More than $10,000 was presented to 11 community groups by the Parksville-Qualicum Community Foundation at its recent annual meeting.
According to a news release issued by the foundation, the group was established in 1999 and just celebrated its 15th anniversary by continuing to honour its commitment to support area non-profit groups and to help build vibrant communities.
The local organizations who received funds include: Oceanside Building Learning Together Society, the Parksville and District Historical Society, Arrowsmith Search and Rescue, the Stroke Recovery Association of BC-Oceanside, Qualicum Beach Honours Society, Lighthouse Community Centre, Young Life of Qualicum Beach, Errington Preschool Parents Society, Haven Society, Errington and District Volunteer Fire Department and 893 Beaufort Squadron Air Cadets.
"These grants came from the community fund which is just one of over 20 funds managed by the foundation," stated the release. "With assets of over $2 million dollars which are invested with the Vancouver Foundation (Canada's largest Community Foundation), the total impact of dollars returned to community organizations, individuals and educational funds is in excess of $80,000 for the year 2013. This money comes from the interest earned on the invested funds."
The foundation is run by a volunteer-based board comprised of area citizens. For more information about the foundation including the grants process visit www.parksvillequalicumfoundation.com.
— Submitted By Gale Mossman