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Comox Valley Community Foundation gives out over $170,000 to local organizations

Twenty-one organizations received grants at the Community Enrichment Grant Award Ceremony
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Twenty-one organizations received grants at the 2019 Comox Valley Community Foundation’s Community Enrichment Grant Award Ceremony. Photo by Jolene Rudisuela

The Comox Valley Community Foundation’s annual Community Enrichment Grant Award Ceremony was held Tuesday and upwards of $170,000 was given out, thanks to over 50 community legacy funds.

Matt Beckett, president of the CVCF, said these funds go towards supporting programs and organizations who are vital to the community, and the importance of these grants cannot be understated.

“I think the impact is farther than what we’re seeing today,” said Beckett. “I think it’s important to share the story about what these grants can do for local non-profits as well as addressing community needs today and in the future.”

Among the recipients was Habitat for Humanity Vancouver Island North Society who received a grant for $12,500 to go towards a new truck.

Pat McKenna, executive director of Habitat for Humanity V.I. North Society, says their last truck had a good run, but they are in need of a new set of wheels to replace the black 1979 Dodge.

Executive director of Habitat for Humanity V.I. North Society, Pat McKenna (second from the left), accepts a $10,000 grant at the Comox Valley Community Foundation's Community Enrichment Grant Award Ceremony. Photo by Jolene Rudisuela

“The truck actually has 879,000 kilometres,” he said. “And last month the truck died. It was very sad because we’ve all used the truck and it’s been in all our parades.

“We’re so excited because what we’re doing in the community is exciting – building homes – and we’ve had such great collaboration, not only from the Community Foundation but from the municipalities.”

Jeanette Jangula, board chair for L’Arche Comox Valley, says their $10,000 grant will go towards funding new and existing programming. Recently, the organization completed their brand new building which will allow them to focus more on their programming.

“A grant like this allows us to maintain our programs and certainly look into offering more programs. It’s huge for us, it’s wonderful,” she said.

Since 1996, the foundation has dispersed over $2 million throughout the community thanks to community legacy funds established by residents and organizations.

Twenty-one organizations received grants this year including, Adapted & Inclusive Programs, Comox Valley Coalition to End Homelessness, Comox Valley Exhibition, Comox Valley Recovery Centre Society, Comox Valley Senior Support Society, Comox Valley Special Olympics, Courtenay Elementary Community School Society, Cumberland and District Historical Society, Eureka Support Society, Glacier View Lodge Society, Habitat for Humanity V.I. North Society, Hornby Island Housing Society, L’Arche Comox Valley, LUSH Valley Food Action Society, MADD Comox Valley Chapter, Mark R Isfeld Secondary School, St. Georges United Church, Tsolum River Restoration Society, United Riders of Cumberland Association, Upper Island Women of Native Ancestry Society and 1000x5.

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Comox Valley Community Foundation president Matt Beckett speaks at the Community Enrichment Grant Award Ceremony. Photo by Jolene Rudisuela