Editor, The Times:
Bob Hearn has been a director of the North Thompson Communities Foundation for three terms (equaling the past six years). This year Hearn says he must step back due to the Foundation’s bylaws.
“It’s not that I necessarily want to step back,” said Hearn, “But new people bring new perspectives and new enthusiasm to an organization.”
Hearn won’t be the only board member to step down this year, which leaves him encouraging others to step up and take the reins for awhile.
He is not leaving the Foundation as such, and will remain to help the organization get the word out about its benefits to the valley. The North Thompson Communities Foundation awards grants through local charitable organizations generated from responsibly managed donations and legacies which promote community capacity building and unity.
“The Foundation covers the needs of the whole valley while retaining and expanding its asset base,” said Hearn, “The Foundation has been the recipient of funds from various valley families that have donated funds.”
“The Foundation is not an onerous commitment for someone on the board,” said Hearn, “There are only eight meetings a year, and if you are a committee member about three meetings. We definitely need more committee members.”
Hearn says he has concerns that the line of succession for volunteer organizations is sometimes hard to find. “This is a big concern to me, that people won’t realize how important these organizations are. I think people who live in valley communities have a responsibility to give back in small ways or large ways,” said Hearn.
Hearn noted that the Governor General of Canada is “very passionate that community Foundations continue to thrive”, and that he has created a “Smart and Caring” program that celebrates generosity and developing new approaches to philanthropy and volunteerism, Philanthropy and volunteerism are grounded in the understanding that everyone has something to give and to gain by sharing.
Hearn says he welcomes calls from anyone who would like more information about the North Thompson Communities Foundation, and is more than willing to speak with anyone who may think they would like to serve on a committee or the board. Call 250-672-9712 or 250-819-9712.
“The valley doesn’t operate on its own, it does take individuals to make things happen,” says Hearn.
The North Thompson Communities Foundation annual general meeting is slated for Dec. 5, 6:30 – 9 p.m. at the Resource Centre in Clearwater. Everyone is welcome to attend.
Jill Hayward
North Thompson Star/Journal