Editor, The Times:
The most recent meeting of the North Thompson Communities Foundation was held at the Aboriginal Sharing Centre in Clearwater. Our monthly meetings are generally held on the third Thursday of each month - alternating between Clearwater and Barriere. The NT Communities Foundation is a member of the Communities Foundations of Canada and as a member it is held to the very highest standards.
Each year we sponsor community organizations with our grants. As we have our moneys invested both locally and with the Vancouver Foundation, we are able to grant an average of $5,000 a year back into the community.
Over the past nine years of our existence this translates into approximately $45,000. We have helped with community projects such as the refurbishing of the Blue River, Little Fort and Upper Clearwater halls. We have helped to fund events such as those put on by artisans and youth. We have helped school programs, recreation groups, youth groups, community kitchens and 4H clubs. It is exciting and demanding work.
The board members represent the communities of the valley. We also have persons who work with the Foundation members to do the committee work that needs to take place to make recommendations to the board. There is a place for anyone who would like to be involved, and volunteers are always welcome.
Philanthropic giving is an amazing opportunity to support one's community, as it provides citizens with an opportunity to support the valley without much effort on their part. One way is by monthly giving, which is done by asking your bank to transfer in a monthly donation from your account to that of the NT Communities Foundation or with post-dated cheques. Another thoughtful way is to leave money, stock and bonds or even property and life insurance policies to the Foundation. We are ever so grateful to those individuals and families who have chosen one of these methods to support the future of the communities of this valley.
If you would like to find out more about the NT Communities Foundation, please check out our website or perhaps phone one of the board members to discover how you can best be involved. If you would like to become a supporter, please let us know.
Cheryl Thomas, chair
NT Communities Foundation