid out of Foundation managed funds belonging to these organizations.

Another $15,000 was awarded through the Lead Grant program. Half of this amount is generously matched by the Vancouver Foundation. Included were $4,000 to the Comox Archives and Museum Society and $7,500 to the Comox Valley Hospice.

On June 15th there will be another announcement for the awarding of $7,000 to two community organizations but details have to be with held as the granting will be part of a national program with national release on that day.